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Kokkinos and Bovell in Blessed collboration

[Release from  Ned & Co]

From the director of Head On and the writer of Lantana comes Blessed, a hauntingly evocative new feature film, to be shot on location in Melbourne Australia from October 6 until November 21.

Blessed will mark the third collaboration between director Ana Kokkinos and writer Andrew Bovell, who previously teamed on Head On and The Book Of Revelation, and will also reunite Kokkinos with producer Al Clark (Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, Chopper), who produced The Book Of Revelation, and with internationally esteemed editor Jill Bilcock (Moulin Rouge, Elizabeth), who cut Head On. Additional key crew include award-winning cinematographer Geoff Burton, production designer Simon McCutcheon, costume designer Louise McCarthy and line producer Barbara Gibbs. Executive producers are Marian Macgowan, Ana Kokkinos, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross.

Based on the critically lauded play Who’s Afraid Of The Working Class?, which writers Andrew Bovell, Melissa Reeves, Patricia Cornelius and Christos Tsiolkas have adapted for the big screen, Blessed interweaves four profoundly moving stories which follow the poignant and compelling misadventures of six children as they wander the city streets through a day and a night. It’s a film about the depth of love between mothers and their young, and the life force that ultimately connects us all.

Kokkinos and Clark have assembled a remarkable array of acting talent to bring this contemporary urban odyssey to the screen, including Frances O’Connor (Artificial Intelligence: AI, Mansfield Park), Miranda Otto (Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King & The Two Towers), Deborra-lee Furness (Beautiful, Jindabyne) and Victoria Haralabidou (Brides aka Nyfes), who head a powerful ensemble cast.

Remarkable newcomers Anastasia Babouassouras, Sophie Lowe, Eamon Farren, Eva Lazzaro, Reef Ireland and Harrison Gilbertson star as the children. William McInnes, Wayne Blair, Monica Maughan and Tasma Walton complete the key cast. Casting director is Jane Norris (Mullinars).

Funding for Blessed, a Wildheart Zizani production, has been provided by Screen Australia, Film Victoria, MIFF Premiere Fund, Head Gear Films and Icon Film Distribution, who will also handle domestic distribution. Bankside Films will serve as international sales agent.