:: Summer Coda set for October release

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

The long awaited directorial debut from Richard Gray, SUMMER CODA, is confirmed to release in Australian cinemas on October 21. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the orange groves of Mildura along the Murray River, SUMMER CODA is a refreshing romance starring Rachael Taylor and Alex Dimitriades, plus a stellar supporting cast including Susie Porter, Jacki Weaver, Nathan Phillips, Angus Sampson and Cassandra McGrath.

“After 6 years since completing the first draft, I'm incredibly excited about the finished film. Rachael and Alex were wonderful to work with, and filming Summer Coda in Mildura's spectacular orange groves and splashing around in the Murray River was a dream come true. It's an exciting romantic drama that we hope will appeal to a wide audience,” said director, Richard Gray from Melbourne.

Having grown up with her mother in Nevada, Heidi (Rachael Taylor) hasn’t spoken to her father since she was seven. Now a young woman, haunted by his memory, she returns to Australia seeking closure. Travelling to her hometown on a shoestring, Heidi is forced to hitchhike and busk for cash. Her talent on the violin gains the attention of handsome orange grove owner Michael (Alex Dimitriades), who offers Heidi a ride. Both are initially guarded, but an unexpected connection soon blossoms.

Fleeing to Michael’s orange grove after a family reunion turns sour, Heidi finds the escape and camaraderie she craves. Whilst Michael seems conflicted over Heidi’s presence, it’s picking season and he is soon immersed in the colourful surrounds and offbeat characters of the arriving citrus pickers. However, when Heidi drops her guard and reveals her feelings, Michael struggles to reciprocate, his wit and charm masking a tortured soul. As the past unravels, Michael and Heidi are forced to confront the future, discovering that their lives and secrets are better shared.

Closure is just the beginning.

SUMMER CODA was shot on location in Mildura, Victoria and California, USA and was written and directed by talented young film-maker Richard Gray, whose screenplay was runner-up in Project Greenlight Australia. Gray is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, School of Film & Television.

SUMMER CODA was produced by Revival Film Company, privately funded, with screenplay and post production support from Film Victoria. The film will be distributed nationally by Sharmill Films and Jump Street Films.