ACTF News

The stunning new family film Whale Shark Jack, made as part of the partnership between Stan and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, will premiere Thursday 2 April.

Set on and around the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia (specifically on Baiyungu Country), Whale Shark Jack is a heartwarming adventure about family, friendship, the natural world, and moving forward when all hope seems lost. It stars Abbie Cornish (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Robocop) and Michael Dorman (Territory, Joe Pickett) as marine biologists Nita and Marcus, with Alyla Browne (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Sonic the Hedgehog 3) as their daughter, Sarah. 

Whale Shark Jack follows the family’s idyllic life on their research catamaran, Playground, where together they follow the migratory path of the biggest fish in the ocean - the majestic, gentle, and awe-inspiring whale shark. Sarah, who has been raised on the sea, is fearless and embarks on all kinds of adventures with her only friend, Jack, an endangered whale shark she rescued as a pup. But when Sarah and her mother suffer an unexpected tragedy, Nita moves them to the remote coastal town of Exmouth in north-western Australia, believing a new start on solid ground will help them both heal. 

With no idea how to navigate life on land and make new friends, Sarah is desperate to return to her old life on Playground and be with Jack once again. When Jack fails to return from his migration, Sarah embarks on a risky mission to find him. 

Whale Shark Jack also stars Ursula Yovich, Karen O’Leary and Rachel Ward and features emerging talent Jayden Boundry, Luca Miller, Giselle Philogene, and Emmi Williams in their first feature film acting roles.

Whale Shark Jack was developed by a Western Australian creative team, including screenwriter and author Kathryn Lefroy and sibling directors Miranda Edmonds and Khrob Edmonds in their feature directorial debut. It is produced by Timothy White and Miranda Edmonds. The team developed the film on Baiyungu Country and worked closely with Associate Producer and Baiyungu Traditional Owner Hazel Walgar, who assisted the team in understanding the deep cultural connection to this land and sea.

Whale Shark Jack is the second film in the ACTF and Stan partnership, bringing original new films to children and their families. It follows the award winning Windcatcher (2024). A third film will go into production in 2026.

Whale Shark Jack premieres April 2, only on Stan.

The Stan Original Film Whale Shark Jack is produced by Cottesloe Films and Southern Light Films, as part of the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) / Stan Family Film partnership. ​Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and Stan. Financed with support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the Western Australian Government through the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund, and in association with Minderoo Pictures. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.