Andamooka
The first ANZ Film Festival is closing with an extraordinary debut feature film, Andamooka.
SYNOPSIS
Turning 30 is a big event in one's life.
It's made all the more memorable when you get dumped by your fiancée.
On the precipice of turning 30, Alex finds her whole life falling apart before her eyes. Seeking a glimmer of hope for her birthday, she retreats to Andamooka, a secluded opal mining town, to find comfort with her best friend.
Set against the breathtaking landscape of remote Western Queensland, Northern Territory, and South Australia, Alex is afforded the freedom to be as raw and unguarded as she needs, reflecting on life’s disappointments while immersing herself in the magic of the outback and the diverse characters she meets on her way.
Stunning cinematography, authentic young Australian voices and a strong female eye, all come together to elevate this debut film to an extraordinary level.
There's a cameo from Aaron Peterson (Goldstone, Mystery Road), Uluru and the pub from Crocodile Dundee to enjoy as well.
Andamooka
premiered at the WA film festival, Cinefest OZ, and has also played at Brisbane, Darwin & Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festivals and is in the Capricorn Film Festival in January 2025.
WHY WE CHOSE THIS FILM
Laila (Australian content programmer):
“We're always on the lookout for exciting new talent - and you don't get better than Mara. This debut is up for an ACCTA award this year - an amazing achievement in itself and reflective of the quality of this terrific indie film.”
REVIEW
"Spanning over 5 years from conception to release,
Andamooka
stands as a testament to the power of personal experience, the magic of the outback, and the strength found in embracing life’s unexpected turns. Mara’s passion and dedication shine through in every aspect of this film, promising audiences an intimate and authentic cinematic experience."
CinemaAustralia.com.au
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Andamooka is a fun, intriguing and meaningful film.
It explores themes of heartbreak, solitude, romance, Indigenous culture, inner-work and friendship.
The outback Australian landscape and wildlife are prominent in the film, featuring as the protagonist’s main company - with her throughout the whole film, whilst people come in and out of her journey.
I wanted to tell a personal and intimate story, sharing some intricacies of womanhood, whilst also sharing a very Australian story. Our main character meets her loneliness and heartbreak, she meets the Indigenous people in a meaningful way for the first time and she meets her own struggles where she can’t escape them.
The film is stunning and cinematic, but done on a micro budget, so it shows what you can do with good storytelling, and not necessarily the best gear.
Creating this film has taken a huge amount of endurance over a five year period. Writing, producing and directing this project without any funding until the very end has meant a team of passionate filmmakers came together to create something unique.
This is a woman’s story, but a story every person can relate to.