The Northern Rivers screen community continues to excel in shaping and developing the next generation of independent film talent as production begins this month in the Byron Shire on local writer and director Darius Devas’ second feature film, ‘Unravelling’.
In a testament to the enduring currency of indie storytelling and the innovative methods employed by local filmmakers to execute projects, Devas has summoned a group of leading local crew and production talent investing his personal funds to kick-start the pre- and post- production cycle and finance the shoot.
“As a counterpoint to the recent controversy courting the Byron Bay film sector, my production serves to highlight the power of the community of local filmmakers, writers and crew that are dedicated to crafting the unique, rare and insightful narratives that Australian independent film is globally renowned for. We created this film with passion and a credit card, and in defiance of the current limitations we face in terms of available funding for developing one of Byron Shire’s most important resources, creativity,” said Devas, Producer/Director of ‘Unravelling’.
Devas and his producers are looking to raise financing for the completion film and are currently seeking investment from the local community and the screen sector.
The film was developed by Devas in collaboration with the leading actors Cazz Bainbridge, (‘Go With Grace’) and Duncan Ragg (‘Liberty Street’). The film also stars Australian born, highly demanded international actor Christopher James Baker, who most recently starred in ‘Eden’ and has featured in ‘True Detective’, ‘Ozark’, ‘StarGirl’ and ‘Shades of Blue’.
As a highly regarded emerging local director, Devas is currently part of the Screenworks and Australian Directors Guild’s Director Pathways Program, where he is being mentored by acclaimed director Kim Farrant, who has been instrumental in developing the performance methodology.
The three-week production will be filmed and post -produced entirely in the Northern Rivers region, featuring Goonengerry and iconic Byron Bay locations which play a central role in the film’s narrative.
The intimate drama follows the path of a young couple shifting to the Byron region from the city to live the dream while enduring personal, creative and psychological tests begin to undermine the relationship. As an original Byron resident and Steiner school graduate, Devas draws on his local knowledge of the Byron Shire and the power of the unique landscape on reshaping people’s lives – often to dramatic effect.
“Growing up in Byron as part of a creative community, I have an intimate knowledge of the difficulties we face as artists and creators to get the external support needed for developing local projects and skills while keeping our creatives employed and thriving. We will be running a crowdfunding campaign and enlisting the support of local businesses, like The Local Kollective, to gain momentum before hopefully hitting the international film circuit,” said Devas.
‘Unravelling’ is Devas’ second feature project and follows his 2009 directorial debut, ‘Further We Search’, starring Xavier Samuel which recently screened at the Byron Underground Film Festival.
The award winning director recently produced the documentary series, ‘The Common Thread’ and web series ‘Natural Mindful’ for the ABC, documentary ‘Spirit Walker – Clinton’s Walk For Justice’ on NITV and ‘The Word’, a six-part series for ABC iView.
On Thursday the 15th of July 2021 The Local Kollective (https://www.thelocalkollective.co) will host a launch night to introduce the project and the cast and creators to the local community. The Local Kollective is backed by Byron Bay arts patrons and venture capitalists, Joshua Munday and Reginald Wintle.
“The Local Kollective is a local club made up of members that contribute and enhance the experience of one another through idea sharing, mentorship, cross-collaboration and partnership. Unravelling is the perfect vehicle to bring the support of TLK to a locally produced creative venture,” said Reg Wintle, founder of The Local Kollective.
