Snowtown is the debut feature of director Justin Kurzel.
The film tells the story of the infamous ‘body in the barrels’ murders that took place north of Adelaide between 1992 and 1999. The barrels were found by police in a disused bank vault in Snowtown, north of Adelaide.
Snowtown premiered at this year's Adelaide Film Festival where it won the audience award. It will be one of seven films from around the world to be screened at Cannes Critics' Week when the festival begins next month.
Snowtown has received much praise from reviewers as one of the most extraordinary Australian films ever made, but understandably some relatives of the victims have vowed never to watch it.
Television actor Daniel Henshall plays John Bunting, the charismatic ringleader and one of the four men now in jail. The film focuses on Bunting's influence over the youngest, Jamie Vlassakis.
The challenging subject matter felt a logical fit for Warp Films Australia's first venture, complimenting the spirit and brand, which has been fostered in the UK with film’s like This is England. (http://warp.net).
Anna McLeish, Producer, explains, “The story of Snowtown is fascinating. I, like most people, thought about the gruesome nature of it. But it became apparent that the story was incredibly complex. It was a portrait of an area and a community that has been overlooked and forgotten by mainstream Australia.”
“Justin Kurzel is originally from Gawler, not far from where the murders took place. A first film is always a huge endeavour regardless, but particularly with his personal ties to the area. He wanted to give the film a certain dignity.”
Throughout the process, the filmmakers liaised with Victims’ Rights Commissioner Michael O’Connell, the Snowtown Management Committee and various other individuals and organisations in Adelaide's far northern suburbs. The Producers undertook an extensive consultation process with the affected communities, but acknowledge it is a film that will be difficult for many.
Justin Kurzel, Director, “I found the subject matter to be both overwhelming and deeply disturbing - within this nightmare Shaun’s script had managed to capture an extraordinary humanity which transcended horror and embraced a story that was tragic, moving and utterly compelling. With its raw brutality and surprising tenderness the script revealed a corruption of innocence unlike anything I had read before.
“Having grown up near the area, it was important to me that this film was told from the inside out. For Snowtown to be produced with a level of authenticity, it was vital for the northern suburbs communities to have some kind of ownership and involvement in the telling of this story. As a result, real locations and a predominately local cast were employed.”
"Snowtown has such a particular look, which was not borrowed or referenced but found through Adam Arkapaw's extroadinary cinematography and the very close and creative relationship we had with Brett at Digital Pictures. Brett is incredibly talented and intuitive and very focused to what sort of film is in front of him and always looking for its truth. I am indebted to Digital Pictures as Snowtown has benefited hugely from the passion and expertise they brought to the film. We needed a company that would look after and tenderly care for this pretty, wild child and Digital Pictures was its perfect guardian."
Brett Manson, Digital Pictures’ Colourist said, “Working with Justin, Adam and Sarah was a great experience. It's not that often that you get clients wanting to push the boundaries, both creatively and subject matter wise. This great collaboration made for really enjoyable and exciting project experience. Adam’s cinematography was superb as always, and outstanding to work with. He is certainly a DOP breaking the mould. You will see some interesting handheld work and breathtaking imagery throughout this film. I found Justin’s direction astounding, the performances from non-actors is certainly credit to his directing skills. Overall an amazing project to have graded and we're all really quite proud to have had a hand in making this film what it is.”
Rachel Knowles, Head of Post Production, Digital Pictures Melbourne, “Digital Pictures has been proud to partner with Warp Films Australia on their first feature Snowtown, which has knocked the world over in terms of it's brilliance and bravery. We look forward to the next one in 2012, and many more of their films to come.”
To view the trailer visit the official website.
