Two Western Australian feature films will make their world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2017. Breath directed by Simon Baker and Screenwest West Coast Visions project 1% directed by Western Australian Stephen McCallum. 

Breath was filmed in Denmark in the Great Southern Region and 1% was filmed in Perth.

“Two Western Australian films making their world premieres at TIFF speaks volumes of the filmmaking talent that exist in Western Australia,” said Ian Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Screenwest. “It is wonderful that international audiences can experience two very different Western Australian stories at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.”

Breath is based on Tim Winton’s award-winning novel of the same name and is Simon Baker’s feature film directorial debut. Breath has been adapted for the screen by Gerard Lee (Top of the Lake), Tim Winton and Baker, who also co-produced with Oscar® and Emmy® Award–winning producer Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad) for Gran Via Productions and Jamie Hilton (The Little Death) for See Pictures. Executive producers are Johnny Mac and David Hanson for Autumn Productions and Laura Rister.

Breath follows two teenage boys hungry for discovery, set in the mid-70s in Australia, who form an unlikely friendship with an enigmatic man and his wife, who push them to take risks that will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives.

Director Simon Baker also stars in the film, alongside an impressive cast including Elizabeth Debicki, Richard Roxburgh, Rachael Blake and introducing Samson Coulter and Ben Spence.

Breath received funding support from Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Great Southern Development Commission Royalties for Regions, and also received funding from Screen Australia, Autumn Films and Deluxe Australia.

Embankment will handle international sales of Breath, CAA and Untitled are co-selling the US. Roadshow Films are distributing within Australia. Breath will be in Australian cinemas May 2018.

1% is a crime drama, making its international debut in the Discovery section at TIFF, it is West Australian director Stephen McCallum’s first film, the script is written by Matt Nable who also stars alongside Ryan Corr, Abbey Lee and a large ensemble of Australian and Western Australian talent.

1% is produced by Jamie Hilton and Michael Pontin for See Pictures, with executive producers Josh Pomeranz, Viv Scanu, Stephen Boyle, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross.

1% is a story of brotherhood, loyalty and betrayal set within the primal underworld of outlaw motorcycle gangs. It follows Paddo, heir to the throne of the Copperheads MC, who has to betray his president to save his brother’s life. When this betrayal leads to a split in the club it results in civil war, forcing Paddo to choose between loyalty and blood.

1% was selected as the Screenwest West Coast Visions project in 2016, an initiative designed to uncover, inspire and develop local talent and skills. The film is the debut feature for McCallum. The film was financed by Ticket to Ride, Screenwest, Spectrum Films, Head Gear Films and Red Apple Cameras.

Celluloid Dreams will handle international sales, UTA is co-representing North America.