by FIlmInk Staff
Andamooka, directorial debut for Mara Jean Quinn, of Woman Woman Films, has just wrapped a run of film festivals both at home and abroad, including SXSW Sydney, CinefestOZ, Brisbane, Darwin as well as London Australian Film Festival and Asia Film Festival Barcelona.
The film is soon to be distributed by Bonsai and Roadshow Films to home entertainment on platforms iTunes, Google Play and Amazon Prime with support from Roadshow Entertainment from 3 December 2025.
Further news of broadcast will be announced in early 2026.
“Working on this film has been a pleasure. I enjoyed getting behind a group of emerging filmmakers sharing an authentic woman’s story, all whilst being told on beautiful desert Country.” – Producer, Aaron Pedersen
Alex’s life falls apart just before her 30th, so she goes on a road trip to the outback to spend her birthday with her best friend in the tiny opal mining town of Andamooka.
This unique road movie is set across 7000km following a woman out on her own exploring the very heart of Australia, spurred by a failed engagement and the existential threat of her looming 30th birthday. Alex, sets off to spend the milestone with her best friend who lives in the tiny opal mining town of Andamooka. Along the way we witness Alex facing her inner-struggles with grief as well as her growth influenced by solitude, people she meets and spending time on Country. Featuring some cultural experiences, presented authentically, the journey is that of all Australians who have not yet experienced the outback and the depths of the culture out there.
Remarkably, the film was shot by just three people: Danni Ogilvie DOP, Anthea Hilton on Sound, and starring and written by the director Mara Jean Quinn herself. The style of guerilla shooting has created an intimate, vulnerable and realistic story many people relate to. Acclaimed actor Aaron Pedersen joined the team as a producer during the editing process.
Supporting cast include a Japanese hitchhiker who the crew really did pick up on the way; old party bloke, Nugget, a real character of the town of Andamooka; and a spunky Alice Springs girl Jenny Lightning, who introduces Alex to her metal head road trip fling, Beckett.
“Creating this film has been a journey in itself, from writing a deeply personal story to filming on the road for two months and sharing that intense trip with two others, then trying to finish post-production with next to no budget. Even after 10 festivals I am still surprised at how well the film has been received, and how much audiences connect with it”. – Writer/Director Mara Jean Quinn
“The fact this micro-budget film is finished, let alone to the cinematic standard that it is, is a miracle. Andamooka is testament to the power of a group of passionate filmmakers dedicated to telling stories and pouring their hearts into a project.” – Writer/Director Mara Jean Quinn
