Sweet As
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2022 |
| Founder | Jub Clerc (director), Steve Rodgers (co-writer) |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Coming-of-age drama film |
Sweet As is a 2022 Australian coming-of-age drama directed by Jub Clerc, featuring performances by Shantae Barnes-Cowan and Mark Coles Smith.
Synopsis
Murra, a young Aboriginal Australian girl facing family difficulties, uncovers her enthusiasm for photography while attending a youth camp.
Cast
- Shantae Barnes-Cowan as Murra
- Mark Coles Smith portraying Ian, Murra's uncle
- Ngaire Pigram as Grace, Murra's mother
- Tasma Walton in the role of Mitch, the group leader
- Carlos Sanson, Jr. playing Fernando, a photographer
- Pedrea Jackson as Elvis
- Mikayla Levy as Kylie
- Andrew Wallace as Sean
- Mark Cometti as Simmo
Production
The film was helmed by director Jub Clerc, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Steve Rodgers. Produced by Liz Kearney, it marks the first feature film from Western Australia directed by an Indigenous Australian. Filming took place in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. Key financial backing was provided by Screen Australia, supplemented by Screenwest, Lotterywest, the Western Australian Regional Film Fund, Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, and Film Victoria.
Release and festival screenings
Sweet As had its world premiere on 13 August 2022 at the Melbourne International Film Festival and made its international premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. In February 2023, it received the Crystal Bear award at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival and was later shown at Melbourne’s Birrarangga Film Festival in March 2023.
Roadshow Films secured distribution rights for Australia and New Zealand, releasing the movie theatrically starting 1 June 2023. Subsequently, it became accessible on streaming services such as Binge, Foxtel, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, it was included in the "Best of Contemporary Australian Cinema" lineup at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival held in December 2023.
Awards and nominations
- 2022: Awarded Innovation Award at Melbourne International Film Festival for Sweet As
- 2022: Received NETPAC Award for best Asia/Pacific film at Toronto International Film Festival for Sweet As
- 2022: Shortlisted for Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Youth Film for Sweet As
- 2023: Honored with Crystal Bear in Generation Kplus category at 73rd Berlin International Film Festival for Sweet As
- 2023: Nominated for Best Direction in a Debut Feature Film at ADG Awards for Sweet As
- 2024: Contender for AACTA Award for Best Direction at the 13th AACTA Awards for Sweet As