Australian director Kriv Stenders has signed on to direct Little Miracles, a new country music drama set to bring together Bronte Studios and First Option Pictures, with filming scheduled to begin in 2026.
The feature is based on an original concept by producer Mark Morrissey and has been written by Steve Worland and Jeremy Sims. Morrissey will produce the film through First Option Pictures alongside Bronte Studios producers Blake Northfield and Michelle Krumm.
Creative Team Comes Together
Stenders is no stranger to Australian audiences, having previously directed films including Red Dog, Danger Close and The Correspondent. The latter earned 14 nominations at this year’s Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
The writing team also brings strong local credentials. Worland is known for Paper Planes, while Sims wrote Last Cab to Darwin.
Producers said the project reflects the importance of country music to Australian storytelling, noting that while Australia is one of the world’s largest country music markets, the genre has rarely been explored on screen.
They said Stenders felt like a natural fit for the film, pointing to earlier Australian stories that blend music, landscape and character, including Slim & I, Boy from the Bush and Red Dog.
Director’s Vision
Stenders said the film appealed to him because of its focus on the emotional connection between music and storytelling.
He described Little Miracles as a celebration of how songs can bring people together and turn personal moments into shared experiences, saying the combination of music and story is one of cinema’s most powerful tools.
Music and Distribution Locked In
Veteran composer David Hirschfelder has joined the project as music director and composer. Hirschfelder’s past credits include Strictly Ballroom, Australia and The Dressmaker.
Rialto Distribution has secured theatrical distribution rights for Australia and has committed to a wide cinema release.
Further casting announcements and production details are expected closer to the film’s 2026 shoot.
Studios Behind the Project
Bronte Studios’ recent work includes Beast of War, with action thriller Train and feature film Dogs of War currently in pre-production.
First Option Pictures was founded by Morrissey to develop commercially focused film and television projects.
Published 26-December-2025
