On the face of it, they’re just another family moving to the wide open spaces of the Big Sky Country for a tree change.

But for teenage Imogen Day (Autry Hayden-Wilson) and her parents Samantha (Scottie Thompson) and Will (Nick Farnell), the move to Montana is an escape from quite a unique kind of bullying. Desperate to make a new life for herself, Imogen must overcome new tormentors, old secrets, and a strange presence in the attic in this coming-of-age tale, wrapped in a ghost story. Shot in and around the city of Livingston on the Yellowstone River – in the same neighbourhood as classics such as The Horse Whisperer and A River Runs Through It – Broken Ghost makes full use of the million-dollar scenery to boost its tiny $600,000 budget.

Helmed by Australian director Richard Gray, and starring some up-and-coming homegrown talent, it was penned by Melbourne-based husband-and-wife screenwriting team Abe Pogos and Catherine Hill, who also wrote Gray’s last film, 2014’s Sugar Mountain, starring Cary Elwes and Jason Momoa. BIFF marks the world premiere for this exciting new drama, the latest indie film to showcase Australians on the world stage, both in front of and behind the camera.

PALACE CENTRO
Friday, September 1 6:15 pm

PALACE BARRACKS
Saturday, September 2 1:00 pm

Brisbane International Film Festival 2017
17 August – 3 September 2017
Palace Barracks and Palace Centro – Brisbane
www.biff.net.au for more information and to purchase tickets online

How were his children to cope? Leaving behind a family once so prominent within society, The Mayne Effect explores the turbulent lives of five very different individuals. Two of the children descended into madness, whilst the others fought most of their lives to clear the family name. This production investigates the madness and scandal that haunted generations, and poses the question, “can wealth buy you forgiveness?”

Flowers Theatre Company in association with the 2015 Anywhere Festival presents the World Premiere, The Mayne Effect. This period drama recounts the story of a tragically doomed family who are ostracised from society after their father, Patrick Mayne, confesses to murder on his deathbed. The play will focus on themes such as relationships, mental health issues and most importantly, hope. Hope is an interwoven message throughout the show, and one which links to the stunning bannister that can still be seen today in the children’s family home, Moorlands, Auchenflower. It reads, “sursum corda” – lift up your hearts.

This new play will be performed in Harris Terrace, a beautiful heritage listed Georgian six-rowed venue that links from one house to the next. The audience will follow the action from room to room as it unfolds, and in doing so will experience a taste of Mayne family life like never before.

This is a story that resonates deeply within the heart of Brisbane, especially as it focuses on a family so prominent within society during the 1800’s. The Mayne family owned much of Brisbane’s land, and in fact Patrick’s children are the largest benefactors in building the University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus. UQ would not stand where it is today without their generous donation.

The story is also being told in a very different and perhaps controversial manner that will enthrall audiences. Their recounting of this gothic tale will leave you laughing one moment, and crying the next. The production is linked to the National Trust Festival whose theme this year is quite aptly Conflict and Compassion.

The Mayne Effect
7 – 24 May 2015
Harris Terrace, 68 George Street, Brisbane
www.flowerstheatrecompany.com