Recently winning the Gold Award for its cinematography at the Australian Cinematography Society Awards, and receiving multiple glowing reviews, the film also sold out three weeks in advance of its first scheduled special preview in Adelaide. IndieWrap Magazine called the film “a breath of fresh air in a year full of remakes and retakes”. Under Streetlights has emerged punching well above its independent film status, exceeding all expectations. This powerful story inspired by true events chronicles the friendship between two young musicians who rise from obscurity to the cusp of stardom. A gritty, highly authentic tale of an unlikely bond that develops amongst the red dust and burning sun of Central Australia, Under Streetlights revolves around grief-stricken singer/songwriter Ella (gifted newcomer Madison Hull), who finds a surprising musical ally in Izak (Jacob Harvey), an indigenous hip-hop artist and home studio producer with a style and passion all of his own. 

Directed by visionary filmmaker, Danielle Loy, Under Streetlights weaves a multilayered tapestry of evolving relationships, shared grief and a constant beacon of hope. Through their shared love of music, Izak (Jacob Harvey) and Ella (Madison Hull) overcome adversity, both struggling with the shadows of alcoholic fathers and losing family members, while bearing the weight of diverse cultural expectations. Having grown up in central Australia and driven by her desire to provide opportunities for emerging actors, film crew and musicians in one of the country’s most remote, yet creative regions, Loy made the deliberate decision to feature an all-local cast and production crew. Loy credits this choice as “…a vital ingredient for us telling the story with raw authenticity that captivates its audience. It is only through living and experiencing life here that one can truly understand the essence of Central Australia.”

Debut leading actors Jacob Harvey, an Aboriginal Hip Hop and R&B artist, rapper, and poet, alongside Madison Hull, an award-winning Triple J unearthed folk/pop singer-songwriter, deliver compelling performances brimming with a natural chemistry that deepens between them as the story progresses, while maintaining a platonic innocence. They shine not only as actors but also as co-writers and performers of the film’s soundtrack. “This film isn’t just entertainment; it’s a mirror reflecting the indomitable human spirit and music’s power to unite,” said Danielle Loy. “Our cast of rising stars bring an unparalleled genuineness that will reverberate with all people, even those with the toughest armours.”                               Celebrated producer Stephen Kearney (known for his smash box office hit Oddball) mentored the project after meeting Danielle at 37 Degrees South Market – attached to Melbourne International Film Festival – and later asked to continue as Producer, bringing 50 years of experience to the project, helping through post-production and delivery. He notes that “Under Streetlights doesn’t merely tell a story; it embodies one. The personal experiences of our cast and crew infuse every scene with genuine emotion and truth.” Lead actor Jacob Harvey, whose real-life experiences inspired much of his onscreen story, portrays an aspiring musician alongside Madison Hull. “This role has been transformative,” Harvey shares. “It’s not just acting; it’s reliving pivotal moments of my life. I believe our authenticity will deeply resonate with audiences nationwide.”

The film’s original soundtrack features Harvey’s single ‘Streetlights’, which not only inspired the film’s title, but also shares his real-life childhood memory of sleeping with his destitute family under a streetlight in a public park. His words are pure lyrical poetry, reflecting a steely determination to transform his past struggles into fuel for chasing his musical dreams. Under Streetlights is not only a landmark as the first fully locally cast and crewed feature film to emerge from Alice Springs, but it also breaks new ground as the first feature within its subgenre to come out of Australia. The songs in the film are much more than background music—the music is a central character in the story. The film’s powerful soundtrack, which forms an integral part of the onscreen story, melds hip-hop beats, ballads, RnB, and popular culture with the unique sounds of the outback, creating an auditory experience as compelling as the visual narrative. Instead of being carefully orchestrated, this eclectic fusion of musical genres unfolded naturally, as the two lead characters—each with their own distinct style—began experimenting and blending their sounds throughout the story’s progression. 

The soundtrack is superbly supported by a score from award-winning composer Cezary Skubiszewski. This fusion of raw, authentic performances with Skubiszewski’s expert composition creates a powerful musical synergy that resonates deeply with audiences. The film boldly confronts a deep-rooted issue in Australia—its complex relationship with alcohol. For the first time, an Australian film follows the shared struggle of two very different men numbing their pain with alcohol, challenging stereotypes and highlighting that addiction knows no boundaries. This theme was very personal for writer-director Danielle Loy, who openly reflects on her own battles with alcohol. Loy was driven to break the stereotype often cast on Aboriginal people, drawing inspiration from Cultural Director and lead actor Leighton Mason. Leighton, who plays Clifford, experienced a devastating injustice when he was misjudged as just a drunk and denied medical assessment for cancer until it reached stage 4, while Loy was perceived as a functioning professional, simply because of how they looked. Amidst the heavy themes explored in the film, the disarming familiar banter between Izak’s Uncle Ronnie and Aunty Samara provides perfectly timed comic relief throughout the story. Their unbridled exchanges have infused the preview screenings with bursts of infectious laughter, enriching the narrative and adding layers of depth to this new Australian story. This unique blend of elements propels the film as a bold, groundbreaking leap for the region, the industry, and Australia’s national identity. Its story ignites a powerful and timely conversation about the shared humanity that unites us, in a world more divided than ever.

“The response to Under Streetlights in its hometown of Alice Springs has just been extraordinary,” says Dov Kornits, director of Screen Inc., the Australian distributor of the film. “We sold out four special preview Q&A screenings in Alice Springs, with the film attracting bigger audiences than Hollywood blockbusters. This has been such a great way to kick off the release of this beautiful new film. We can’t wait for everyone in Australia to have an opportunity to connect with Under Streetlights. This is a truly special Australian film.” Under Streetlights will release nationally on December 12, with a soundtrack for the film featuring the film’s stars and other local musicians, produced by Cain Gilmour scheduled for release on streaming platforms to coincide with the film’s roll out across Australia. Advance screenings of the film will take place at Melbourne’s Cinema Nova and Classic Cinemas, Angelika Film Centre Brisbane, Perth’s Luna Leederville and Sydney’s Ritz Cinema, with a red carpet premiere on December 12 at Sydney’s Hayden Orpheum, most accompanied by musical performances and Q&As.