Newcastle

     Australia is a country known for the outback, reptiles/wildlife, and gorgeous beaches.  however, Australian films rarely showcase the ever-popular beach and surf culture.  The outback and wildlife are shown over and over again in films like, "Picnic at Hanging Rock," "Walkabout," "Australia," etc.  However, surfers aren't seen as much.  There was a Russell Crowe narrated documentary about Sydney's notorious Maroubra surfing gang in 2007, but an actual surfer's tale hasn't been seen since 1972's "Morning of the Earth," or 1981's "Puberty Blues".

     Well, recently released in Australia was "Newcastle," a coming-of-age surfer's story about elusive dreams and the eternal wave.  The film is set in the coastal Australian town, following a teen, Jessie, as he tries to become surfing's next big thing.

In a recent Australian news article, Lachlan Buchanan, who stars as the protagonist, Jessie, says, "Surfing's something that hasn't been touched on much before... We keep coming out with all these movies in the Outback and the bush, and it's funny - these movies are meant to depict us, but not everyone can relate to."

     The film is directed by American, Dan Castle.  This will be his first feature.  Castle is a critically acclaimed director of short films, including "Visitor," starring Barry Otto, which received awards at the national and international festivals including an AFI (Australian Film Institute) nomination for best short fiction film in 2003.

-Matt Colbert