We foolishly questioned if the creative team behind Sydney omnibus project Sydney Unplugged, Tropfest creator John Polson and Gary Hamilton of Arclight Films, would make good on their claims to enlist “the most exciting film names” in the country. Turns out they have. And then some. The ode to Sydney will operate in the same amorous vein as Paris Je t’aime and New York I Love You and include twelve short films each helmed by a different director, most of whom you will already know.
Drum roll please…
Enlisted filmmakers include Alex Proyas (Knowing), David Michod (Animal Kingdom), Ivan Sen (Toomelah), John Curran (The Painted Veil), Kieran Darcy-Smith (Wish You Were Here), Naomi Watts’ American partner Liev Schreiber (Everything is Illuminated), Rachel Ward (Beautiful Kate), Ray Lawrence (Lantana) and Russell Crowe (Russell Crowe) as well as the the directorial debuts of Anthony LaPaglia and Toni Collette.
“It’s no secret some hugely talented directors, actors and others either live here or are from here.” Polson said. “It’s about time this talent got together to tell stories that showcase one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The people that have stepped up to take part in this project are beyond our wildest dreams”.
Sydney Unplugged will be released in Australian cinemas by Icon Film Distribution in 2013, and sold internationally by Arclight Films.
Watch the trailer for New York I Love You and Paris Je t’aime below…
Title Image by Chris Jackson via Getty
