Homegrown feature film Breath, based on acclaimed Western Australian author Tim Winton’s novel of the same name, is on track to delight cinema audiences when released in WA on May 3, 2018.
Breath, filmed entirely on location in the Great Southern region, marks the directorial debut of well-known Australian actor Simon Baker.
The local production had a significant impact on the region’s economy – supporting an estimated 150 jobs over the project’s life and generating an estimated $5.6 million short-term benefit for the local economy.
The Albany Entertainment Centre hosted the Western Australian launch of the feature at a special screening on Saturday night, attended by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman and Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
Breath received major production investment support from Screen Australia ($2 million), Screenwest and Lotterywest ($800,000), as well as Royalties for Regions in association with the Great Southern Development Commission ($1.5 million).
Screenwest administered and monitored the Royalties for Regions contribution, along with its own investment, and worked with the Great Southern Development Commission to ensure the project met its ‘buy local’ and human capacity development obligations.
The stunningly shot film has previously premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and at the Gold Coast Film Festival.