Arclight Films has boarded anuntitled war story about Australian soldiers in Papua New Guinea during World War II, which gives former Film FinanceCorporation Australia (FFC) head Catriona Hughes her first credit as producer.

The film, which startsshooting on September 30, also marks the feature debut of director AlisterGrierson, whose short film Bomb won the comedy and people's choiceawards, and shared the script award, at this year's high-profile short filmcompetition Tropfest. Grierson also wrote the film with John Lonie.

Leesa Kahn, regularcollaborator on Grierson's short films and one of the two producers on Bomb,is producing alongside Hughes. Peter Brune is looking after the film'shistorical accuracy.

Arclight is handlinginternational sales on the film and Palace Films will distribute locally. TheFFC, Queensland's film agency the Pacific Film and TelevisionCommission and private investors have put up the budget. The five-week shoot istaking place entirely in Queensland.

The ensemble cast includes LookBoth Ways star William McInnes, Shane Bourne, Jack Finsterer and TravisMcMahon among others. They play a platoon operating along the Kokoda track in1942 who, in the face of immense pressure, show courage, endurance andsacrifice. The story has inspired several filmmakers in the past.

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