Russell Crowe’s latest film, Bear Countryis set to make waves at the Taormina film festival this evening. The action-thriller, directed by Derrick Borte, marks Crowe’s return to the big screen in a role that promises to captivate audiences. Shot entirely in Australia, the film’s journey from script to screen is a testament to the evolving landscape of film production.
The story revolves around Manco Kapak, a retired nightclub owner whose peaceful life is disrupted by a violent encounter. Adapted from Thomas Perry’s 2010 novel Stripthe film is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, with Koreatown and Manhattan Beach serving as key locations. Despite its L.A. setting, the film was shot on Australia’s Gold Coast, a decision that sparked discussions about the challenges faced by U.S. film productions.
Behind the Scenes: The Decision to Shoot in Australia
The choice to film in Australia was driven by both creative and financial considerations. Producers Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures and Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard explained that the high costs of shooting in the United States, coupled with intrusive legislation, made Australia a more viable option. “It’s very expensive to shoot films in the United States these days,” Fasano noted, adding that the decision was not made lightly.
Director Derrick Borte praised the Australian crews and locations, highlighting how the Gold Coast’s landscapes effectively doubled for L.A. “Creatively, it was just about finding places that would play as L.A.,” Borte said. “We knew we wanted to set most of this in Koreatown, which is a specific look that a lot of people haven’t seen.” The film also benefited from Screen Queensland’s incentive package, further solidifying Australia as a top choice for international productions.
The World Premiere at Taormina Film Festival
The world premiere of Bear Country will take place at the iconic Teatro Antico in Taormina, Sicily, on 13 June. The open-air screening, attended by a 4,500-strong audience, will honor Russell Crowe with an International Achievement Award. Joining Crowe at the gala are co-stars Nina Dobrev, Aaron Paul, and Daniel Zovatto, as well as director Derrick Borte and producers Mark Fasano and Jeffrey Greenstein.
The Taormina Film Festival, running from 10 to 14 June, features a revived international competition format and a high-calibre jury led by president Jane Campion. The festival will also honor Dame Helen Mirren with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating the legacy of Italian cinema.
The Journey from Script to Screen
The genesis of Bear Country can be traced back to a collaboration between Russell Crowe and Mark Fasano. Fasano introduced Crowe to Thomas Perry’s novel, which sparked the actor’s interest. “Russell and Mark had the book, and we just knew there was something really great in there with these characters,” Borte recalled. The screenplay, co-written by Borte and Daniel Forte, underwent several iterations with Crowe’s input.
“Typically, with the writing process, having done two films now with Russell, we do a draft,” Borte explained. “He looks at it, we get together, we throw things against the wall, see what sticks, see what works with the characters, see what works with the story and refine it to get to the point where we’re ready to cast.”
Following its premiere at Taormina, Bear Country will embark on a summer preview tour across Italy before its nationwide release by Minerva Pictures on 26 August. The film’s journey from script to screen, and its upcoming premiere, underscore the dynamic interplay between creativity and practicality in modern filmmaking.
