Ruben Guthrie is a bold story with Sydney at its core and it’s fitting that this major Australian film will have its world premiere and open this year’s Sydney Film Festival,’ Mr Ayres said.

‘Featuring a stellar Australian cast including Patrick Brammall in the title role and Abbey Lee, Jack Thompson and Alex Dimitriades, Ruben Guthrie was filmed exclusively in Sydney and will showcase this wonderful city including the spectacular Vivid Sydney festival, to audiences across the world.

Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, provided the backdrop for one of the film’s scenes and I’m sure opening night audiences at the State Theatre will be enthralled by the festival, with Ruben Guthrie premiering during this year’s Vivid Sydney.

‘The NSW Government is proud to have supported the production of Ruben Guthrie through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and Screen NSW.

‘This exclusive production is a fine example of the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering innovative ways of showcasing our amazing destinations and major events to new audiences while driving employment and investment in the State’s creative industries sector,’ Mr Ayres added.

Ruben Guthrie is the story of a highly successful Creative Director of a Sydney advertising agency and his spectacular fall from grace. Originally presented by Belvoir Street Theatre in 2009, the film marks the directorial debut of award-winning playwright, screenwriter and actor Brendan Cowell.

Ruben Guthrie producer Kath Shelper said, ‘Sydney is such a stunning place to live, work and play. We were incredibly lucky to have the support of both Destination NSW and Screen NSW to get Ruben Guthrie off the stage and out into Sydney’s streets to share with the world.’

One of the world’s most enduring film festivals, the Sydney Film Festival, showcases the best in cinema from across Australia and the world.

Ruben Guthrie will premiere at the State Theatre at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 3 June 2015.

For more information visit www.sydney.com/events/sydney-film-festival

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