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Paper Planes

Ajyal Film Series

Robert Connolly / Feature Narrative / Australia / 2014 / Colour
In English / Arabic subtitles
Interests: Family, Children
Qatar Premiere
Rated: Parental guidance is advised. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.

Synopsis

Since his mother died, 11-year-old Dylan (newcomer Ed Oxenbould) has been left to fend for himself, as his grief-stricken father (Sam Worthington, of ‘Avatar’ fame) has fallen into a deep depression and spends most of his time sleeping and watching television. One day, Dylan discovers his exceptional talent for creating paper planes – during a class contest, his plane performs so impressively that it flies right out of the schoolyard. Dylan is immediately obsessed with his new hobby; inspired by his elderly grandfather, he soon finds himself competing at the national level in Sydney.

When he meets Kimi, the Junior Japanese Champion, it’s not long before Dylan comes to learn that winning isn’t everything – and that a great paper plane doesn’t just go fast and far; it should also be a thing of beauty. With Kimi’s encouragement, Dylan dedicates himself to creating the greatest plane he possibly can. Meanwhile, he lands a spot in the world championship competition in Japan – but how is he to come up with the funds to get there?

An endearing celebration of talent and the encouragement that allows it to grow and prosper, ‘Paper Planes’ soars through a tale of friendship, creativity and the precious bonds of family and community.

About the Director

Robert Connolly is the writer and director of the feature films ‘The Bank’ (2001), ‘Three Dollars’ (2005), and ‘Balibo’ (2009). He is also the producer, together with his business partner John Maynard, of the award-winning films ‘The Boys’ (1998) and ‘Romulus, My Father’ (2007). Connolly received a Centenary Medal for services to the Australian Film Industry in 2001 and recently was appointed to the new board of directors of Screen Australia.

Credits

Director

Robert Connolly

Screenwriter

Robert Connolly, Steve Worland

Producer

Robert Connolly, Maggie Miles, Liz Kearney

Editor

Nick Meyers

Music

Nigel Westlake

Cinematographer

Tristan Milani

Sales Company

Arclight

Production Company

Arenamedia

Distributor

Italia Film

Cast

Sam Worthington, Ed Oxenbould, Deborah Mailman, Ena Imai, Nicholas Bakopoulos-Cooke, Julian Dennison, Terry Norris, Peter Rowsthorn, David Wenham

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