Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary to feature in NT Government supported film production

December 6, 2023

The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs will be the site for filming of ‘Kangaroo’ - a family comedy production for which the NT Government has invested $1.2 million towards.

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

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

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs rescue and raise orphaned baby kangaroos at their impressive 188 acre kangaroo sanctuary. Guided sunset tours are offered so visitors can learn about, experience and enjoy kangaroos up close in natural bushland.

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.

NT Minister for Industry, Nicole Manison advised the NT 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.”

Chief Executive of STUDIOCANAL Australia and New Zealand, Elizabeth Trotman enthused “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.”

Director, Kate Woods also shared “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.”