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THE DARK REDEMPTION is a unique collaboration between Star Wars fans and up and coming Australian filmmakers. The non-profit film is set 48 hours before the original Star Wars IV. Made primarily for a fan film competition in Melbourne, the 35mm short feature has since been invited to screen at other film festivals around the world.


In 1998, Warren Duxbury, a very serious Australian Star Wars fan, approached Pete Mether about a short film project he was developing, The Dark Redemption. Warren was working closely with a team of Star Wars hard-core fans. Their irrepressible passion and optimism was over whelming.


Together they forged a team of Star Wars fans with Pete's filmmaking network. The end result was a 35mm non-profit 35mm short feature, The Dark Redemption. The project involved over 200 people all freely donating their time and resources to a fan film which shall never receive any monetary return. Sounds crazy….


The team were fortunate to muster the support of well known Australian actors and celebrities. Including original cast member Peter ‘TK421 why aren’t you at your post’ Sumner and Andrew Gibson (Mel’s younger brother). Local identities Leah McLeod, Nathan Harvey, Jabba and Maynard from Channel V to name but a few. Actors included David Wheeler, Damian Rice, Jason Chong, Martin Grelis and Alan Cinis.


Original music was composed by William Bowden and Craig Sue (Festival Records) with additional songs by popular Australian band Nitocris. But the opportunity to work with an icon of the stunt world, Grant Page (Mad Max trilogy) was an experience the team will never forget.


Realism has been created using many authentic prop and Star Wars costumes. Boba Fett, Aliens, Jawas and, of course, Imperial Stormtroopers all appear looking very much as they did in the original. (Peter Sumner has even brought back his 1970’s sideburns!) Visual Effects guru Theo Maniatis lead a large graphics team of varied experience to bring the Space Opera to life.


There was no budget, everyone volunteered their time and no money will ever be made from the project. It was made to delight the hardcore Star Wars fans and hopefully launch many long lasting film careers.

Garrock ... David Wheeler
Mara Jade ... Leah McLeod
Zev Senesca ... Damian Rice
Klaus Vanderon ... Jason Chong
Boba Fett ... Martin Greus
Lieutenant Pol Treidum ... Peter Sumner
Darth Vader ... Ben Craig
Voice of Darth Vader ... Alan Cinis
Emperor Palpatine ... Drew Sneddon
Voice of Emperor Palpatine ... William Bowden
Kyle Katarn ... Nathan Harvey
Hah'Styyk Baba ... Michelle Ellard
Lieutenant Arras ... Andrew Gibson Maynard
Lieutenant Drovas ... Jake Downs
Lieutenant Raltar ... David Lucas
Lieutenant Vallie ... Will Usic
Lieutenant Tighe ... David Edwards
Captain McDougal ... Robert McDougal