The 65th Sydney Film Festival today announced the Australian Premiere of THE BREAKER UPPERERS, a New Zealand comedy from writers-directors-stars Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, as the Opening Night Film screening at the State Theatre on Wednesday 6 June.
THE BREAKER UPPERERS follows two cynical misfits earning a living breaking up unhappy couples for cash, by faking deaths, impersonating cops and strippers, and feigning pregnancies. Isn’t this just what people do on social media?
Executive Produced by none other than Oscar-nominated filmmaker Taika Waititi, the film’s production team includes Ainsley Gardiner (Boy) and Carthew Neal (Hunt for the Wilderpeople). It stars James Rolleston (the titular Boy in Boy) and Australian comedian Celia Pacquola (Rosehaven) in her first feature film.
Speaking of the film, Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley says it is “awash with humour and heart, with a surrealist touch that makes the film really shine. It is permeated with the endearing politeness and offbeat charm that New Zealand comedies have become known for.”
Previous opening night films have included We Don’t Need a Map (2017), Goldstone (2016), and Ruben Guthrie (2015). This marks a departure from the Australian content that has dominated the opening fare at one of Australia’s most prestigious and popular festivals.
Limited tickets for the opening night go on sale 23 April 2018. The full festival program to be revealed on 9 May 2018. The SFF has already hinted that there will be over 250 films and in excess of 150 local and international guests to keep us entertained. THE BREAKER UPPERERS will also be released in cinemas on 26 July 2018 from Madman Entertainment.
