New Aussie Film Features Military Gay Romance
FEATURED: Sacrifice | Instagram
A new Australian film currently in production will feature a powerful gay love story set within the military.
Sacrifice, starring newcomers Leigh Smith and Isaac Crawley, details the relationship between soldier Blake Robinson (Crawley) and humanitarian lawyer James Hunter (Smith) in the early 2010s. Smith also penned the story which featured as a short film on streaming services such as Amazon Prime.
Highlighting a same-sex relationship within the Australian Army and the level of ‘sacrifice’ encountered, the film has gained support through the Defence Force Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex Information Service (DEFGLIS).
“It’s not just a gay love story, but a unique love story that is yet to be seen and honoured,” says Smith.
“Same-sex relationships within the Australian Army have rarely been shown in Australian film and I think this story has value, not just within the LGBTQIA+ community, but for highlighting all relationships within the bounds of military life.”
“Sacrifice is an important film because it possesses character dynamics and relationships that deserve to be in mainstream Australian Cinema,” Smith elaborates.
Not far removed from real life, Sacrifice highlights the personal turmoil that develops within a same-sex union and the honourable sense of duty to the armed forces. It also involves the military personnel, friends and family caught up in the emotionally complex story.
Also in the cast are Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers), Richard Norton (Mad Max: Fury Road), Grant Piro (Utopia), and musical theatre star Marina Prior.
Former Neighbours hunk James Mason plays the role of best mate and fellow soldier Nicholas Swift. The actor who’s also had roles in Line Of Fire and Playing For Keeps, is humbled to be part of a story dealing with sexual equality.
“Sacrifice shows that regardless of our sexual preferences or any other individual traits, we are driven by the same needs and desires,” says Mason.
“Sometimes we need to fight for happiness and to be true to ourselves.”
The film is being directed by Lene Chor (Winners And Losers) with cinematography by Emmy-nominated Mark Kenfield (Choir Girl) and is produced by award-winning producer Lucinda Bruce (Evan Wood) through Lady of the Light Productions.
Sacrifice is slated for a 2025 release. For more information and behind-the-scenes content, visit the Sacrifice Instagram here.
