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‘The Rooster:’ A Unique Cinematic Experience showcased at 55th International Film Festival of India
“This film is about finding light in the darkest places and the small moments that define us:” Mark Leonard Winter, the director
‘The story resonates universally because it reflects our shared vulnerabilities:” Hugo Weaving, Lead actor
“This film is a labor of love, and we’re thrilled to see it resonate with audiences here in India”: Geraldine Hakewil, Producer
#IFFIWood, 25 November 2024
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) continues to celebrate global cinema with the screening of the Australian film The Rooster. The Rooster was showcased as part of the special focus on Australian cinema at this year’s festival. The film’s creative team, including Director and Writer Mark Leonard Winter, Lead Actor Hugo Weaving, and Producers Geraldine Hakewil and MahVeen Shahraki, shared their experiences in creating the film and their insights into its storytelling.
Director Mark Leonard Winter, making his feature film debut, expressed his excitement about presenting the film to the Indian audience. He mentioned, “it was a very personal project, made in our garage with a small, tight-knit team. To now present it at such a prestigious festival in India is a true honor.”
The Rooster tells the story of Dan, a young police officer who retreats to the woods following the death of his best friend, Steve. In the woods, he meets a reclusive hermit who may hold the answers to Steve's mysterious death. The film delves into themes of grief, loss, and the struggle for meaning, exploring the emotional depths of its characters through minimalistic yet powerful storytelling.
Hugo Weaving, the film’s lead actor, reflected on his experience of working on the film. Having previously collaborated with Winter, Weaving described the process as both enjoyable and deeply meaningful. “Playing the role was a challenging but rewarding experience.
The producers, Geraldine Hakewil and MahVeen Shahraki, also shared their thoughts on the film’s production process. Hakewil expressed pride in Winter’s evolution from actor to director, noting, “Mark exceeded our expectations with his work on the script and direction. It was a privilege to be part of this journey.”
The film’s sound design was another highlight discussed at the press conference. Director Winter explained the innovative use of voice as the primary element in the film’s score. “We wanted the score to be deeply connected to the human experience, using only the voice to evoke emotions, from primal sounds to divine music. The human voice has a unique power, and it was essential for us to capture that raw energy,” Winter explained.
The press conference concluded with discussions on the future of Australian cinema, the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, and the growing role of digital platforms in film distribution. The creative team emphasized the importance of maintaining the essence of storytelling, regardless of the changing technological landscape.
As the 55th IFFI continues to celebrate diverse cinematic expressions, The Rooster stands as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the universal themes that connect audiences worldwide.
For Full Press Conference:
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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Supriya/Ashwani/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 81
(Release ID: 2076934)
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