Toni Collette’s Directorial Debut ‘The Best Of’ Among 75 Projects Backed by Screen Australia
Australian Emmy and Golden Globe winner Toni Collette will make her feature directing debut with "The Best Of," an adaptation of Graeme Simsion's bestselling novel about two ex-lovers who reunite after decades apart. The project is among 75 films, television series and short films being backed by Screen Australia as part of a major investment in local storytelling, reflecting the continued appetite for authentically Australian creative voices in global audiences.
The funding round distributes AUD16.9 million (approximately $11.7 million) across the projects, with "The Best Of" produced by Collette alongside Christopher Simon. The slate includes other ambitious productions such as "The Dark Lake," a series based on Sarah Bailey's award-winning novel made by the team behind "Boy Swallows Universe," and "Bull," a feature inspired by true events set within Tasmania's prison system. Screen Australia's director of narrative content noted that these projects represent both emerging creatives and established voices exploring new creative territory, supporting the storytelling that audiences have come to expect from Australian creators.
- Toni Collette makes her feature directing debut with "The Best Of"
- Screen Australia backs 75 projects sharing AUD16.9 million in production funding
- Investment supports emerging and established Australian creatives and their stories
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Toni Collette is an Australian actress with a long career in film and television, having won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. She is making her feature directorial debut with "The Best Of," adapted from Graeme Simsion's bestselling novel about two former lovers who reunite after many decades apart.
Screen Australia, the national body that funds local film and television, has announced backing for 75 separate projects worth AUD16.9 million in total. The slate includes feature films, television series and short films from both established and emerging Australian creators.
When established actors move into directing, they often bring significant resources and industry attention to their projects. The Screen Australia funding programme demonstrates ongoing government investment in Australian film and television production.