Brief
Toni Collette to Direct Feature Adaptation of Graeme Simsion Novel with Screen Australia Funding
The Australian actress will helm “The Best Of,” one of 75 projects funded by Screen Australia’s latest round.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Toni Collette is set to make her feature‑directing debut with “The Best Of,” a screen adaptation of Graeme Simsion’s bestselling novel. The project is among 75 Australian film, series and short projects that will share more than AUD 16.9 million (about $11.7 million) in production and development funding announced by Screen Australia on Tuesday.
What happened
Screen Australia disclosed that the funding round supports a mix of emerging and established creators. Collette will co‑produce the film with Christopher Simon. The story follows two former lovers who reunite after decades apart, confronting lingering feelings and new complications. Screen Australia made a major production investment in partnership with Screen NSW, while Screenwest also participates in the financing.
What the reports add
Variety reported that local distributor Kismet will handle Australian release and Cornerstone will manage international sales for “The Best Of.” The outlet also listed other funded projects, such as the series “The Dark Lake” (based on Sarah Bailey’s novel) produced by Brouhaha Entertainment, and the feature “Bull” (working title) directed by Jeffrey Walker. Additional projects include a true‑story drama set in Tasmania’s toughest jail, an untitled feature about Italian immigrants confronting a wellness club, and Rodd Rathjen’s adaptation of Behrouz Boochani’s memoir “No Friend But the Mountains.”
What was said
Louise Gough, Screen Australia’s director of narrative content, said, “Australian storytellers continue to captivate audiences with their creativity, originality and distinctive perspectives. This latest round of funding supports an exciting range of projects from emerging creatives forging new paths to established voices exploring new creative territory.” The quotation is attributed to Variety.
How it came about
Screen Australia’s 2026 funding round follows the agency’s “Screen Currency 2026” report, which highlighted strong audience demand for locally produced stories. The announcement comes as Australian cinema gains international attention, exemplified by recent Felo News coverage of Delroy Lindo’s directorial debut and Margherita Ferrari’s Busan premiere. Those pieces illustrate a broader trend of Australian talent moving into directing roles, a context that frames Collette’s transition from acclaimed actress to filmmaker.
Key facts
- Toni Collette will direct her first feature film, “The Best Of,” an adaptation of Graeme Simsion’s novel. (variety.com)
- The film is part of a AUD 16.9 million funding round for 75 Australian projects announced by Screen Australia. (variety.com)
- Louise Gough, Screen Australia’s director of narrative content, praised the range of projects supported. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Toni Collette’s Directorial Debut ‘The Best Of’ Among 75 Projects Backed by Screen Australia”
