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Two Australian films join Toronto International Film Festival line up

The Julian Assange Story

Two Australian films have been added to the Toronto International Film Festival line up.

Both Underground – The Julian Assange Story and Dead Europe will screen in the Contemporary World Cinema program of the festival.

Having its world premiere in Toronto, Underground – The Story of Julian Assange follows the head of Wikileaks as a teenage computer hacker in Melbourne in the late 80s.

The film is scheduled as a telemovie, due to screen on Network Ten later in the year. It was directed by Robert Connolly and produced by Helen Bowden for Matchbox Pictures and part funded by Ten and Screen Australia. It stars Anthony LaPaglia, Rachel Griffiths and Callan McAuliffe.

Rick Maier, executive producer drama and production, Network Ten said: “This is not only great recognition for the film itself, but for the Australian television industry full stop. Ten is immensely proud of this acknowledgement.”

It’s the second year in a row Dead Europe’s director Tony Krawitz has had a film selected for TIFF. His documentary The Tall Man screened in the festival’s Real to Reel section last year.

Dead Europe, which had its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival was produced by Animal Kingdom’s Liz Watts and The King’s Speech’s Emile Sherman and Iain Canning. It’s screenplay was by Louise Fox based on a Christos Tsiolkas novel and stars Ewen Leslie.

Iain Canning said: “As with Shame last year, we are looking forward to Dead Europe stirring debate and capturing the imagination of the Toronto audience. Tony was able to document these turbulent times as they unfolded around him, making the film a unique and real window on contemporary Europe. We are honoured to be part of the festival program.”

Dead Europe will screen on Friday 7 September while Underground – The Story of Julian Assange will screen Saturday 8 September.

The films join The Sapphires, directed by Wayne Blair, Lore directed by Cate Shortland and Storm Surfers 3D directed by Chris Nelius and Justin McMillan.

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