The Red Centre will soon be home to another multi-million dollar major film production.

Kangaroo, which will be filmed at The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs is a heart-warming family comedy about an ex-TV personality who becomes stranded in the outback town, where he teams up with an 11-year old girl to work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys.

The Territory Labor Government has invested $1.2 million towards the highly anticipated production which is expected to create 150 local jobs and utilise about 100 local businesses during the course of filming.

The project is expected to inject significant expenditure into the local economy, benefitting Alice Springs local businesses, hospitality and the accommodation sector.

The story is inspired by the Territory’s own Chris Barnes, nicknamed “Brolga” who is the founder of the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs.

Showcasing the stunning scenery and landscapes of the Red Centre, Kangaroo will bring Alice Springs to the screens of viewers around the world.

Kangaroo is the first major local film production for Cultivator Films Australia, the Australian production arm of STUDIOCANAL ANZ.  STUDIOCANAL ANZ is the theatrical distributor of Australian feature films such as June Again, Long Story Short, Wyrmwood and upcoming release Sting.

Alice Springs production company Brindle Films (MaveriX, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio) has also come on board as co-producer with Bunya Productions (True Colours, Sweet Country) on the project, working alongside each other for the first time to produce the feature film with Cultivator Films.

One of Australia’s most sought after directors, Kate Woods (The Lincoln Lawyer, The Umbrella Academy, The Good Lord Bird, Looking for Alibrandi), will return to Australia to direct the film with Eastern Arrernte emerging director Samantha Laughton as a director’s attachment.

Pre-production work is expected to start ramping up early next year with filming to commence in April 2024.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Nicole Manison

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in our screen industry to showcase the Northern Territory to the world.”

“The Territory’s Screen Industry continues to grow which is driving economic growth and jobs across the Territory.

“This new multi-million dollar production will see exciting Territorian emerging director Samantha Laughton working alongside acclaimed Australian Director, Kate Woods ADG in a project which will showcase Alice Springs in all its beauty to the world.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of STUDIOCANAL Australia and New Zealand, Elizabeth Trotman

“We are so excited to embark on our first local production with Kangaroo. This is such a wonderful project that will capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.

“We can’t wait to bring this delightful family story to the big screen. With a stellar cast and crew, the production of this film is in great hands. Working with Screen Territory and shooting in the beautiful Northern Territory of Australia, is truly a dream scenario.”

Quotes attributable to Director, Kate Woods

“I am thrilled to be back in Australia working with STUDIOCANAL and such prestigious producers as Bunya and Brindle to bring this story of literally the symbol of Australia to life.

“I am so excited by the cast and crew who are coming on board, and to be filming in such a beautiful and iconic part of our country as the Northern Territory.”