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Before Dawn

Based on real life war diaries, Before Dawn is an epic retelling of Australia’s greatest victories during WW1.

Jim Collins, a young man from the outback, leaves his family-run sheep station to join the ANZAC and fight on the western front with hopes of making a difference. Soon, the realities of the muddy, ruthless, and entirely unforgiving war takes its toll on Jim. As the men in the battalion are whittled away and hope becomes a distant memory, a final chance at redemption at the Battle of the Hindenburg Line, one of Australia’s greatest WW1 military campaigns. Jim must risk death or forever carry the burden of leaving yet another man behind.

  • Jordon Prince-Wright
    Director
  • Jarrad Russell
    Writer
  • Jordon Prince-Wright
    Writer
  • Jordon Prince-Wright
    Producer
  • Levi Miller
    Key Cast
    "Jim Collins"
  • Travis Jeffery
    Key Cast
    "Thomas Nickles"
  • Myles Pollard
    Key Cast
    "Sgt Beaufort"
  • Tim Franklin
    Key Cast
    "Big Tooth"
  • Stephen Peacocke
    Key Cast
    "Cpl Beale"
  • Ed Oxenbould
    Key Cast
    "Don"
  • Jordan Dulieu
    Key Cast
    "Ned"
  • Peter Sullivan
    Key Cast
    "Archie"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    War, Drama, History, Truestory
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 40 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 22, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    500,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Australian Premiere
    perth
    Australia
    March 22, 2024
    Australian Premiere
Distribution Information
  • Blue Finch Films
    Sales Agent
    Country: Australia
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Jordon Prince-Wright

Jordon Prince-Wright Director, Producer, Writer, and Executive Producer imdb.com/name/nm5834719
Jordon Prince-Wright is a young and talented filmmaker who has achieved numerous accolades and gained considerable experience despite his age.
He was selected as the Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year in 2014, which was just one of many awards he has received in recent years.
His roles as a director, writer, producer, and executive producer began when he was still in high school where he completed a Certificate III in Media and obtaining a perfect score in his year 12 Media Production and Analysis WACE exams.
He continued his training as a
director at the Western
Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and Edith Cowan University. These institutions are renowned for their contribution to the development of some of the country's most talented artists.
Jordon established Prince-Wright Productions, Western Australia's largest independent film company, in 2010 and his innovative film financing methods have earned him recognition and inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
His work on Before Dawn, a WWI epic, is a testament to his creativity and skill as a filmmaker. He has received overwhelming feedback from veteran film production companies, crew and actors with whom he has worked, all pointing to a bright future ahead.

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Director Statement

Creating "Before Dawn" was a truly immersive journey, characterized by a profound labour of love that demanded unwavering dedication, creativity, and determination. This cinematic venture was sparked by the discovery of compelling diary entries from our ANZACs during my high school years, revealing untold stories from the Western Front. The realization that these narratives were unknown to many ignited a passionate drive to bring these stories to life on the silver screen.
My deep-rooted fascination with history led me to recognize the significance embedded in these diaries. The conviction that "they must be told" became the guiding principle behind "Before Dawn." The film portrays pivotal events including the Hindenburg Line and Messines Ridge. These battles marked crucial junctures in the war, and "Before Dawn" aims to weave the individual stories within this broader historical tapestry, offering a nuanced perspective on the experiences of those who lived through horror of the Western Front.
In bringing one of Australia's greatest military victories to the screen through the eyes of individual soldiers, we were driven to ensure authenticity in every aspect. Practical effects, filming in actual rain, and the use of pyrotechnics were employed to enhance the realism of the captured scenes. The recreation of the Hindenburg Line barrage involved a multi-million- dollar sponsored effort. Witnessing the sets being built, with thousands of sandbags and kilometres of trench networks, was a rewarding part of pre-production. All with the aim of placing the audience in the trenches with the diggers.
"Before Dawn" is fundamentally about family, mateship, and redemption. Reflecting on the project's inception in 2019, the collaborative effort from pre-production to post-production has been nothing short of remarkable. The exceptional team's hard work and dedication, from the talented cast to the entire crew, have resulted in a production that I am incredibly proud of. This journey has brought us all together, forging close bonds and navigating the ups and downs of production to create a film that I can only hope our diggers will be proud of too.
Jordon Prince-Wright, S.P.A Director/Producer