Lighthouses of Australia Inc

The beautiful but rugged Maatsuyker landscape  Image: Jeff Jennings

Maatsuyker and Bruny Island to feature in multi-million dollar movie - "South Solitary"

It's 1927. Meredith, 33 and unmarried, arrives at a remote lighthouse island with her uncle, the new head keeper. Bad weather and misadventure leave her marooned with only the sullen and withdrawn assistant keeper Fleet for companionship. A tender, faltering courtship ensues... 

"South Solitary" is a gently comic romance, about the great human need for companionship.

Produced by Marian McGowan (Death Defying Acts, Two Hands) and Emile Sherman (Oyster Farmer, Rabbit-Proof Fence).  Written and directed by Camera D'Or winner (Cannes Film Festival 1996) Shirley Barrett (Love Serenade, Walk the Talk).

The name was chosen as it conjures up such great images of loneliness and isolation - but it's not about the real South Solitary Island!

Of interest to the lighthouse community is that for the sake of authenticity, a kersosene burner may have to be restored in either the Maatsuyker or Bruny tower. Also the jetty and haulage will have to be made, and in an ideal scenario, instead of building and disassembling a replica, the existing haulage and landing platform on Maatsuyker Island could be repaired and made functional with the help of volunteers (Friends Of Maatsuyker Island)

The Tasmanian film industry is abuzz with the news that this major feature film is to be shot in the state. Screen Tasmania director Karena Slaninka has told ABC Local Radio the $9.5 million feature film will take Tasmania to the world. "It'll be shot on Maatsuyker Island and at Bruny Island," she said. The movie will feature some big Hollywood names, and although not confirmed, actors like Maggie Gyllenhaal and Paul Bettany are beng considered for the roles.

Source:

• ABC Online - 9th May 2008  or PDF version
• Shirley Barrett - Writer / Director

See Also:

• Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse
• Bruny Island Lighthouse