Australian comedy trio Sooshi Mango are heading to the big screen, with their debut feature film securing major production investment from Screen Australia and VicScreen ahead of a planned late-2027 release.
The still-untitled comedy will see brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri and their longtime friend Andrew Manfre bring their much-loved characters to cinemas, with Roadshow handling Australian distribution.
Directed by Nick Kozakis (“Kick On”), the film follows three stubborn Italian immigrants who must rally their multicultural community to save their beloved social club when a mysterious health and wellness club threatens to shut it down.
The trio will star in the film, which they have co-written alongside Declan Fay, with Paul Dainty and Cathy Rodda producing, Timothy Whiting serving as co-producer and Pizza Oven Productions behind the project.
For Sooshi Mango, whose comedy sketches inspired by migrant family life have attracted millions of followers and sold out arenas across the globe, the move into feature filmmaking marks another milestone in their rise from viral internet sensations to international entertainers.
“We’ve always wanted to bring our characters to the big screen, and now we get to tell a story inspired by the families we grew up in,” Joe Salanitri said. “Having Screen Australia’s support means so much to us. Now it’s just time for ‘lights, camera, meatballs!’ That’s how that goes right?!”
Carlo Salanitri described the project as the realisation of a lifelong ambition.
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“This has been a lifelong dream and we can’t believe we are about to live it. We can’t wait to bring a hilarious movie to the silver screen,” he said.
The announcement comes amid a massive year for the group, whose “Home Made” World Tour has taken their distinctly Australian brand of multicultural comedy across North America and Europe.
Following 63 Australian performances, the production embarked on an international run in April, with demand prompting an additional European leg spanning October and November. The group’s representatives say the 2026 tour will encompass 50 shows across 42 cities in 23 countries.
Their success has extended beyond the stage, with more than 9 million followers across social media, billions of online views and an AACTA Award. They have also topped the ARIA Club Chart with “Tarantella,” while their latest track, “Italian Coffee Shop,” has returned them to the chart.
“It’s one of those things you’d dream about as a kid at the cinema and it’s becoming a reality,” Manfre said. “We get to make people laugh on the big screen. Very grateful and blessed. Truly a pinch yourself moment.”
The film was among 75 narrative projects announced by Screen Australia on October 13, sharing more than $16.9 million in production and development funding.
As previously reported by Variety Australia, the funding round also includes Toni Collette’s feature directorial debut, “The Best Of,” and Brouhaha Entertainment’s television adaptation of “The Dark Lake,” starring Phoebe Tonkin.
The untitled Sooshi Mango feature is expected to arrive in Australian cinemas in late 2027.