Australia has an exciting new cinematic voice in Indigenous writer, director, actor and producer David Cook, who makes the move from shorts to features with his powerful debut Heart of the Man, a film as tough and uncompromising as it is emotionally affecting. “We have a predominately Aboriginal and LGBT cast, and the film explores themes of identity, grief and acceptance,” says Cook.
Heart of the Man revolves around aspiring boxer Chris Wundurra (Parker Little), who lives under the shadow of his father, Sammy Wundurra (David Cook), a towering one-time champ in the ring. Though he has support in the form of his caring grandmother Winnie Wundurra (Roxane McDonald) and older friend Marcus (Sean Dow), Sammy’s influence over Chris is powerful, and the young man works hard to please his father.
Haunted by the death of his wife and the role that he played in her tragic passing, Sammy pushes Chris to take a tilt at a national boxing championship, something that he never had a shot at. But when Chris meets Jamie (Tyrel Dulvarie) while training at the gym, and falls into the heady orbit of theatre owner Joey (Matt Young), he eventually realises that he is destined to walk another road entirely… one which doesn’t involve pain, brutality and violence… and one where Chris can be free from his bullish father’s vice-like grip.
Heart of the Man is set to premiere in Brisbane at New Farm Cinemas on February 28. This, however, is just the exciting first stage in the release plan for Heart of the Man, with the film set to reach and grab hold of audiences right around Australia throughout 2024.
Tickets for the Brisbane World Premiere: https://www.fivestarcinemas.com.au/new-farm/movie/heart-of-the-man
