The G21 region has lit up the screen at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) this month, with several Geelong locations featuring in the world premiere of local production Paper Champions.
The uplifting comedy follows the story of a young man who wants to find love despite having lost his ‘Mana’, which refers to strength and confidence in Polynesian cultures.
Scenes were shot locally at Geelong West Town Hall, McDonald Reserve in Belmont, Eastern Beach and on local roads.
Paper Champions is the first feature film of Geelong creatives Erin and Luke Saliba, who both produced and starred in the movie.
Film productions provide a number of significant economic benefits to the community.
The production process supports local people and businesses. Cast and crew stay in accommodation, dine out and engage local services and materials when building sets. They also offer employment opportunities for local actors and support behind the scenes.
It also projects our beautiful region on screens across Australia and the world, putting us on the bucket lists of many thousands of future tourists.
Catch Paper Champions at the Melbourne International Film Festival (stream until August 23).