GUNZELS
Build it. Race it. Travel through time and space it!
A bold Australian coming-of-age science fantasy adventure, currently in development and seeking proof-of-concept funding and industry partnership.
GUNZELS
Build it. Race it. Travel through time and space it!
A story about the invisible bonds that define us.
Charlie has always been told he is "special" because of his autism — a label he understands, though not one he fully defines himself by.
While he often misses social cues and human subtext, Charlie possesses a razor-sharp intellect focused on three things: his friendships with Brady and Wombat, their shared goal of winning a rail cart race, and his obsession with a mythical steam engine known as the Streamliner.
At its heart, GUNZELS is a story about friendship, identity, and the invisible bonds that define us.
Suspense, warmth, intrigue, and wonder.
GUNZELS is a story about friendship, discovery, and mystery.
Three young adventurers uncover a forgotten railway line that holds secrets beyond imagination, testing the limits of their bond. The film blends suspense, warmth, intrigue, and wonder while remaining grounded in emotional realism.
Gunzels is conceived as a standalone feature, but with franchise potential for three films.
The production will utilise 35mm VistaVision photography to create a visually immersive cinematic experience rarely seen in modern Australian cinema.
Format
35mm film in VistaVision
It is intended to shoot Gunzels on 35mm film and in 8 perforation, horizontal photography. VistaVision is a process founded by Paramount Pictures in 1954 which is enjoying a huge resurgence in Hollywood presently, not only as a high resolution originating format but as film print, for special projection events. This is now made possible locally by three recent developments in Melbourne Australia, where production will be based.
One. Australian built 8 perf rotoscope cameras are presently being refurbished and are expected to be ready for hire by September 2026.
Two. Melbourne now has a new film lab in (Chroma Film) Brunswick, making processing and scanning overnight rushes possible.
Three. The iconic Sun Theatre in Yarraville is presently setting up to be Australia's only VistaVision projection-equipped cinema.
VistaVision would allow Gunzels to be released in DCP (Digital Cinema Package) at 2K, 4K, and 8K standards, making it attractive to broadcasters like NHK, Japan. As event cinema, it would join the four other prestige theatres around the world presently enjoying 8-perf projection prints such as Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another.
Proof of Concept Funding Opportunity
Seeking
$15,000
USD — Proof of Concept Phase
- Stage
- Proof of Concept
- Territory
- Australia
- Format
- 35mm / VistaVision
GUNZELS is currently seeking $15,000 USD to support its proof of concept phase — a critical step in establishing creative direction, production viability, and funding readiness.
Funding Supports
- 01Production of proof of concept materials
- 02Development of VistaVision production workflow
- 03Engagement with Australian screen agencies and industry partners
- 04Advancement toward full production financing and distribution strategy
All investment enquiries are reviewed personally by the producer. Confidentiality and full prospectus available upon request.