In a new initiative to showcase incredible Australian stories brought to life through film, Screen Australia‘s “In Conversation” kicks off with a charming chat with our very own Naomi Watts and Eric Bana.

In the video below, Eric Bana and Naomi Watts discussed their new films, American accents and why they’ve never appeared as husband and wife on screen.

Released 1 January 2021, The Dry shot to #1 at the Australian box office in its second week of release, overtaking DC blockbuster Wonder Woman 1984. The film sees Federal Agent Aaron Falk returning to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life – a victim of the madness that has ravaged this community after more than a decade of drought. When Falk reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the crime, he opens up an old wound – the death of 17- year-old Ellie Deacon. Falk finds himself pitted against the prejudice towards him and and pent-up rage of a terrified community.

Based on the best selling debut novel by Jane Harper, The Dry is written for the screen by Harry Cripps and Robert Connolly, directed by Robert Connolly (Balibo, Paper Planes, Deep State) and stars Eric Bana. The Dry has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Film Victoria. It will be distributed by Roadshow Films in Australia and New Zealand.

Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her paralyzed. Sam’s husband, (Andrew Lincoln), her three young boys and her mother (Academy Award® nominated Jacki Weaver), are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin. The bird’s arrival is a welcome distraction for the Bloom family, eventually making a profound difference in the family’s life. Based on the book by Cameron Bloom, Penguin Bloom is written for the screen by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, and directed by Glendyn Ivin.

Screen Australia provided major production investment for Penguin Bloom, with support from Screen NSW. Roadshow Films launched the film on January 21, 2021 and Endeavor Content is handling international sales. Ausfilm members Fox Studios Australia provided space, Alt VFX provided post-production and visual effects, Soundfirm in Melbourne was responsible for the sound mix, and Showfilm provided travel services and accommodation. Penguin Bloom is in Australian cinemas now and available on Netflix internationally.

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