Remember that legendary Outback Queensland story of how in 1932 on election night, daring thieves broke into the strong room of the National Bank in Cloncurry and made off with £14,000? They were never caught, and to this day no-one has ever been charged.
Well, this Thursday, 1800 kilometres north west of Brisbane in Cloncurry, the red carpet will be rolled out down the main street for the world premiere of The Bank Manager, the short film inspired by this story, starring none other than Gyton Grantley (Underbelly, The Dressmaker) and Jason Wilder (Irreverent, The Portable Door).
Because of the Cloncurry Shire Council's innovative Film Incentive Program, together with the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone, the short film was shot where the true story happened.
Co-creators of the film and siblings Madeleine Chaplain and Luke Chaplain grew up on a cattle station outside Cloncurry, hearing stories of this daring robbery. So when it came time to shoot the short film it made sense to film it where it happened.
Their connection goes further than just locality - one version of events cites their great-grandfather as allegedly being one of the naughty robbers.
"Apparently the loot is buried on our property. But I've checked and no luck yet," said Luke.
The Bank Manager is a comedy/heist riddled full of colourful characters, with writer/director Madeleine saying, "we're just here to tell the bold and exciting folklore that we grew up hearing at the dinner table."
Also starring in the short film is Paula Nazarski (In Our Blood, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and Jordan Abbey-Young (Young Rock, Elvis), as well as on-screen performances from the filmmakers themselves, Madeleine and Luke.
Following the screening in Cloncurry, The Bank Manager will feature at The Vision Splendid Film Festival in Winton, down the road on June 24. After this, it will screen on the domestic and international film festival circuit.
Cloncurry Shire Council is one of only two Queensland Council's that is actively collaborating with producers to film in the region, with the Mayor Greg Campbell keeping that red carpet at the ready to roll out for filmmakers at a moment's notice, encouraging them to make the most of its remarkable outback location by providing important and needed film incentives.
And unlike the Cloncurry Bank Robbers, Mayor Greg Campbell does not want Cloncurry's landscape and community to remain a mystery.
"There are not many backdrops as dramatic as the rugged outback landscape of Cloncurry. The red ranges, spinifex and waterways have already played host to Channel 10's Survivor in 2021, and now in a wonderful serendipity, we have The Bank Manager, written and produced by two brilliant Outback QUEENSLAND-born creatives, and starring some of Australia's best known actors," he said.
"Cloncurry has a truly unique landscape and is one of few places that can offer extraordinary terrain, open plains and waterways all in one location. It also offers a range of local businesses that are ready and able to support filmmaking in the region."
"We are the only small local government offering financial incentives to film in the Shire, and as a Council we are committed to this program as we can see the benefit it brings to our community."
"We welcome any filmmakers to consider Cloncurry as a film location and encourage them to make the most of Council's support."
The Film Incentive Program is available to film makers wanting to capture their short film, feature film, pilots or series in the Shire of Cloncurry. F
