Filmed in Caves

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 460, 15 September 1928, Page 24

Filmed in Caves

Australian Makes New Mining Picture

A film which its authors claim will do much to advertise Australia abroad is “Tanami,” now being produced in 'Northern Queensland by Mr. Alexander Macdonald, managing director of Seven Seas Screen Productions, Ltd., and noted authorexplorer.

TITR. MACDONALD believes that the romance of a country is never to be found in its popular scenic resorts, and it is his object to produce in the various British possessions, films that will deal with romantic phases of the country’s life. “Tanami” deals with the romance and drama of mining in Australia. The locations depict most of the phases of pioneer mining. The locations in the famous Mungana Caves are claimed to he unique in the history of film production. The fact that the Chillagoe district is now more than 1,000 feet above the level of the sea, though it has neverbeen raised by volcanic action, gives some idea of the remoteness of the period. During this bygone era vast limestone formations were deposited, and these were worn, and fretted by the action of the receding ocean until they were honeycombed with passages and caverns and grottos. In these magnificent caves a great deal of the action of “Tanami” takes place, magnesium flares having been utilised for illumination during the filming. A great many aborigines were employed in these scenes, and the appearance of these natives, bedecked with feather headdresses and daubed with different coloured clays and pigments, in the caverns and grottos, is said to be very impressive. It is expected that this film will be released in Australia before the end of the year.