Stars align for Australian Canadian Co-production

Stars align for Australian Canadian Co-production now filming in Melbourne

Principal photography has begun in Melbourne on the new feature film Written in the Stars.

Based on Su Dharmapala’s popular novel The Wedding Season and adapted for the screen by Melbourne’s own Menik Gooneratne, Written in the Stars is a heartwarming rom-com set in Melbourne’s vibrant Sri Lankan community.

Directed by Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams), the film boasts an all-star South Asian cast led by Australian actor, Menik Gooneratne (Pluribus, Mortal Engines, Lion) Nikesh Patel (Starstruck, The Devil’s Hour) and Saagar Shaikh (Deli Boys, Ms Marvel).

The supporting cast includes Victorian talent Maria Thattil (Empire City), Leah Vandenberg (The Let Down), Georgina Naidu (Troppo), Shapoor Batliwalla (Ice Road: Vengeance) Sunny S Walia (Shantaram), Sharon Johal (The Twelve), Vidya Rajan (Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café), Shamita Siva (Good Cop Bad Cop), YouTube star, Who Gives A Crap Co-Founder Jehan Ratnatunga, along with Yasmin Kassim (Anaconda), Canadian actor Swathi Umesh (Family Values) and newcomer Kiana Scire.

An official co-production with Canada, Written in the Stars is produced by Leanne Tonkes (The Second), Melissa Russo (Together), Jenni Tosi (How To Stay Married s2), Andria Wilson Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams), Marc Tetreault (Sharp Corner, At The Place of Ghosts), and Jason Levangie (Sharp Corner, At The Place of Ghosts).

The production will inject over $4 million into the Victorian economy and create an estimated 300 jobs for Victorian crew, local cast, and extras, including director of photography Michael Lincoln, production designer Paddy Reardon, costume designer Shauna Lovisetto and makeup and hair designer Lizzie Sharp, with Australian casting by Alison Telford and Kate Leonard.

Written in the Stars is filming on location in and around Melbourne, including Keilor, Keilor East, Pascoe Vale, East Melbourne, South Melbourne and Melbourne CBD.

Written in the Stars is a Sense & Centsability, Baby Daal Productions and Shut Up & Colour Pictures Australian/Canadian Co-production. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Telefilm Canada. Financed in association with VicScreen. Local distribution by Maslow Entertainment in Australia and Mongrel Media in Canada. International sales by Blue Fox Entertainment.

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Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said, “Home-grown talent creates home- grown jobs and a strong economy, and hundreds of jobs will be created through Su Dharmapala’s skills as a writer, alongside our fantastic local film crews and excellent film locations. Telling our stories, like Written in the Stars, and have them be read and screened around the world is a wonderful tribute to the depth and breadth of our local creatives and their talent.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “We are delighted to support the screen adaptation of Victorian author Su Dharmapala’s story of life and love within Melbourne’s Sri Lankan diaspora. It is fantastic to see this talented female-led creative team, cast and crew come together in this extraordinary cross-cultural collaboration. This sparkling romance is another VicScreen-supported production that will showcase our local screen industry to global audiences”.

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Written in the Stars offers a sparkling, warm and witty take on the romantic comedy genre. Under Fawzia Mirza’s direction and with Menik Gooneratne’s sassy screenplay, the film centres Melbourne’s Sri Lankan diaspora while deftly exploring the universal tensions between tradition and modern life across love and family. From Australia to Canada and all around the world, audiences will find a deep connection and lots of laughs in this warm and uplifting story.”

Lead Producer Leanne Tonkes said, “The production of Written in the Stars marks the realization of a bold vision that began with Sense & Centsability – a vision to bring a powerful female-led story to audiences around the world. Along the journey, we were fortunate to find creative partners who shared that belief and recognized the opportunity for this story to resonate far beyond borders.

“Sense & Centsability and Baby Daal Productions are united by a commitment to authentic storytelling, innovation, and amplifying diverse voices. Together with the creative expertise and support of Shut Up & Colour Pictures, this collaboration is a testament to what can happen when like-minded partners come together with a shared purpose and passion.”

“We look forward to Written in the Stars touching hearts, sparking conversations, and connecting audiences across the globe. More than a film, it is a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring power of stories to bring people together and inspire meaningful change.”

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For accompanying image assets, click here and captions below:

Single: Actor-screenwriter-producer Menik Gooneratne on the set of Written in the Stars. Credit: Sarah Enticknap.
Group l-r: Director Fawzia Mirza, actor-screenwriter-producer Menik Gooneratne, VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher, author Su Dharmapala and producer Leanne Tonkes on the set of Written in the Stars. Credit: Sarah Enticknap.