by FIlmInk Staff
Sunup Workshop is proud to announce that internationally acclaimed Hollywood producer E. Bennett Walsh has joined the South Australian feature film VINES as Producer —
marking his independent Australian debut and bringing with him a global career that has contributed to more than USD $3 billion in worldwide box-office earnings.
With more than three decades of experience across major studio blockbusters, prestige dramas and globally recognised franchises, Walsh is regarded as one of Hollywood’s most
accomplished and versatile producers. His recent work includes producing Mortal Kombat II for New Line Cinema / Warner Bros, now in post-production, and serving as Executive Producer on Subversion, the high-stakes thriller starring Chris Hemsworth and Lily James currently filming in Queensland.
Set between the Adelaide Hills and the city, VINES follows Eliza, a once-promising filmmaker who has become emotionally and creatively unmoored. When she and her brother-in-law Ethan act on a connection they never expected, their choice sparks an unraveling that exposes long-held resentments, strained marriages and the quiet performances holding the family together. As the truth surfaces, the women around them each face their own reckoning with identity, desire and consequence. Intimate, emotional and rooted in South Australia’s landscape, the film explores the private moments and difficult choices that change everything.
VINES is written and directed by Kahli Gaskin, a South Australian creative whose work spans film, literature and music. Beginning her artistic journey as a songwriter, Kahli
transitioned into filmmaking with a slate of short films and commercial work. Her debut project — the 1998 documentary Moment in Time, chronicling the inception of the Sydney
Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras — was broadcast on Australian television.
Walsh’s filmography spans an extraordinary range of scale and genre. His Executive Producer credits include The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Meg 2: The Trench, Men in Black:
International, Robin Hood, The Great Wall, After Earth, Knight and Day, Edge of Darkness and State of Play. He also produced the Golden Globe and BAFTA-nominated The Kite
Runner, alongside the worldwide hit Disturbia, which earned over USD $100 million at the global box office.
Among his most iconic achievements, Walsh served as Executive Producer on Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. Together, the films grossed more than USD $300 million worldwide and remain two of the most influential action titles of the twenty-first century.
The film is produced by E. Bennett Walsh, and Isabelle Scott, with Writer-Director Kahli Gaskin. Further key creative attachments will be announced in the coming months.
E. Bennett Walsh: “What struck me about VINES was the honesty of its characters and the emotional terrain they move through — it gives the story a distinct and compelling tone. Kahli’s writing is assured and deeply felt, and her passion for these people and this place is evident on every page. It’s a privilege to help bring a film of such clarity, heart and intention to life.
“South Australia has a unique filmmaking culture — collaborative, thoughtful and driven by genuine artistry. There is a distinct energy here that fuels ambitious, character-led
stories in a way few regions can. Joining a South Australian project feels both creatively inspiring and deeply aligned with the kind of cinema I value.”
Kahli Gaskin — Writer & Director: “Bennett understands the heart of VINES in such a genuine way. He sees the small moments as clearly as the big ones, and that’s everything to me as a storyteller. Having him on this journey is both reassuring and incredibly energising.
“Working with Bennett already feels like a gift. He’s brought fresh eyes to the story without ever losing sight of what makes it personal. It’s rare to find someone who champions the emotional core of a film so wholeheartedly, especially at this stage.”
Isabelle Scott — South Australian Producer: “Having Bennett join us is a milestone for VINES and for South Australian independent filmmaking. His experience, generosity and steady guidance bring enormous strength to the project, and we’re deeply grateful for his belief in what we’re creating.
“Bennett brings a level of insight that lifts every part of the process. His support reinforces our confidence in the story we’re telling and the team bringing it to life. It’s a privilege to collaborate with someone who values both the craft and the community behind this film.”
VINES is currently in development and is expected to enter production in 2026, with preproduction scheduled to commence in early 2026 in the Adelaide Hills region.
