Ben Elton’s latest movie Three Summers features romance, comedy, the message of multiculturalism and a largely Australian cast including Maddington resident Kelton Pell.
Over the years Mr Pell has built himself a reputation for being one of the country’s finest Indigenous actors.
He said he simply fell into acting and never imagined he would one day become an actor.
“My mother told me about an audition in the mid 1980s,” he said.
“I went along and got the part and I’ve been acting ever since.”
Mr Pell said working with author, director and stand up comedian Ben Elton and the cast and crew was a great experience.
“Ben acknowledged the place and the people,” he said.
“We had a smoking ceremony and he introduced everyone to country.
“It was great.”
Mr Pell’s character Jack is introduced to audiences when he steps of the bus and says, ‘g’day, Jack’s my name, welcome to my country.’
He said it was important to him that people knew more about the Indigenous culture.
“Some people can have a false impression of Aboriginal culture,” he said.
“The dialogue in the movie, about being occupied was great and Ben really did his research and wrote a good story.”
One of the lines in the movie describes the Fairbridge Music Festival, the location of the story, as Australia in a tent.
The people at the festival include those with Irish ancestry, an Afghan boy who used to be a refugee, Indigenous boys and Morris dancers.
Mr Pell said the film was a real reflection of Australian society.
“It doesn’t matter what your race, religion, culture, or background we need to be more accepting of one another,” he said.
“Perth still has a long way to go but we’re getting there.”
