By Travis Johnson
Having wowed ’em at SXSW, irreverent New Zealand comedy The Breaker Upperers will open the 65th Sydney Film Festival at the State Theatre on Wednesday, June 6th, it has been announced.
Written, directed by, and starring Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, The Breaker Upperers follows two cynical misfits earning a living breaking up unhappy couples for cash, by faking deaths, impersonating cops and strippers, and feigning pregnancies. Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) is the executive producer and James Rolleston, the star of Waititi’s Boy, co-stars, alongside Australia’s Celia Pacquola (Rosehaven), who is making her feature debut.
“We are so thrilled that The Breaker Upperers has been selected as the Opening Night movie! This is very exciting for us!” said Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami. “We love Australia. It’s close to New Zealand and the accent sounds reasonably similar to ours. Looking forward to it!”
“The Breaker Upperers is awash with humour and heart, with a surrealist touch that makes the film really shine. It is permeated with the endearing politeness and offbeat charm that New Zealand comedies have become known for,” said Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley.
A limited number of Film and Party, and Film-only tickets are available as of 9am today, through the festival’s freshly revamped website. Film and Party tickets include entry to the Opening Night Film and the exclusive after-party at Centennial Hall at Town Hall, Sydney. Tickets to the Closing Night Film and Awards Presentation on Sunday, June 17, are also on sale.
The Breaker Upperers will see national theatrical release from Thursday, July 26, thanks to Madman. Sydney Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala is proudly presented by Lexus Australia.
