by FilmInk Staff
Green Frog Productions, Australia’s fastest-growing independent film company, is proud to announce that Sweetland, a stunning adaptation of Michael Crummey’s acclaimed novel, will hit select cinemas across Australia on November 13, 2024. This marks yet another milestone for the Hunter Region-based company, which has rapidly become a key player in reshaping the landscape of Australian cinema in just two short years.
Sweetland, directed by the visionary Christian Sparkes, tells a haunting and poignant story of survival and resilience set in the rugged, unforgiving landscapes of Newfoundland. With stellar
performances by an all-star cast, including Mark Lewis Jones, Mary Walsh, and Sara Canning, the film has already drawn critical acclaim and is poised to captivate Australian audiences with its raw beauty and emotional depth.
For Green Frog Productions, Sweetland is not just another acquisition; it’s a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to bringing bold, meaningful storytelling to the forefront of Australian cinema. This release follows in the footsteps of the company’s recent successes, including the award-winning film Empty Nets, which took home the Feature Fiction Award at the Adelaide Film Festival, and the deeply impactful documentary The Promise, which was up for Best Documentary at the 2024 AACTA and is now streaming on Stan.
Founded by Jye Currie in 2022, Green Frog Productions emerged from humble beginnings in Newcastle to become the largest independent production company in the Hunter Region. With a focus on crafting compelling, thought-provoking cinema, the company has quickly made its mark, acquiring and distributing films that resonate not just in Australia but globally.
Currie’s debut feature film, Beat, set the tone for what was to come, captivating audiences with its emotional complexity and daring storytelling. Since then, Green Frog has expanded its reach, acquiring international films and making waves at prestigious festivals around the world.
Jye Currie reflected on the company’s rise: “We’ve always believed in the power of stories to challenge, inspire, and connect people. Our latest releases, Sweetland and The King Tide, only reinforce our commitment to delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences.”
What’s Next for Green Frog Productions?
Sweetland is just the beginning of an exciting slate of films set to captivate audiences over the coming months. Early 2025, Green Frog Productions will release The King Tide, directed by Christian Sparkes, the same visionary behind Sweetland. This gripping thriller, already turning heads internationally, follows a community torn apart by fear and hope when a mysterious child washes ashore, triggering a conflict over whether they are the saviour the world has been waiting for.
With selections at prestigious festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Vancouver International Film Festival VIFF, The King Tide promises to be one of next year’s
most talked-about films, solidifying Green Frog Productions’ reputation as a curator of bold, boundary-pushing cinema.
A New Chapter for Australian Film
In just two years, Green Frog Productions has become a beacon for independent filmmaking in Australia, breathing new life into the industry with each film they bring to the screen. The company’s impact can already be felt far beyond the Hunter Region, with films like The Promise sparking important conversations about mental health, and Empty Nets offering a poignant reflection on life and love in modern Iran.
With the release of Sweetland and the upcoming The King Tide, Green Frog Productions is leading the charge in transforming Australian cinema, bringing stories that matter to the forefront and challenging audiences to think, feel, and engage with the world in new ways.
As Jye Currie notes, “We’re just getting started. The stories we’re telling, the films we’re bringing to life – they’re going to continue to push boundaries and elevate Australian cinema to new
heights. Sweetland is a beautiful testament to the power of storytelling, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences this November.”
