Photo: sbs.com.au

The film revolves around Jacob, a young South Sudanese boy and promising basketball star of his local church team “The Sunshine Kings”, who dreams of one day receiving a college scholarship with America’s National Basketball Association.

Directed by Daina Reid (The Secret River, The Doctor Blake Mysteries) and written by Matt Cameron (Jack Irish, Molly) and Elise McCredie (Nowhere Boys), the series is set to air on SBS in late 2017.

Mayor of Brimbank, Cr John Hedditch, has welcomed the opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of Sunshine in this inspiring film.

“This film is a chance to celebrate the dreams that young people have, and we’re very excited to have this mini-series shot in our own backyard.

“We’re delighted that this inspiring film is being shot in Sunshine because there is no better place to feature a young person’s journey of working to achieve their dream than in a city with a century old reputation for innovative thinking and achievement.

“Sunshine is one of Melbourne’s great centres and we look forward to the vibrant, progressive and multicultural facets of Sunshine coming alive on the small screen,”
Cr Hedditch said.

Filming has commenced around Sunshine and will continue into April. Much of the filming is proposed to be in and around the city including Sun Crescent, City Place (Art Spaces), Hampshire Road and the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium.

The production has complied with Council requirements for all relevant filming and event permits.

Cr Hedditch hopes other film creatives and productions follow suit in creating inspiring stories set in Sunshine.

“With such a diverse culture and demographic, Sunshine is rich in story-telling opportunities.

“We welcome artists and filmmakers to explore the city as a destination for future creative projects, and to take part in community activities including the yearly Sunshine Film Festival,” Cr Hedditch said.