Written and directed by Joy Hopwood, starring Neighbours‘ Takaya Honda in the lead role, alongside HaiHa Le (Packed to the Rafters), Lily Brown-Griffiths (The Script of Life), Damien Sato (Rhapsody of Love), Maria Tran (The Last King of the Cross), Susan Ling-Young (The Office), Athrav Kolhatkar (The Marriage Agency), Andy Trieu (SBS Pop Asia), Genevieve Craig (Chickas) and Lex Marinos (Mother & Son / Kingswood Country).
Honda stars as Callum Mori, an author whose book lands him a slot on a television programme. On set, he catches the eye of presenter, Kate (Lily Brown-Griffiths), but his sights are set firmly on her best friend, bookshop owner Linda (HaiHa Le). Linda’s bookshop is where he launches his book but luckily for Kate, fate brings her and Callum’s brother, Austin (Damien Sato) together, as they discover hidden love letters, signed by aliases. Jointly, they all try to find out who penned them. There are many twists and turns in the storyline; written in a whodunit style.
When asked why Honda wanted to do the role, “I was attracted to it because it is an interesting blend of a rom-com and a whodunit with rich and diverse characters. The script has some interesting twists and turns that don’t get caught in rom-com clichés.”
Joy Hopwood’s previous films, Get a Life, Alright, Rhapsody of Love & The Script of Life have all been successfully licensed to the Nine Network, Paramount Plus, Hulu and Amazon Prime.
“I’m proud that all my films champion diversity in front of and behind the camera. The Gift that Gives is a feel-good, romantic comedy that we hope everyone will enjoy and will start 2024 with a bang!” says Joy Hopwood.
Also in production is It’s our Time, starring international Netflix star Peter Thurnwald (XO, Kitty), Bianca Bradey (Wyrmwood), and Tiana Hogben (Thank God you are here), which Joy is co-producing with Erica Long (Avenoir Productions).
