LOOKING AT AN AUSTRALIAN ICON WITH A NEW LENS AND A GREENER FUTURE

1906 marked a pivotal date not only in the Australian cinematic landscape but globally with the release of the world's first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang. Now, over a hundred years later, a new feature film, Kennedy, promises to not only rewrite the narrative, presenting a fresh perspective on this era by shedding light on the untold story of Sergeant Michael Kennedy and his wife, Bridget Kennedy, but to also be at the forefront of change towards a greener, more sustainable future of filmmaking, as they announce a vital partnership with Jungle Power, an Australian-based company set to revolutionise power solutions on location.

Key to this narrative, Kennedy challenges previously entrenched interpretations of the Kelly story as it focuses on the often-forgotten heroes of the saga—the police and their families—specifically, the story of Michael and Bridget Kennedy. Their epic and sweeping love story spans continents, fights with dignity through adversity, and, out of tragedy, finds triumph. By adjusting the lens to focus on their very human story, audiences will be privy to a sharply contrasting portrait of the profound impact the shoot-out at Stringybark Creek had. This watershed moment in the Kelly story and the ripple effects it had on families and communities are still felt to this day.

Mark Naidoo, CEO and founder of Jungle Power, shared his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to join forces with the upcoming Kennedy film project. With its captivating Australian story and amazing team, it feels serendipitous to contribute to reducing its carbon footprint. Together, we're not just telling a story, but shaping a greener future for our industry and planet." Naidoo, who is no stranger to the needs of the film industry, is a visionary innovator at the forefront of film's changing needs. Jungle Power, through continuous research, development, and a relentless pursuit of change, is excited to participate in the future of energy with solutions that not only meet current demands but also anticipate the evolving needs of a dynamic world.

The Jungle Power J80 Battery Generator, central to this partnership, offers silent operation, produces zero emissions, and integrates seamlessly into any infrastructure. It stands as a versatile Energy Storage System (ESS) adaptable to diverse applications, providing dependable power in an economically efficient and environmentally conscious manner.

Kennedy reunites award winners, director Darren K. Hawkins and cinematographer Casimir Dickson ACS, at the forefront of the visual creative team. Dickson, who has been a part of the film industry for over twenty years and is one of Australia's most in-demand cinematographers, is genuinely excited at the chance to not only work with the director again but to be able to add his considerable flair and flourish to this project.

From the first blush of the script to the location reccies, Dickson confidently promises a visually moving experience. "Audiences will be captivated by a compelling blend of contrasting worlds and a feast of visuals, whether feeling the warm glow radiating from the golden hues of cosy interiors and nostalgic family connections, the adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and high-stakes showdowns. Breaths will be taken away as they marvel at landscapes that stretch on, contrasted with the harsh and raw beauty of the untamed Australian native canvas, to the emotion-charged and tearful aftermath of tragedy, captured in its most intimate nature. Themes that will resonate deeply with audiences," Dickson finished by affirming that "Kennedy will captivate genre enthusiasts long after the credits roll."

Hawkins, a twenty-year indie film veteran, is also one of the producers and a co-writer.

He describes himself as humbled and honoured by this project. "The Kelly story is something that I have known about, like many Australians, for most of my life. Over the past few years of research, not only has my worldview changed with regards to this story, but in having the chance to get to know the descendants, I feel such a tremendous weight to not only honour their lives but to play some part in healing the generational trauma across multiple families and generations. Being able to reunite with Casimir, whom I consider to be a true artist, to share shaping a project of this importance is something that I wouldn't want to do without."

Kennedy, I know, will leave an indelible mark on Australian culture and will make its presence felt on a world stage. "I don't intend to shy away from so many of the heart-wrenching, gut-punching aspects that are a part of this story. I want audiences to be captivated and enraptured by not only the deep truths of the narrative but Michael and Bridget's love story, which is the core of this film. As a filmmaker, I firmly believe we have to be sensitive to all of this and, importantly, provide a safe space to allow the cast and crew to reflect and magnify the exquisite nature of the story, so that we can not only explore what this project means but grow as human beings. For me, it's an essential part of the process."

Hawkins is also excited to be working again with actress Lauren Hamilton Neill, whom he directed as one of the leads in The Girl in the Shadows. This time, not only will Neill take on the role of Bridget Kennedy, but she has co-written the screenplay with Hawkins, marking her debut as a feature film writer. "This is an immense story," explained Neill, "with all the delicious complexities of love, heartbreak, lies, and injustice. I could not have dreamed up a more important and essential story to be my debut as a writer. Working with Darren on creating this world and telling the lives of our characters has, to date, been the most fulfilling creative experience of my life."

"I already knew that the role of Bridget Kennedy was the opportunity of a lifetime, but to also have the chance to be a part of writing that role, of lending my voice to create hers, to be granted the gift of falling in love with Michael Kennedy while Bridget does—I don't have the ability to properly articulate how much this journey so far has given me, other than to say how essential it is for this truth to be spoken and amplified with courage. After almost 150 years, it's now time for the descendants of those who've been silenced, to take the floor in what I know is going to be a historic filibuster that is way overdue. How honoured I am to have the support and mentorship of not only Darren but everyone in our miraculous team." Neill concludes on a more personal note: "This movie and our progress forward have been my anchor through some truly horrid times, and I know in my heart that Bridget felt the same way about her beloved husband. And this is what true art is meant to be: a source of strength, a voice of truth, a beacon of light in the dark. So many tears have been shed; it's now our chance to inspire some much-needed healing."

The final word belongs to Executive Producer Kieren Devisser. Kieren, who not only has a long-established track record in sales and marketing, with his leadership instrumental in founding and guiding a successful marketing company in Melbourne, is also known for his many notable philanthropic endeavours. In recent years, he honed his craft in Los Angeles, immersing himself in the world of screenwriting and production, serving as a screenwriter and executive producer for the promising television series The Maloney Boys. Reflecting on his personal connection to the Kelly story, Devisser recalled, "I've been fascinated by the Kelly story since I was a child. If there's a book on Ned Kelly, I've read it—probably more than once. In my early teenage years, I watched Heath Ledger's Ned Kelly and The Last Outlawreligiously. My first visit to Glenrowan as a young boy sparked a lifelong obsession. Years later, I was fortunate enough to meet Ian Jones at Stringybark Creek, and his passion for the story had a profound impact on me. To be a part of this project is a dream come true."

Speaking as executive producer, Devisser eloquently summed up the feelings of the team: "This film is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It promises to showcase the realities of the time, diving into the psychology of those involved, and it offers a fresh perspective that has not been explored. Not only will it alter Australians' opinions on an important chapter of Australian history, but I firmly believe it will revolutionise the Australian film industry.