Draft:Streets of Colour

Streets of Colour is a 2023 Australian drama coming of age film written and directed by Ronnie S. Riskalla. The film stars Rahel Romahn (Shantaram, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Surfer) as Tez, a young drug dealer fighting his way back to redemption with help from his girlfriend Madison played by Veronica Cloherty and a mysterious guiding figure played by Peter McCallum (The Flood, 100% Wolf). The film also stars Elliott Giarola (The Wilds, Ten Pound Poms), Peter Maple (Carmen and Bolude, Get Free), Thuso Lekwape and Athiei.

Plot
After being blamed for the death of his best friend in a racist street fight. Tez, a 23 year old drug dealer loses custody to a son he's never met. Battling a drug addiction and coming to terms with losing his friend, he'll need to clean himself up fast before his son is taken away forever.

Cast

 * Rahel Romahn as Terence 'Tez' Hadid
 * Veronica Cloherty as Madison Hopkins
 * Elliott Giarola as Kyle Madden
 * Peter Maple as Gazza Madden
 * Thuso Lekwape as Akachi Honsou
 * Athiei as Tina Honsou
 * Peter McAllum as Alexander
 * Zoran Gulaboski as

Production
Streets of Colour was a seven-year project for Writer/Director Ronnie S. Riskalla. The film is based on Riskalla's own experiences with racism and other cultural prejudices within the Mount Druitt area of Western Sydney where the film was shot and is set.

Release
The film premiered to a packed house at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on 26th June 2023. It then went on to a limited cinema release nationally around Australia. Cinema Australia said, "The world premiere of Streets of Colour at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace was a glittering affair, with cast and crew walking the red carpet."

Swan Hill Victoria was

Distribution
A Press Release from FilmInk mentioned, "Streets of Colour, a gritty and powerful urban drama set in the suburbs of Western Sydney, has been acquired by ANZ distributor Screen Inc with WIDE Entertainment looking after ROW sales."

Soundtrack
The Streets of Colour (Original Motion picture) soundtrack features a talented mix of diverse up and coming Australian Artists. Available on Spotify and all other major Music platforms.

Track listing:


 * 1) "Growing up in the West" by That Kid Kearve, Nickaux
 * 2) "DMU (Drag Me Under)" by BadLove
 * 3) "What is Right" by Inferno
 * 4) "Pain in Me" by Ruben Seven, PowerNapz, Contantine
 * 5) "ThrowAway Bars Ep.11" by Qik Cav
 * 6) "Artist" by Sons X Saints
 * 7) "Get it Done" by That Kid Kearve
 * 8) "Need to Know" by Michael Acosta
 * 9) "24-7" by Jamel
 * 10) "Out Here" by Qik Cav
 * 11) "Black Noise" by Sons X Saints
 * 12) "World on My Back" by Big Red Cap
 * 13) "Streets of Colour" by Ruben Seven, Careless Whisper
 * 14) "You're not welcome here" by Luna Pan
 * 15) "Akachi's Theme" by Luna Pan
 * 16) "Eternal Rest grant unto him oh Lord" by Luna Pan
 * 17) "You are never gonna get it back" by Luna Pan
 * 18) "Are you Spiritual" by Luna Pan
 * 19) "It's not hard finding a Junkie round here" by Luna Pan
 * 20) "Lost and in Love in the Streets" by Luna Pan
 * 21) "Tell us where he is" by Luna Pan
 * 22) "I hate the way they look at Me" by Luna Pan
 * 23) "Message in a Feather" by Luna Pan
 * 24) "This is all Your Fault" by Luna Pan
 * 25) "It wasn't your fault, Tez" by Luna Pan
 * 26) "We're square, I'm Done" by Luna Pan
 * 27) "You believe in a higher power right" by Luna Pan
 * 28) "A ringing in your ears" by Luna Pan
 * 29) "I'm doing this for Akachi" by Luna Pan
 * 30) "Missing Akachi" by Luna Pan
 * 31) "You're a Father now" by Luna Pan
 * 32) "Streets of Colour Main Theme_Finale" by Luna Pan

Reception
Since its theatrical release the film has garnered mostly positive reviews from critics and film goers alike, with high ratings on both Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB. Erin Free of FilmInk praised the film saying, "It's a stunning depiction of an Australia not frequently seen on screen…".

FilmCentral Magazine stated, "It fearlessly exposes the complexities of life, showcasing both the beauty and the harsh realities. With an unwavering commitment to truth, Streets Of Colour spotlights the individuals caught amidst the chaos. A strong and impactful work from a passionate filmmaker deeply connected to the pulse of Australia, this film demands the attention it deserves, reflecting the nation’s current state."

Cinema Australia said, "Streets Of Colour bristles with self-identity and anger while making a desperate plea for peace and understanding. Boasting an extraordinary lead performance from Rahel Rohman (The Combination, Shantaram, Here Out West), and a white-hot authenticity rarely glimpsed in Australian cinema, Streets Of Colour is a truly contemporary and utterly unforgettable work."

The Indian Newspaper Sydney commented, "The film’s talented cast, including renowned actors such as Rahel Romahn, Simon Elrahi, Elliott Giarola, Veronica Cloherty and breakthrough stars, delivered captivating performances that brought the characters to life with remarkable authenticity. Audience reactions united at key moments in the film and sniffles could be heard at times. The film was not only touching but highly entertaining and unlike what is generally seen on Australian screens."

Online Culture hub The Curb stated, "The world premiere of Streets of Colour at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace was a glittering affair, with cast and crew walking the red carpet."

Swan Hills' The Guardian commented, "the Showbiz Cinema was the host of a sell-out movie screening of Streets of Colour, with not a spare seat in all three of the cinema's theatres."

RealSydneyNews on Instagram describes the film as "an 'emotional rollercoaster', the film tells a confronting story of facing adversity set in the unique world of Sydney's outer suburbs - a diverse and rarely-explored cinematic landscape. The gritty urban drama also stars Heath Ledger Scholarship winner Rahel Romahn, who has already featured in film and TV projects including 'Mr InBetween' and 'Little Monsters'."

Tony Ling of TheAUreview.com mentions, "Streets of Colour is as much a courageous Australian tale of identity and tragedy, as it is a harsh reminder about the difficulties of filmmaking and working your story from script to the editing room. Drawing from the director’s own difficult upbringing in Western Sydney, the raw personal vigour of this film transcends the screen and captivates from the beginning."

The Hindu Council of Australia says, "Streets of Colour: A Powerful Film about banning Nazi symbols Gains Recognition and Nominations" The film led to the enactment of the Crimes Amendment (Nazi Symbols and Salutes) Bill 2023. The bill banned Nazi hate symbols and freed sacred Hindu Swastika from its self imposed prison. Hindu Council had worked with other organisations to help bring the Bill about.

The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies held a special event screening at NSW Parliament House which took place on Wednesday, September 20th 2023. The event was co-hosted by Dr Joe McGirr MP, Joint Justice Initiative and NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. A Q&A discussion followed the screening, exploring the film’s themes and the push to ban Nazi symbols and salutes as part of the Crimes Amendment (Nazi Symbols and Salutes) Bill 2023. The discussion was moderated by Dr Yona Gilead (The Malka Einhorn Modern Hebrew Director, The University of Sydney).

Streets of Color

Awards and Nominations
2024 AACTA AWARDS:

Nominated - Best Indie Film

Video of the 2024 AACTA Nominations for Best Indie Feature.

2024 Screen Producers Australia (SPA) Awards:

Nominated - Feature Film Production of the Year