The debate over football code superiority has been brought to the silver screen by former NRL prop turn screenwriter Jason Stevens.
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Chasing Comets was filmed over just a few short weeks in Sydney and Wagga, but started life in the mind of Mr Stevens in 2013. He describes the film as a comedy drama, “with more comedy than drama”.
“Comedy allows you, I think, to draw out the dramatic premises so often some of the best comedy comes out of the dramatic themes,” said Mr Stevens.
Employing drone shots of Gumly Oval, and featuring such Wagga folklore as the invention of the Chiko Roll, and the never ending hunt for the infamous ‘five o’clock wave’, Mr Stevens is confident residents will find pleasure in seeing themselves on the screen.
All except for Mayor Greg Conkey.
“Don’t tell the mayor but we had to cut his line, he was very good we just had to get the film down to an hour and half,” said Mr Stevens.
“So he’s probably going to watch it and go, ‘where’s my scene’?”
In recognition of the part Wagga played in bringing the film to life, it will screen from August 9 around the Riverina, whereas the rest of the country will have to wait until August 23.
The film is loosely based on Mr Steven’s own life. To prepare for the role of the reverend, Pack to the Rafters actor George Houvardas spent time with the real life men.
“I actually interviewed the actual priests and got their stories,” said Mr Houvardas. “The two priests were very different from each other, one had a rough upbringing the other not so rough, but they both had the same beliefs.”
Kat Hoyos from Here Come The Habibs played his on-screen daughter, Dee.
“It’s a bit unfamiliar to me playing a reverend’s daughter, so I actually went to hear a few sermons with Jason and [Jason’s wife] Beck so I could absorb the environment,” Ms Hoyos said.
“I think it taught me about playing your truth, what you believe is right, what your morals are, and standing firm on that. I think that’s a big part of what this movie is about.”
When it comes to the question of which is the better game, the cast agree that too is a matter of conviction.
“Since I came from NRL, I’d probably have to side there, but I think watching AFL live is better than watching NRL live,” said Mr Stevens.
“I’ve actually gotten into AFL a lot more recently, only because my NRL team is going badly this year,” said Mr Houvardas.
