The Babadook producers, Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings are gearing up for their next project. They are focusing on the expansion of director, Jon Bell’s The Moogai short film. Bell’s short is going to be made into a full-feature film.
The synopsis for The Moogai goes like this:
A young Aboriginal couple brings home their second baby. What should be a joyous time takes a sinister turn, as the baby’s mother starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. The feature explores post-natal depression, transgenerational trauma and Australia’s Stolen Generation (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were removed from their families between 1910 and 1970).
“The Stolen Generations are a hugely important part of Australia and the fear of somebody stealing your children is a universal fear for parents around the world.” Jon Bell said “When it’s codified into government policy, it becomes a lived horror. I’m hugely honoured to have the team from the short film back for the feature and excited to introduce this expanded version of the story to the world. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the idea of what Australia is, of legislated genocide, and the Aboriginal peoples that refuse to go quietly into the night.“
The Moogai is set to star Shari Sebbens (Thor: Ragnarok) and Meyne Wyatt (The Sapphires), who were both in the short. Tessa Rose (Glitch), Clarence Ryan (Cleverman), Toby Leonard Moore (John Wick), and Bella Heathcote (The Neon Demon).
We will keep you updated on future Moogai developments.