The Cameleer (Feature)
Logline:
A Pashtun cameleer escorts a young Englishwoman across the brutal Australian outback - pursued by her violent, jilted suitor.
A journey of unexpected love and redemption.
Synopsis:
In 1882 Australia, cameleer ABDUL ALLUM (30) is desperate to return to his homeland to avenge his wife’s murder and regain his honour as a Pashtun man – but he is too poor to afford the steamship ticket home.
When a young Englishwoman, ABIGAIL TELFORD (21), offers him a large sum to escort her across the remote outback, Abdul takes the job - knowing he will be shot on sight if they’re caught by her powerful, jilted suitor.
At first the unlikely companions clash, but their cultural differences dissolve and a strong attraction deepens during the deadly pursuit.
If they’re able to survive, Abdul will have to choose between the pull of his past or an unexpected new future in this harsh, but beautiful land.
The Cameleer is a powerful and unflinching migrant story set in Australia’s pioneering era, told from a cultural perspective seldom seen in mainstream film.
A classical and thrilling romance, the film is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Flinders Ranges.
Target audience:
Mainstream; 35-44 & 45+; Skewing female
Comps:
Witness, The African Queen, Walkabout
Project history:
Selected for Melbourne International Film Festival ‘Post Script & Direct’ pitching program – 2015
Film Victoria Script Development Funding Support 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Stage of development:
Fifth draft.
Developed with the assistance of Film Victoria.
Request a pitch-deck, and/or read the script.