Blueback is a 2022 Australian drama film directed by Robert Connolly, from a screenplay written by Connolly and Winton, based on Winton's 1997 novel of the same name. The film centres on a young girl who befriends a wild blue groper while diving, and becomes a passionate activist for protecting the ecosystem of Australia's coral reefs from destruction. It stars Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg, Liz Alexander, Ariel Donoghue, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson, Erik Thomson, Eddie Baroo and Eric Bana.[1]
Blueback | |
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Directed by | Robert Connolly |
Screenplay by |
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Based on | Blueback by Tim Winton |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography |
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Edited by | Nick Meyers |
Music by | Nigel Westlake |
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Distributed by | Roadshow Films |
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Country | Australia |
Language | English |
The film premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival[2] on 10 September 2022,[3] with its official theatrical release in Australia scheduled for 1 January 2023.
In February 2021, a film adaptation of Blueback by Tim Winton was announced to be moving forward, with Robert Connolly announced to be directing, after years of development. Mia Wasikowska, Eric Bana and Radha Mitchell were set to star in the film, with Bana reteaming with Connolly after the Australian success of The Dry.[4][1] The film was packaged and pitched for distributors in the film market at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival.[5]
The film officially began principal photography on 22 March 2021, in Western Australia.[6]
Blueback had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on 10 September 2022.[3] It will be theatrically released in Australia by Roadshow Films on 1 January 2023.