Local film set for debut

Riz is the first film by Casula company Curious Works and was created by local talent, including co-director and co-writer Guido Gonzalez.

"The story originates from my circle of friends growing up in Cabramatta," he said.

"I wanted to show characters from western Sydney in a different light not a sterotypical light.

"It's an Australian film with Australian characters and I want the audience to accept us for who we are."

Riz is the coming-of-age story of an Indian boy struggling to maintain a double life between his friends on the streets of south west Sydney and his middle class girlfriend.

For Mr Gonzalez the film is the achievement of a lifelong goal, but it's also a positive twist on a moment in his life that led his friends to grow apart.

"Sometimes our friendships are bigger than our problems," he said. "I'm amazed, pumped, stoked; it's hard to explain but I've been dreaming of making something like this since I was a child.

"The main thing is that our stories are important - we matter."

The cast and crew of the film include 20 local residents, with some as young as 16 being trained in film making and production as part of Curious Works.

Riz will show at the Casula Powerhouse on June 7 at 7pm.Cost: $15 for adults and $13 concession.

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