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The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson: behind the scenes

Writer, director and leading actress Leah Purcell talks about her deep connection to the Snowy Mountains landscape in making her new feature film The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson.

Whilst filming the acclaimed drama Jindabyne in 2006, Leah Purcell felt a deep connection to the land of the Snowy Mountains and knew she’d be back to make a film.

“We went up to Mount Kosciuszko and we stood on the top and I yelled out ‘I think I’m coming back! And it’s gonna be to do with a movie! I think I’m going to write it. I think I’m going to be in it. And I think it’s going to be The Drover’s Wife!’” says Purcell.

In this behind-the-scenes video, Purcell discusses the huge casting process required to find the right First Nations child actor for the crucial role of Danny Johnson, the power in asking for help even when you’re the director and how the long-told story of The Drover’s Wife from her childhood has held such treasured memories for her.

The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson is released in cinemas nationally from 5 May 2022.