In case you predict you’ll still need your fill of alien action sci-fi after films like Jiu Jitsu and Archenemy, and the upcoming Skylin3s and Max Cloud, take a gander at this: This ninth installation of Monster Fest soon comes to a close in Australia this week, and it does so in the wake of the rousing premiere of writer and director Luke Sparke’s upcoming sci-fi sequel, Occupation: Rainfall.
The festival proudly premiered the trailer and poster now making the rounds ahead of an Australian theatrical release beginning January 28, 2021. Read onward for the official announcement below as well with statements from the director, and credit details on the new and returning cast!
Writer/Director Luke Sparke‘s highly anticipated follow-up to the 2018 OCCUPATION, picks up two years into an intergalactic invasion of Earth where survivors in Sydney are fighting back in a desperate ground war. As casualties mount by the day, the resistance and their unexpected allies uncover a plot that could see the war come to a decisive end. With the alien invaders hell-bent on making Earth their new home, the race is on to save mankind.
Sparke expresses “I had lots of ideas for OCCUPATION that I just couldn’t include on the available budget. With RAINFALL I said from the get-go I’m going to write what I think the film needs, no matter how ambitious it is and then we’ll sit down and figure out how to make it happen – and what I wrote was huge. A sprawling film with so many action sequences, locations and set pieces. We announced it even before the first film was out, in a way telling the world that Australians can make big films like this. We have the capacity, the crews, the talent, to tell stories on a huge canvas and to get those big stories on screen.”
Produced by mother and daughter duo Carly & Carmel Imrie (OCCUPATION) and co-executive producer Todd Williams (THE NUN), OCCUPATION: RAINFALL is an action-packed, unstoppable and impressive thrill-ride that stretches from the scenic hills of the Blue Mountains to the battle-ravaged streets of Sydney. The film features eye-popping visual effects by local industry leaders including Creative Cupids, FIN and countless independent artists with backgrounds working on major studio pictures.
The film’s top-line cast includes Ken Jeong (CRAZY RICH ASIANS), Daniel Gillies (THE ORIGINALS), Dan Ewing (LOVE AND MONSTERS), Dena Kaplan (DANCE ACADEMY), Temuera Morrison (AQUAMAN), Mark Coles Smith (LAST CAB TO DARWIN), Jet Tranter (THOR: RAGNARÖK), Lawrence Makoare (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), David Roberts (THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS), Vince Colosimo (DAYBREAKERS), Zac Garred (FRAXTUR) and Trystan Go (THE FAMILY LAW), and Jason Isaacs (A CURE FOR WELLNESS) as the voice of Steve the alien.
OCCUPATION: RAINFALL took more than three years to make and features over 1,500 special effects and a brilliant multicultural ensemble cast of Australian and international talent.
“Luke Sparke’s film is a visual marvel and the perfect way for Australian film industry and audiences to emerge from the Covid-19 shutdowns. The film has been made with a truly independent spirit, great tenacity and courage. Most importantly it’s a wild and hugely fun adventure for the big screen” said Monster Pictures Managing Director Grant Hardie.
