“Force of Nature” is now filming in Victoria.
The film is based on the Jane Harper novel of the same name and brings back Erica Bana in the role of Aaron Falk, which he played in “The Dry”.
Robert Connolly will also return as writer and director.
The film will also introduce Deborra-lee Furness (“Jindabyne”) as Jill Bailey, Richard Roxburgh (“Rake”) as Daniel Bailey, Anna Torv (“Mindhunter”) as Alice Russell, Robin McLeavy (“Homeland”) as Lauren, Sisi Stringer (“Mortal Combat”) as Beth, Lucy Ansell (“Utopia”) as Bree, Jacqueline McKenzie (“Romper Stomper”) as federal agent Carmen Cooper, Tony Briggs (co-writer of “The Sapphires”) as Ian Chase and Kenneth Radley (“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”) as Sergeant King.
“Force of Nature” is being produced by Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky from Made Up Stories, alongside Bana for Pick Up Truck Pictures and Connolly for Arenamedia.
Ricci Swart, Andrew Myer, Robert Patterson, Joel Pearlman and Edwina Waddy are executive producers.
The project received major production funding from Screen Australia in association with Vic Screen. It will be shot entirely in Victoria, primarily in the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley and the Otways.
Roadshow films will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand, while WME Independent is handling world sales.
Bana noted the success of the award-winning “The Dry” helped to get “Force of Nature” off the ground.
“I am thrilled and proud to have the opportunity to follow up our efforts on “The Dry” with “Force of Nature”. Jane has once again provided a thrilling story that gives us another chance to showcase a unique and incredible Australian landscape,” he said.
“Whilst it was always our dream to bring this story to the big screen, its fate always rested with the Australian cinema-going public. The overwhelming support of “The Dry” turns this into a reality.”
“Force of Nature” tells the story of five women who take part in a corporate hiking retreat, but only four come out the other side. Federal agents Falk and Cooper head deep into the Victorian mountain ranges to investigate in the hopes of finding their whistle-blowing informant, Russell, alive.
Connolly said “Force of Nature” is a deeply emotional and thrilling story showcasing the extraordinary world and landscape of the Australian wilderness.
“I am so excited to return to the world of detective Aaron Falk and to be able to work once again to work alongside Eric Bana, Made Up Stories and such an impressive creative team. We’re also delighted by the exceptional cast of established and emerging actors joining us on this journey,” he said.
Producers Papandrea, Patteson and Hutensky were also enthused by the project.
“We are delighted to be re-teaming with Rob, Eric, Roadshow, Screen Australia and Vic Screen to bring another beloved Jane Harper novel to the big screen,” they said.
“‘Force of Nature’ is also a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the talents of an amazing group of women in some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.”
Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia’s recently appointed head of content, said with some of Australia’s finest actors set against the striking landscapes of Victoria, the film is set to be another cinematic event.
“‘The Dry’ was an extraordinary success, reaching number one at the Australian box office and quickly becoming an Australian classic,” she said.
“We’re delighted to support this immensely talented team’s return for “Force of Nature” and deliver an enthralling Australian thriller.”
Danny Pearson, Victoria’s minister for creative industries, said the Government’s $191.5 million Vic Screen strategy was bringing more productions to regional destinations and creating thousands of jobs across the state.
“From Jane Harper winning the Premier’s Literary Award for “The Dry” to now having a second Victorian-made feature film in the works – this is a stunning Victorian creative success story that will inject $10 million into the state’s economy and showcase Victoria’s regions to the world.”