Media Release

The story of how a group of young Australian conscripts, plucked from obscurity, prevailed in one of the most ferocious battles of the Vietnam War is being developed as a feature film.

Their will, courage and mateship, galvanised by the skill and tenacity of six commanding officers, ensured this decisive albeit largely unsung battle was achieved against the odds of atrocious weather, unforgiving terrain, marauding enemy forces, and dwindling ammunition.

The victory at Long Tan, sustained amidst a rubber tree plantation and monsoonal rains, over an afternoon and night in August 1966, wrote another chapter in the history of the fighting Anzac spirit.

Eighteen Australian soldiers died and 24 were wounded in the conflict. Vietnamese casualties were some 800 dead and 1,000 wounded.

The film is being developed by producer Martin Walsh, principal of Red Dune Films based in Sydney.

" Long Tan is a story that fits well in the tradition of classic 1940's and 50's war movies like A Bridge Too Far and The Longest Day as well as recent films such as The Lighthorsemen and Saving Private Ryan," commented Walsh.

" The movie is not a focus on the Vietnam War, more a snapshot on a particular episode in Australian military history that was at once brutal and fateful, tragic and uplifting.

" Long Tan is a quintessential mini-saga loaded with heroism, mateship, humour and hope, underscored by the reality that the vast bulk of the soldiers involved were there as the result of a highly controversial system of mandatory national service.

" When you read the chief book on the encounter - The Battle of Long Tan - as told by the Commanders to Bob Grandin - you come away with a new appreciation of Hemingway's definition of courage as grace under pressure.

" You just keep wondering about this incredible cocktail of determination, guts, stoicism, luck and boldness that allowed most of the 108 soldiers in D Company to not only survive the carnage but turn overwhelming adversity into a triumph.

" This really is a classic case of Australians fighting above their weight, with resounding consequences."

Walsh is aiming for a formidable ensemble cast for the film, which he anticipates will be shot in Queensland and NSW.

The anticipated budget will be between $A15 million to $A23 million.

Subject to casting and the appointment of key creative personnel the expected release date is late 2006-early 2007.

Asked why he believes the movie will prove attractive to cinema-goers and make an enduring mark in the industry, Walsh said:

" The way I see it, all the ingredients are there – a gripping true story, young characters filled with hope and resolve in the face of overwhelming odds, a unique cinema graphic style and pace, stunning visuals and action sequences and the opportunity to showcase a high profile ensemble cast.

" There's this incredible mix of drama, tragedy, heroism and seriousness, but also this laconic humour in the heat of battle, comradeship and that never-say-die professional attitude of the rookie Australian and New Zealand soldier."

Media enquiries to Graham Cassidy on 0419 202317