Described in the SFF program as “An unsettling thriller about passion, power and an attempt to turn back time”,SMASHED follows three larrikins – Dean, Ray and Paul – who abduct ‘footy hero’ Christian, so that Dean can gain the attention of Christian’s girlfriend Jess. When the culprits drive to the Australian bush, the prank swerves out of control trapping the youths in a recurring nightmare.
Since premiering at Berlinale, SMASHED has collected an unprecedented 5 South Australian Screen Awards (SASAs). Second generation filmmaker Sean Lahiff received gongs for ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Editor’, while producer Michael Clarkin was presented the South Australian Film Corporation’s ‘Best Short Film’ Award.
SMASHED stars some of Australia’s hottest young, acting talent, including Harrison Gilbertson (Need for Speed and Beneath Hill 60), Australian Academy Award nominee Toby Wallace – best known to audiences for playing the young Michael Hutchence in INXS: Never Tear Us Apart and rising South Australian actress Sarah Jeavons.
The fact that SMASHED will be screening with Hollywood director Doug Liman’s THE WALL at Sydney Film Festival, is a tribute to its compelling storytelling and high production values.
A significant milestone for the SMASHED creative team, director Sean Lahiff reflects, “I’ve been a fan of Doug Liman since I saw Go at the cinema. To have SMASHED screen with THE WALL at Sydney Film Festival is a huge thrill and honour!”
Producer Michael Clarkin adds, “We’ve been overwhelmed with the response to SMASHED and Berlinale was amazing! 5 South Australian Screen Awards was also a fantastic achievement and to have SMASHED screen at Sydney Film Festival with Doug Liman’s latest film is humbling.”
SMASHED was financed through the Media Resource Centre’s Next Step initiative and supported by the SA Film Corporation with the financial assistance of Arts South Australia. Marketing assistance for Berlinale was provided by Screen Australia.
Producer Michael Clarkin also utilised Creative Partnerships Australia’s Australia Cultural Fund and partnered with private investors to finance the ambitious production.