The new poster for Heath Davis’ Christmess.

Christmess – the highly anticipated new comedy/drama from Aussie filmmaker Heath Davis – will have its world premiere at the esteemed Austin Film Festival next month. 

Set to be released by Bonsai Films across cinemas in Australia and New Zealand from November 30, Christmess is the fourth feature from the prolific writer and director of the acclaimed films Broke, Book Week and Locusts. 

Produced by Brick Studios’ Daniel Fenech in conjunction with Cindy Pritchard, Nicola Nossal, Rick Beecroft, Jai Kemp and Matthew McCracken, Christmess again sees the unsung auteur team up with regular collaborator, Steve Le Marquand, as well as Darren Gilshenan, Aaron Glenane, Kenneth Moraleda and Nicole Pastor. It also marks the acting debut of Hannah Joy – lead singer of ARIA Award winning indie band Middle Kids. 

Steve Le Marquand, Darren Gilshenan and Hannah Joy in Christmess.

It tells the story of a down and out former Logie award winning actor Chris Flint (Le Marquand), who, fresh out of rebab and residing in a half way house run by his sponsor Nick (Gilshenan) and a young musician also in recovery named Joy (Hannah Joy), takes a gig as the local shopping centre santa where he encounters his long-estranged daughter Noelle (Pastor) and grandson. With the love and support of his new housemates – Chris sets about winning his daughter’s forgiveness whilst trying to remain sober for Christmas.  

Davis says he couldn’t think of a better city to showcase Christmess to the world and is excited to share the bill alongside such illustrious company. 

“Austin is easily my favourite city in the world. It is the home of indie filmmaking and music and Christmess is pretty much a celebration of that the spirit. The audiences are always enthusiastic, so it’s very exciting for the team.”

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