The story behind Australia’s most iconic building, the Sydney Opera House is set to become a feature film in a Danish, Swedish and Australian co-production.
Currently in development, the film will be titled Utzon, The Man Behind the Opera House.
The film will bring together Swedish-Australian producer Jan Marnell, and Australian producers Marian Macgowan and Peter Herbert, Danish executive producer Ole Søndberg and Swedish executive producer Lars Weiss. The screenplay will be written by Petter Skavlan.
“Utzon was a great Danish architect and the story of how he created the Sydney opera is both fascinating and scary. This story has to be told,” said producer Ole Søndberg.
The film will tell the story of how Danish architect Jørn Utzon upset the conservative Australian architectural establishment upon winning the coveted international competition to design the Opera House. Soon after, Utzon’s radical design fell victim to politics, petty jealousies, and budget constraints and was forced to resign before his masterpiece could be completed.
Screenwriter Petter Skavlan said that he was fascinated by the story of Jorn Utzon and the Sydney Opera House for many years.
“The Opera House is a symbol of Australia as a cultural nation as well as a symbol of one man’s artistic vision. Against all odds Utzon managed to build his opera house and the epic battle between the architect and the corrupt Askin government is perfect movie material.”
More news as it comes.
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