Marcus Waters & Cathy Overett feature in Griffith Gazette


Griffith University screenwriting lecturer Dr Marcus Waters’ feature film script Kick up Dust is just one of three films chosen to be read and workshopped at the Dungog Film Festival (NSW) on May 28.

Set in the tough world of bare fist boxing, the narrative follows Aboriginal cowboy Elijah, who discovers he has a sister trapped within a neglected welfare system.

Marcus was the inaugural winner of the AFTRS Macquarie Bank Scholarship in 2004, and while at AFTRS wrote two award-winning short films Too Little Justice and Fuse.

Filmmaker and producer Cathy Overett said they had only recently optioned Marcus’ script and the chance to workshop it at In the Raw at Dungog was a great opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to working with Marcus to craft it, get the balance right and to bring in Elijah’s connection with his land as an Aboriginal man.”

Cathy said they saw Kick Up Dust adding to the new exciting body of work of indigenous filmmaking with films such as Bran Nue Dae and Samson and Delilah.

“There are six main characters in the film and while we are a long way short of casting at this stage, In the Raw at Dungog will enable us to use professional actors to help bring our characters to life which will be invaluable for us in the development process.”

“I want this film to tell a positive indigenous story that will communicate our rich Aboriginal heritage to my children and all Australians,’’ Marcus said.

Kick Up Dust will go into production in 2012.

by Deborah Marshall