General News
14 June, 2023
Locally-made film premieres
A MOVIE filmed in Terang and Noorat premiered to a capacity crowd this week as part of the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival.
A MOVIE filmed in Terang and Noorat premiered to a capacity crowd this week as part of the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival.
The movie, titled ‘The Tribunal’, was written, directed and produced by Commercial Hotel publican Les Cameron, and features performances of members from the Terang Theatre Troupe.
‘The Tribunal’ is based on real events which occurred in Mr Cameron’s life; now adapted to provide a glimpse of the idyllic settings and talent Terang and Noorat could offer on the big screen.
The David vs Goliath courtroom drama follows a VCAT battle in which a retired teacher takes on the government to prevent a compulsory acquisition of land from a dear friend.
The film follows on the success of the Terang Theatre Troupe’s first foray in to feature films, ‘Wimmin Wild,’ premiered last year during the Terang’s inaugural involvement with the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival.
Speaking with Western District Newspapers at the premiere, Mr Cameron said the movie was filmed over 12 days before the rush to meet deadline began.
“It had its moments,” he said.
“As far as I’m concerned, a feature film is made in the editing suite and that is the most difficult aspect without anyone who has professional editing experience.
“It’s partly why we didn’t have as big of a night as we did with the premiere of ‘Wimmen Wild’ – we were not sure we were going to make it on time this year.”
Mr Cameron said he was encouraged to see new faces involved with the production of ‘The Tribunal’, and wanted to see more people believing “this is something everyone can do”.
“Our goal is to write around what exists in the town rather than trying to attract Meryl Streep or Brad Pitt here, but we aren’t going to shy away from showing there are so many great visuals in the
area that could be utilized in a larger production,” he said.
“Attracting attention, to show what could be done in the region, could provide a large economic boost for Terang.”
Mr Cameron said he was pleased with how the film turned out, and hoped it could be a stepping stone to further progression in the town’s artistic growth.
“It certainly gives us encouragement to try again,” he said.
“There are more improvements to made, we’re always hoping the subtitles and music comes up in the right place, but the community have seemed to genuinely enjoy the results.”
