Berwick film hits big screens

When she and a bunch of friends venture out to a country holiday house, they learn the inhabitants are unsettling red necks who terrorise and humiliate travellers.

By Jessica Anstice

A psychological horror film that was mostly shot last year in Berwick and Narre Warren will get a big screen public debut in October at the Melbourne film festival Monsterfest.

The film, ‘The Faceless Man’, is about a recovering cancer surviving woman that is faced with the fear of getting sick again.

When she and a bunch of friends venture out to a country holiday house, they learn the inhabitants are unsettling red necks who terrorise and humiliate travellers.

At the same time a paranormal monster seen as the faceless man haunts the house pushing the friends to their limits.

Movie-goers will recognise a number of nearby locations throughout the 104 minute feature length film.

Independent film producer, editor and director of photographer Rhys Sherring from Officer says particular locations were chosen based on affordability.

“I have lived in the area since 2001 so I knew of available locations that we could afford on the budget, especially when one of the locations is at my parent’s house. It makes things quite easy,” he said.

“But a major scene of the film, an outdoor night party scene, was held at a spacious Narre Warren property that was able to cater to our needs.

“Having friendly and willing location owners helps a lot, and there are plenty of friendly people living down south-east.”

Shooting locally factored in with convenience for a number of crew who live in the area.

Berwick’s Martin Astifo plays ‘Dave Eddison’, Inneke Smit from Berwick was in charge of production design, Chris Thomas also from Berwick was the camera assistant and Pakenham’s Lorin Lauffled plays character ‘Nina Hancock’.

The three most notable names in the cast are Roger Ward from the original Mad Max, Andy McPhee from Sons of Anarchy, and Lucas Pittaway from Snowtown.

Pre-production began in January 2018.

Principal photography (filming) began May 2018 and finished October 2018 and involved a total of 31 shooting days spread out, of which several were half days.

Post production began October 2018 and was completed around June 2019.

“It’s hard to convince people you’ve made something different than the usual schlock seen in cinemas, especially when it’s Australian, since not many Australians tend to like Australian films,” Mr Sherring explained.

“We actually took it to the American Film Market last November in Santa Monica, LA, to find some interest for it internationally for sales and distribution as well, with mixed results.”

The first screening, which is already sold out, will be held at Cinema Nova in Carlton.

The official public premiere is being held on Halloween at the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick of which tickets are still available.