by FilmInk Staff
Cameras are rolling on homegrown actor Dacre Montgomery’s directorial debut, with feature film The Engagement Party kicking off production in Western Australia.
Supported by Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund, filming is now underway in the South West before the production later moves to Perth.
Written by Jory Anast, produced by Virginia Whitwell, Nick Batzias, Ian Booth and Nash Edgerton, the film delves into the history of four friends who reunite on a secluded island to celebrate a momentous occasion before a conflicting memory threatens to tear their relationships apart.
Navigating the issue of consent, the film stars Western Australian actor and WAAPA graduate Montgomery (Stranger Things, Elvis), alongside Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise, Picnic at Hanging Rock), Abbey Lee (Black Rabbit, Mad Max: Fury Road) and Arlo Green (M3GAN, Nautilus).
Montgomery said: “I’m thrilled to be back here in WA to direct my debut feature. With Jory Anast’s fantastic script, a great cast and crew, I feel ready to make something special.”
Producers Virginia Whitwell and Nick Batzias, from GoodThing Productions, said: “From the moment we read Jory Anast’s fantastic script and heard Dacre Montgomery’s directorial vision for The Engagement Party, we were captivated by this powerful character-driven psychological thriller. It is not only a singular cinematic piece but will encourage conversation and interrogation of difficult subject matter. With our wonderful cast and crew, together with the partners that we have brought to the project, we feel in a great place to realise Dacre Montgomery’s debut feature that will enthral audiences for years to come.”
Producer Ian Booth and Executive Producer Stephen Langsford, from Indian Pacific Pictures, said: “From the first pitch – we were drawn in by the story, the quality of the team including scriptwriter Jory Anast, and a cast of stars making a name globally, including Lily Sullivan, Abbey Lee, Arlo Green and, of course, Dacre himself. This is a film in the making destined to reach an international audience. We’re also delighted to be collaborating with our producing partners Nick Batzias and Virginia Whitwell and the team at GoodThing Productions.”
Screenwest Chief Executive Officer Rikki Lea Bestall said: “It is wonderful to have Dacre Montgomery back in Western Australia for The Engagement Party. Attracting homegrown talent back to our state to work on productions like this is a massive boon for the local screen industry and our local economy. Not only does it showcase our incredible landscapes and locations to the world, but also the hardworking, talented crew and creatives here. I’m really excited to see this collective vision come together on the big screen.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “The Engagement Party is a nail-biting and tense drama, exploring the complexities of trauma, consent and relationships. Thought-provoking and incisive, this story taps into an important and globally relevant conversation and offers a wild ride of emotion. Dacre Montgomery’s debut promises to be layered and compelling.”
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said: “The Engagement Party is a bold and captivating directorial feature debut from Dacre Montgomery, who also produces the film, and I’m excited to see him take this next step in his career. With a script from writer Jory Anast, The Engagement Party explores complex themes with nuance and authenticity and is sure to spark powerful and meaningful conversations when it’s released. Screen NSW is pleased to support The Engagement Party, which will be post-produced in NSW, and the entire creative team, including GoodThing, producer Nash Edgerton (Blue-Tongue Films) and executive producer Alice Babidge, bring this film to life.”
Executive Director of Minderoo Pictures Malinda Wink said: “Minderoo Pictures is proud to support the WA feature film The Engagement Party. The exploration of consent between friends is rarely seen on our screens, and the film offers a powerful opportunity to provoke conversations we need to have as a wider community.”
Production credit: The Engagement Party is produced by GoodThing Productions and Indian Pacific Pictures. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest. Developed and financed in association with Minderoo Pictures. Financed with the support of Screen NSW. Local distribution by Madman Entertainment. International sales by Metro International.
