Gembrook Primary School students Pia, Michael and Hannah are excited about the upcoming film release of Where the Wild Things Are. 37526 Picture: Stewart Chambers
A HOLLYWOOD movie filmed around the shire’s hills three years ago is about to hit the silver screen.
‘Where the Wild Things Are’ will be released at cinemas from 3 December, bringing an end to speculation that the film would never be shown.
Parts of the movie, a version of Maurice Sendak’s much-loved children’s book, were shot at a number of locations in the hills during late 2006, including Gilwell Park near Gembrook and places around Pakenham Upper.
The brush with Hollywood created a buzz around the district with local contractors involved in providing infrastructure for the production, while shops and accommodation providers reaped the benefits of the film production.
Leading lady Catherine Keener was served several times at Pakenham Upper Service Station, and two young children acting in the film stayed at Brilynbrook Country Accommodation in Gembrook.
‘Where the Wild Things Are’ is a story about childhood and the places people go to figure out the world.
The film follows the story of Max, a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home and escapes to ‘where the wild things are’.
The film, directed by Spike Jonze and produced by Sendak and Tom Hanks, was initially set to screen at cinemas in mid 2008. However last July, Warner Bros took the movie off its release schedule, fuelling speculation it would never be shown.
Stars of the movie include Benicio Del Toro, Forest Whitaker and Michelle Williams.
