Australian "Rain Man" to begin QLD shoot
According to its producers, Just Like U will be Australia’s Rain Man with its statement about Down Syndrome.
The film will be directed by Peter Cannon, and funded with private investment. It will begin filming in Queensland on April 10.
The story is based on the life of Ty Belnap, an accredited surf lifesaver who boasts an impressive collection of medals representing Australia in the World Downs Syndrome Swimming Championships and had the honour of carrying the flame at the Sydney Olympics. Belnap himself will play the lead role.
The cast includes Julie Dickson, Ozzie Devrish, Nicholas Cooper, Tania Zaetta, Palmer Marchese, and Ian Westley
The filmmakers claim that although there is no deal in place, there is already “interest” from distributors and anticipate an Australian release for February 2011. They also want to be ready to submit the film to next year’s Sundance Film Festival, in addition to the other major international festivals.
