Audiences respond to “uplifting, wholesome and laugh-out-loud” family film Windcatcher

Audiences continue to embrace the new family film Windcatcher, which premiered on Stan last month.

Since becoming available to stream over Easter, the film has resonated with audiences and critics alike, with WHO Magazine stating: “This might be the most heartwarming and wholesome movie of 2024, and it will go down as one of Australia’s favourite films.”

Mamamia journalist Tara Watson wrote: “This is the kind of coming-of-age tale that many of us were raised on, in the ilk of Stand By Me, My Girl or Now and Then, but told through an Australian lens. The result is a loveable family film that is a heartwarming celebration of friendship and embracing our heritage.”

Windcatcher tells the story of 10-year-old Percy Boy as he navigates new friendships, schoolyard bullies, family changes and Australia’s natural elements to become the hero of his own story.

The film features a talented cast which includes award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Jessica Mauboy – her first film since The Sapphires 12 years ago – and newcomer Lennox Monaghan in the title role. 

Mauboy and Monaghan portray an aunty and nephew, with screen icons Kelton Pell (Mystery Road: Origin) and Lisa Maza (Wentworth) rounding out their family unit. In her review, Mamamia journalist Tara Watson wrote: “This movie is rooted in the Indigenous experience of growing up in Australia, offering an important and much-needed First Nations perspective and packaged as a quirky nostalgic movie all families will enjoy.” Geelong Advertiser journalist Rebecca Balloch described the film as: “A celebration of Aboriginal culture in an uplifting, wholesome and laugh-out-loud tale of resilience.”

Lennox Monaghan, who beat out more than 160 kids to be cast as Percy Boy, shines in his first on-screen role. In her review, ABC journalist Sonia Nair wrote: “Stories of young Aboriginal boys being proud of their cultural identities and flourishing in their communities aren't commonplace on our big screens. But as Lennox Monaghan – didgeridoo player, dancer, captain of his primary school and much-loved member of his local community – shows, it's not an impossibility and nor should it be regarded as one.”

Windcatcher is the first project brought to life by a landmark partnership between Stan and the ACTF, with major production investment from Screen Australia, ACTF and in association with VicScreen. It is produced by Meg O’Connell and Drew Grove, written by Boyd Quakawoot and directed by Tanith Glynn-Maloney.

The Stan and ACTF initiative brings exciting, feature-length live action projects to the screen for families and young audiences across Australia and to the world.

You can stream Windcatcher exclusively on Stan.

From Unless Pictures and Every Cloud Productions (Eternus Group Company), the Stan Original Film Windcatcher is produced by Meg O’Connell (Upright S2, Retrograde) and Drew Grove (Stan Original Films A Sunburnt Christmas and Christmas Ransom). Executive produced by Bernadette O’Mahony for ACTF, and Cailah Scobie, Donna Chang, and Rachel Okine for Stan. Major production investment from Screen Australia and ACTF in association with VicScreen, the Post Lounge, and Stan. Developed with the support of the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland. ACTF will handle worldwide distribution.