Nov 21, 20244 min read

Under Streetlights - Ground-breaking Australian Musical Drama Showcases the True Heart of Alice Springs

Updated: Dec 2, 2024

MEDIA RELEASE

Melbourne – November 2024: A brand-new Australian feature film set in Alice Springs called Under Streetlights, is poised to make history as the nation’s first entry into the musical drama feature subgenre - synonymous with iconic films like The Commitments and Once. Born from a series of creative workshops in Alice Springs, this talented collective group of artists have masterfully created a film alongside a team of local professionals including award winning director Danielle Loy and multi-award-winning producer of the Australian box office smash hit Oddball, Stephen Kearney. The film is set to host a series of advanced screenings across Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney in the coming month ahead of its national release on December 12th. Inspired by the lives of its talented young cast, it follows new friends Ella, an Australian-American teenage girl struggling with the recent loss of her mother, and Izak who is an aspiring Indigenous hip-hop artist, trapped in the throes of cultural disadvantage. Despite coming from vastly different worlds, both are grappling with familial grief, racism, cultural challenges, as well as parental alcoholism. Nevertheless, Izak and Ella find refuge in the healing power of music, their burgeoning friendship and the joy in their musical collaboration. As they work together to pursue their musical dreams, they strive to escape their challenging realities and establish themselves as successful artists.

The film features an incredibly authentic and raw narrative with all original songs written by the lead cast, who also played mirror roles on-screen. The extraordinary soundtrack to the film takes centre stage, as the music itself becomes a central character in the story - including the film’s theme song "Streetlights”, written as an original piece by lead actor Jacob Harvey. The powerful soundtrack blends hip-hop beats, hypnotic ballads, and smooth RnB combined with the unique sounds of the outback, creating an auditory experience that is as compelling as the visual narrative.

Director/ Danielle Loy said, “"Under Streetlights is more than just a film—it’s a wake-up call, a celebration, and an invitation to rethink the way we see and hear each other. Built on the passion, resilience, and raw talent of young artists from Central Australia, this film shines a light on a region too often misunderstood. It challenges outdated stereotypes, flipping the narrative to showcase the extraordinary creativity, strength, and humanity that thrive here. Through music, connection, and storytelling, we’re sharing a deeply personal journey that asks: what if we looked beyond the headlines and embraced the diversity of voices that make up this country? With these upcoming screenings and our national release, we’re starting a much-needed conversation—one that celebrates the untold stories and inspires all of us to see the real people behind them."

The Under Streetlights cast, and crew will host a series of advanced screenings in November which will include live Q&A’s and live performances from the soundtrack in Melbourne on Thursday 21st November at Cinema Nova Carlton and on Friday 22nd November at Elsternwick Classic Cinema. This will be followed by advanced screenings in Brisbane at Angelika Cinemas on Sunday 24th November; and a screening in Perth at the Rooftop Cinema on Wednesday 27th November. The film will then open nationally with a red-carpet gala event on December 12th at the Hayden Orpheum Cinema in Cremorne, Sydney.

In a world more polarized by difference than ever, Under Streetlights flips this concept directly on its head, exploring the common ground amongst all humanity regardless of their differences.

"A sweet, affecting, deeply thoughtful celebration of music and

Friendship, under streetlights hits all the right notes."

- Filmink

"This isn't just another coming-of-age drama: it's an emotional tour de

Force that breaks boundaries and sparks connections, creating an un-

Forget table cinematic experience that will profoundly affect audiences

In an unprecedented style."

- Indiewire

For interview requests or to attend a screening please contact:Publicist Aisling Brady e: aisling@aecreativecomms.com.au m: 0424 520 345

OR Ananya Anand e: ananya@aecreativecomms.com.au m: 0456 680 756

Follow Under Streetlights on Instagram and Facebook for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Website : https://understreetlights.com/home

Trailer link: https://understreetlights.com/trailer

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ADVANCED SCREENING INFO:

Thursday, November 21