Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Tourism and Hospitality Official trailer released for NT film, KANGAROO

26 November 2024

STUDIOCANAL has today unveiled the first trailer for Kangaroo, a heartwarming family comedy filmed in the breathtaking Red Centre earlier this year. Watch the trailer here. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL8Wsm1tbf8]

Kangaroo follows the journey of Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an outback town near Alice Springs after a car accident en-route to Broome. There, he forms an unlikely bond with 12-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. Together, they work to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote yet stunning outback community—an endeavour that transforms both their lives.

The film was set and filmed on location in Alice Springs, on Arrernte Country, home to the renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary. Inspired by the life of Chris "Brolga" Barns, founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary, Kangaroo celebrates themes of resilience, connection, and the beauty of Australia's Red Centre.

The Northern Territory Government contributed $900,000 to the production through Screen Territory’s Production Attraction Incentive Program (PAIP), creating significant opportunities for the local community. During filming, Kangaroo generated around 150 local cast and crew jobs, engaged approximately 100 local businesses, and contributed an estimated $4 million to the Territory's economy.

Beyond the economic benefits, the production provided career development opportunities for Northern Territory creatives. Eastern Arrernte emerging director Samantha Laughton worked as a Director’s Attachment with acclaimed Australian director Kate Woods gaining invaluable experience on this feature film.

Ryan Corr (House of the Dragon, Catching Dust, Holding the Man) stars as ex TV weather presenter Chris Masterman, alongside newcomer Lily Whiteley who stars as Charlie.

Showcasing the stunning landscapes of Alice Springs and the Red Centre, Kangaroo promises to bring the magic of the Northern Territory to audiences around the world.

Kangaroo is produced by Rachel Clements and Trisha Morton-Thomas of Alice Springs-based Brindle Films (MaveriX, Finke: There and Back, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio), alongside David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin and Angela Littlejohn of Bunya Productions (Mystery Road, Sweet Country, True Colours, High Ground), and international film company STUDIOCANAL.

The production was made possible with investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Territory and support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund.

Kangaroo will be available in cinemas in 2025. Screen Territory’s PAIP continues to attract high-profile productions like Kangaroo to the Northern Territory, boosting the local economy and fostering creative talent. For more information on Screen Territory’s funding programs, visit screenterritory.nt.gov.au [http://screenterritory.nt.gov.au/].

Quotes from Screen Territory Director, Jennie Hughes:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with STUDIOCANAL and the producers of Kangaroo in Bunya Productions and especially our local production company Brindle Films.”

“This wonderful family film which is inspired by the endearing life story of Territorian Chris “Brolga” Barns is sure to appeal to audiences in Australia and around the world and further highlight the unmatched beauty of Central Australia.”

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