Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham were among the 17 directors behind the film adaptation of celebrated Australian author Tim Winton's collection of short stories, "The Turning". The film will have its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival this July.

This marks the directorial debut of the three actors alongside other up-and-coming filmmakers such as Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page, Stephen Page, Rhys Graham, Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Shaun Gladwell, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres and Simon Stone.

"The Turning" tells the extraordinary turning points of the characters' disparate yet interconnected lives set in the Australian coast. The film is one of the four projects funded by Screen Australia. The film received a total of AUS$15 million ($4.71 million) for its budget.

Tim Winton's iconic Australian short stories will come to life, showcasing acclaimed Australian talent as well as emerging directors, writers and producers," said Ruth Harley, CEO of Screen Australia.

Blanchett also stars in the film with Rose Byrne, Richard Roxburgh, Hugo Weaving and Miranda Otto. Winton's "The Turning" received critical acclaims and recognitions from various book awards.

"TheTurning" is a cinematic experiment for the directors who will helm their own take on each of Winton's 17 short stories.

Visit MIFF's official website for screening schedules. The film festival will run from July 25 to August 11, 2013. Regular theatrical release for "The Turning" has not been announced.

Watch the trailer below:

RELATED STORIES