A homegrown feature film, Cooked, the debut film from local filmmaker Cameron Utiger, is set to hit the big screen in Newcastle, showcasing the raw, funny, and heartfelt journey of Australian adolescence.
The project, written, produced, and directed by Cameron when he was just 21, captures the chaos and camaraderie of a group of mates on the night of their final high school exam.
Self-funded through personal investment and a successful crowdfunding campaign, Cooked is a passion project years in the making. The film was shot entirely in Newcastle while Cameron juggled university studies and work, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences with his friends.
The story follows Ethan and his best mates as they embark on one final night of teenage revelry before stepping into adulthood. What begins as a celebration quickly turns into an unpredictable rollercoaster, testing friendships and pushing the group into uncharted territory.
Inspired by cult classics like Superbad, Cameron infused the script with moments of nostalgia, humour, and authenticity, ensuring audiences will see themselves in the characters and their experiences.
Bringing the vision to life amid COVID restrictions was no small feat. With production support from local company Tommirock Studios and a cast sourced from across Australia, Cameron navigated countless challenges to ensure the film made it to the screen.
Cooked, the debut film from local filmmaker Cameron Utiger, will premiere at Event Cinemas Kotara on 27 March. Following its cinematic debut, Cooked will be available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Google Play in April. Check out the trailer below and find out more about the film by heading to thefilmcooked.com.
