Filmmaker Matthew Holmes calls for South Aussie gems for his new indie film ‘The Sundowner’
It’s always a good day when one of our own makes their way back to South Australia, especially when they bring their talent, passion, and a deep love for the state with them. For award-winning filmmaker Matthew Holmes, this homecoming is more than just a family move – it’s a creative return to the landscapes that have shaped his work and inspired his stories.
Matthew spent his early years in the heart of regional South Australia including the mid-north towns of Peterborough, Yongala, and later in Balaklava before heading to Adelaide following his father’s teaching career. But those formative years in the Mid North left an indelible mark. After 14 years in Melbourne, Matthew is back in SA, ready to showcase the rugged beauty and untamed charm of the state in his upcoming indie film, The Sundowner.
Set in the 1930s, Matthew describes The Sundowner as “a Western-style drama with a touch of thriller – a melancholy tale about a World War 1 veteran, turned swagman, on the run during the Great Depression.” Penned by Matthew and his long-time collaborator Aidan Phelan, the film follows its protagonist, nicknamed “The Sundowner,” as he becomes a wanted fugitive.
This isn’t Matthew’s first foray into filming in SA. His earlier work, Twin Rivers, released in 2007, was a sprawling project shot across stunning South Australian locations including Melrose and the Murray-Mallee region. Now, with The Sundowner, he’s diving back into the South Australian countryside to find the perfect sets – natural spots untouched by modern conveniences, old homesteads, creeks, gullies, and towns oozing with yesteryears charm and character.
With his sights set on areas including Burra, Terowie, Quorn, Gladstone, Carrieton, and Hammond, he’s also casting a wider net. He’s calling on South Australians to help by sharing photos of their properties or local landmarks that could double as a 1930s backdrop. “We’re looking for places that feel frozen in time with no modern fencing, powerlines, or bituminised roads,” he explains. Old vehicles from 1934 or earlier? They’re on the wish list too.
This indie production is a labour of love for the passionate filmmaker, who’s working with a South Australian crew including lead actor Joshua Jaeger, who starred in Twin Rivers. Filming begins in April, with production expected to run throughout the year and maybe longer. And, if you fancy seeing yourself on the silver screen, Matthew will be on the lookout for extras to complete his cast for this epic adventure.
For Matthew, this project isn’t just about telling a compelling story, it’s about celebrating South Australia. “The landscapes, the energy, and the history are unmatched. I want The Sundowner to show off our state by telling a uniquely South Australian, (although fictional) tale.”
Got a property or vintage vehicle that could fit the bill? Visit Matthew’s website and help bring The Sundowner to life. This might just be the perfect opportunity to see South Australia’s beauty immortalised on the big screen.
For more information and to contact Matthew, visit his website here.
