Glenbrook filmmaker Heath Davis’ film Broke is doing better than he could have ever imagined.
The film, which examines gambling addiction through the eyes of a disgraced former rugby league star who hopes to turn his life around with the help of a fan, is one of 12 films selected to appear in the Manchester Film Festival in the United Kingdom in March.
And it’s also part of the Los Angeles CineFest in February.
Not bad for a film that cost $100,000 to make, of which $41,000 was raised through crowd funding, and was Mr Davis’ first feature film as writer and director.
“It’s a tiny little movie, but people seem to like it,” the 37-year-old said.
“There’s a gambling problem around the world. It’s a redemption tale, a compassionate film with a lot of heart to it. It’s not told in a preachy way.”
Part of pre-screenings at the Screenwave International Film Festival in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen in January, it’s been attracting plenty of positive feedback, appealing to young and old.
Mr Davis said while producing independent films was difficult, especially with limited distribution, half the battle was getting the film out there and known.
“But people still want to watch a good film,” he said.
Broke will premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April. Mr Davis plans to take the film around the country, launching it in the Mountains in April or May.
Broke has gained the backing of the NRL, and all profits from the film will go to the Men of League Foundation.
The movie stars Blue Mountains resident Steve Le Marquand in the lead role of Ben Kelly, with co-stars Claire van der Boom, Max Cullen and Steve Bastoni.
It was filmed in Gladstone and Rockhampton in central Queensland in July 2014.
Mr Davis’ next foray will be a quirky comedy drama called Book Week, which he plans to film in the Blue Mountains later this year.
For more information visit facebook.com/brokethefilm