Written in the Stars, a new rom-com set in Melbourne’s Sri Lankan community and currently filming in key locations around the city, is expected to create around 300 jobs and contribute $4 million to the local economy.
This is a major co-production with Canada supported by investments from Screen Australia, VicScreen, and Telefilm Canada. For every dollar invested, there is expected to be a significant return, demonstrating the value of early support through to final release.
Written in the Stars films in Melbourne – quick links
What to expect of Written in the Stars
Beyond monetary value, Written in the Stars will also contribute to positive cultural representation, elevating the voices of Melbourne’s local Sri Lankan community. The film is based on a novel by Australian and Sri Lankan writer Su Dharmapala, titled The Wedding Season.
It follows a young woman struggling to maintain her peace after a horoscope reveals now is the best time in her life for marriage. Juggling family obligations, her career ambitions and dates with would-be husbands, the book is all about personal journey and cultural expectations, with a side of light-hearted romance.
‘Home-grown talent creates home-grown jobs and a strong economy, and hundreds of jobs will be created through Su Dharmapala’s skills as a writer, alongside our fantastic local film crews and excellent film locations,’ Vicki Ward, Minister for Creative Industries said.
‘Telling our stories, like Written in the Stars, and have them be read and screened around the world is a wonderful tribute to the depth and breadth of our local creatives and their talent.’
The film will be distributed locally by Maslow Entertainment (Leviticus, Saccharine), and will be distributed in Canada by Mongrel Media (Stop! That! Train!, Unidentified). International sales will be handled by Blue Fox Entertainment, with plans for Written in the Stars to have a wide release.
The cast and crew on the upcoming project
A strong crew of filmmaking veterans are leading production of Written in the Stars.
The film’s script is written by Melbourne-based creative Menik Gooneratne (Pluribus, Mortal Engines). It’s being directed by Fawzia Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams). The cast is led by Gooneratne, Nikesh Patel (Starstruck), and Saagar Shaikh (Ms Marvel, Deli Boys).
Joining them are: Maria Thattil (Empire City), Leah Vandenberg (The Let Down), Georgina Naidu (Troppo), Shapoor Batliwalla (Ice Road: Vengeance), Sunny S Walia (Shantaram), Sharon Johal (The Twelve), Vidya Rajan (Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café), Shamita Siva (Good Cop Bad Cop), Jehan Ratnatunga (Who Gives a Crap co-founder), Yasmin Kassim (Anaconda), Swathi Umesh (Family Values), and newcomer Kiana Scire.
Production duties are being handled by Leanne Tonkes (The Second), Melissa Russo (Together), Jenni Tosi (How To Stay Married s2), Andria Wilson Mirza (The Queen of My Dreams), Marc Tetreault (Sharp Corner, At The Place of Ghosts), and Jason Levangie (Sharp Corner, At The Place of Ghosts).
‘The production of Written in the Stars marks the realisation of a bold vision that began with Sense & Centsability – a vision to bring a powerful female-led story to audiences around the world,’ Leanna Tonkes, Lead Producer said.
‘Along the journey, we were fortunate to find creative partners who shared that belief and recognised the opportunity for this story to resonate far beyond borders. Sense & Centsability and Baby Daal Productions are united by a commitment to authentic storytelling, innovation, and amplifying diverse voices.’
‘We look forward to Written in the Stars touching hearts, sparking conversations, and connecting audiences across the globe. More than a film, it is a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring power of stories to bring people together and inspire meaningful change.’
