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https://theconversation.com/kate-woods-new-film-kangaroo-is-the-heartwarming-pick-me-up-you-didnt-know-you-needed-261173>
"The new Australian family film,
Kangaroo, is a rare beast. It’s not just a
movie for kids that adults can tolerate. It’s funny, heartfelt, emotionally
authentic and ultimately uplifting.
It’s been 25 years since director Kate Woods released the much-loved
coming-of-age classic
Looking For Alibrandi. That might seem like a long time
between big screen gigs, but a quick look at Woods’ IMDb page brings up dozens
of small screen credits both here and in the United States. She’s hardly been
twiddling her thumbs.
You might know the story that inspired
Kangaroo. Around 2005, outback tour
guide Chris “Brolga” Barns set up Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, after
too many experiences rescuing orphaned joeys from the pouches of road-killed
mothers. His most famous rescue, Roger the “sparring” kangaroo, became an
internet sensation.
Studio Canal (the creators of the
Paddington films) bought the rights to
Brolga’s book,
Kangaroo Dundee. But as Woods told me, they “didn’t actually
want his story, so we made one up”.
In this case, “we” is Brolga Films and screenwriter Harry Cripps, with a little
help from
Looking for Alibrandi author and screenwriter, Melina Marchetta.
Kangaroo’s screenplay has a light touch, and a fine balance between humour
and serious themes – just one of the many factors that come together to make
the film work."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
