Bronte Pictures produced 1978, about Sydney Mardi Gras from Doctor Who, The Rising and Wentworth writer Peter McTighe

EXCLUSIVE: Australian outfit Bronte Pictures is shooting a musical film 1978written by Peter McTighe, whose credits include Doctor who, A discovery of witches, The rise And The Bund.

The script takes key narrative moments from the birth of Sydney’s gay and lesbian Mardi Gras and sets them to music.

Set in the heart of Kings Cross, the film examines the now infamous riots, community response and internal conflicts within the community that led to the first Mardi Gras parade. The project is described to us as “a love story that becomes human, against the backdrop of what would become a major civil rights milestone.”

Sydney Mardi Gras attracts 500,000 people each year and is the largest pride event in Oceania.

The makers want to shoot in Australia in early 2024. Talks are ongoing with key creatives.

Writer and executive producer McTighe is best known for directing several episodes of Doctor who (including delivery Kerblam! pictured above), Sky Originals A discovery of witches And The rise and BBC and AMC + Drama The Bund, where he was a writer/creator/showrunner. He was also the original writer of prison drama Wentworthwhich ran for nine seasons internationally on Foxtel in Australia and internationally on Netflix.

Bronte Pictures’ current slate includes several film and television series in various stages of production, including The best surfing movie in the universe which will star Luke Hemsworth (Western world) and 11-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater (Baywatch). Previous movies include Wyrmwood: Apocalypse.

Blake Northfield, CEO of Bronte Pictures, said 1978: “This film has been in the works for some time. It is very special and a film we are so proud to make. Pete has written an incredibly moving script and it is a privilege to work with him on this script.”

McTighe added: “What a project to be a part of! Most of us in the LGBTQ+ community are aware that the freedom we enjoy in Australia today was forged decades ago in the fires of conflict, by those who brave enough to march in the streets and fight for our rights.

“This film is a love letter to a turbulent time in our political history and celebrates the people who changed our society for the better. With dancing! It is a romantic story born in the midst of conflict, a message of hope and joy that we hope will resonate with audiences around the world.”