The stars of STORM BOY walked the Red Carpet under a threatening sky for its recent Open Air cinema premiere. In fact, the heavens opened half way through the screening. Some of the photographers facetiously hoped that a Sydney Harbour pelican would fly in and waddle along the red carpet as well , Naturally this was not to be.
The original film came out in 1976 and was directed by Henry Safran. Author Colin Thiele wrote this back in 1964. This new adaptation is directed by Shawn Seet.
Despite his literary importance his death on the 4th September 2006 aged 85 was overshadowed by the enormous media coverage given to Steve Irwin’s death on the same day.
Jai Courtenay playing a caring father was very happy to step out of action roles and play a more complex and normal character.
Eleven year old Finn Little was very self assured on the Carpet and remarked on the strong bond that was forged between Trevor Jamieson and himself. He further indicated that the pelicans could occasionally be very naughty and cooperative unless they received lots of fish. Interestingly enough a pelican’s beak can hold twice as much fish in its beak than in its stomach.
The story centres on the bond between a lonely young boy and a pelican and provides the perfect cinematic fare for all the family during the holiday and the start of the school and working year.
STORM BOY is currently screening in 33 cinemas across Sydney now.
All pics by Ben Apfelbaum
