WIMMERA residents will have a taste of Hollywood magic with filming of the Australian movie, The Dry, starting in the region this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Dry is based on the mystery novel of the same name by Jane Harper. Actor Eric Bana will star, while award-winning filmmaker Robert Connolly will direct.
Mr Bana visited Minyip in December. Last month it was reported that Minyip and Beulah homeowners had been contacted to house film crew members. A casting call was also put out last month for extras.
Beulah Progress Association secretary Barb Moore said filming was due to start in Minyip this week.
"Extras have been called in and the production crew members have arrived in the area," she said.
"There a lot of extras who have been cast and they are very exciting. It's so great for the town to be a part of this. The crews are expected to be here until the end of March."
Yarriambiack Shire Council councillor and Minyip resident Corinne Heintze said the film would help attract tourism to the region.
"I think it's wonderful. If it turns out to be a well-received film, then it will put the region on the map," she said.
"It will also open people's eyes to what's out here and hopefully it will be a boost for tourism, with people coming out for the Silo Art Trail."
Related: The Dressmaker comes to the Wimmera
Emma's Cafe & Takeaway Minyip co-owner Dale Maggs said the film was an exciting event for the region.
"It's so good for them to be filming in our little region. There have already been so many benefits already for hospitality with houses being rented out for the crews, and hotels booked out. There are so many people who are spending money in our region," he said.
The Dry is due to be completed in 2020.
The Dry
Synopsis: After an absence of twenty years, Aaron Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown to investigate an apparent murder-suicide committed by his childhood friend, Luke Hadler. But when Aaron's investigation opens a decades old wound - the unsolved death of 16-year-old Ellie Deacon – Aaron must struggle to prove not only Luke's innocence but his own.
Director: Robert Connolly
Writers: Harry Cripps and Robert Connolly
Production Company: Made Up Stories and The Dry Film Production