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01 04 2025 – Media release
Boss Cat cast (L-R): Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage.
Bus Stop Films has announced that its first feature film, Boss Cat, will begin filming in Australia’s Blue Mountains region in June.
Written and directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, with major production investment from Screen Australia, Boss Cat will star Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage. Olivia is a proud member of the Down Syndrome community, who earlier featured in the short film Sunshine, which Genevieve wrote. Julia made her feature film debut in Blaze, with television credits including The Clearing and Class of 07.
Boss Cat will be award-winning stage and screen actress Penny Downie’s first Australian project for many years. With credits including The Diplomat, The Crown and Downton Abbey, Penny said, “I am thrilled to be returning home to Australia to be part of this beautiful film. Genevieve’s script captured me instantly, and I can’t wait to be part of bringing this story to life.”
Boss Cat is the story of 23-year-old Sonja, a woman with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) who, after her mother dies, campaigns against the plans of her estranged grandmother to sell the family home and send her away. In order to galvanize the support she needs, Sonja must first channel an explosive temper into something more positive…Krump dance.
Writer and director Genevieve Clay Smith is a trailblazing filmmaker, renowned for her visionary directorial works which champion diversity and inclusion, including The Interviewer (Winner Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia 2013), Groundhog Night (Sydney Film Festival 2020) and I Am Emmanuel (Palm Springs Int. 2014). Genevieve’s work as the Series Writer and Director of the 26 x 11-episode series Fizzy and Suds (2024), has garnered global attention with three nominations at the 2024 Prix Jeunesse one of those being the UNESCO Prize, intended to honour a children’s or youth programme that convincingly promotes a better understanding of people, of different cultures and experiences.
Genevieve pioneered the inclusive filmmaking movement in Australia in 2008 when she co-founded Bus Stop Films, alongside Producer Eleanor Winkler, with the duo winning Tropfest with the short film Be My Brother.
Bus Stop Films is a female, disability led, not-for-profit social enterprise that uses filmmaking and the film industry to raise the profile of people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups, on both sides of the camera, through education, content creation, advocacy and employment. Through its Accessible Filmmaking Program, Bus Stop Films has, over the past 16 years, produced over 110 short films and supported thousands of workplace opportunities for people with disability through their Bus Stop Employment service.
Boss Cat will be produced by Deanne Weir, Eleanor Winkler and Bus Stop’s COO/Head of Screen Dianna La Grassa, with executive producers Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, Nathan Basha, and Mandela Mathia and co-producer Michele Turnure-Salleo of Feracious Entertainment.
As a Bus Stop Film’s production, Boss Cat will offer an end-to-end inclusive production pathway, creating distinctive on-screen and production roles for multiple young adults with disabilities.
A tailored workplace program will be developed to enhance disability employment on the film, considering a candidate’s areas of interest, current skills, previous on-set experience and access requirements. Participants will then be placed in corresponding departments to work and learn, being mentored by the professional crew members.
Additionally, Bus Stop Films will support the professional cast and crew to feel confident in managing, working alongside and creatively collaborating with participants through the delivery of their Inclusion in Action workshop. The program is part of Bus Stop’s Inclusive Crewing Project, which is funded through a Building Employer Confidence grant from the Australian Government.
Genevieve Clay Smith said, “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has championed Boss Cat and helped bring this story to life. It’s a joy to collaborate with an extraordinary team of powerful, diverse women to elevate Bus Stop Films’ inclusive filmmaking to a feature film scale. I hope this film stirs hearts, shifts perspectives, and reshapes what people believe is possible for individuals with disability.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Boss Cat is an entertaining, essential story and we’re proud to support this groundbreaking project marking Genevieve’s debut feature. The team’s commitment to inclusive filmmaking – both on and off screen – blends seamlessly with an ultimately joyous, engaging narrative. With collaboration at every turn, the authenticity of this film will resonate deeply, celebrating community, amplifying vital voices, and leaving a lasting impact.”
Producer Deanne Weir said, “Having followed Genevieve’s career and the amazing work of Bus Stop Films, first under Gen’s leadership and now under the guiding hand of the unstoppable Tracey Corbin-Matchett, I am thrilled to be working with this incredible team to bring Boss Cat to life, and to be a major investor through WeirAnderson Films. This is a film that will delight and entertain audiences across the globe and bring people to the cinema to share a moving ‘feel-good’ experience that we all need right now”.
Bus Stop Films’ CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett said, “In our 16th year, Boss Cat celebrates our unwavering commitment to authenticity on both sides of the camera. I’m proud to see Bus Stop’s global leadership in inclusive filmmaking recognised with the strong support for the project and for the intersectional team bringing this beautiful film to life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our many philanthropic partners who have made it possible for us to do the work we do.”
Minister for Social Services and the NDIS Amanda Rishworth said, “Inclusive and supportive industry organisations like Bus Stop Films are a gamechanger for people with disability. Not only do they provide amazing employment opportunities but they’re an avenue for people with disability to pursue their passions and express their creativity. I am committed to breaking down barriers so that people with disability can pursue their goals and build careers in the industry of their choice.”
Production credit: Boss Cat is a Bus Stop Films production. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films. Madman Entertainment is distributing in Australia and New Zealand. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia and Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films.
The production has received philanthropic support and investment from key partners including the Summer Foundation, Sherry-Hogan Trust, The Snow Foundation, Nelson Meers Foundation and Mary-Ann Lopez.
Boss Cat Media enquiries
Tracey Mair, TM Publicity
For Bus Stop Films
Ph: 0419 221 493 I E: [email protected]
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