Adrian Chiarella’s Feature ‘Leviticus’ Greenlight Through VicScreen’s Originate Features Initiative

Congratulations to Cameron’s writer/director client Adrian Chiarella, whose debut feature Leviticus has been fully financed and greenlit through VicScreen's inaugural Originate Features initiative. The investment is delivered in partnership with SBS, Arenamedia and Screen Australia.

Launched in 2021, Originate Features is designed to champion the work of emerging writers and directors who are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in the screen industry. The multi-stage initiative has quickly become the largest of its kind in Australia, unearthing an exceptional and wide range of homegrown talent. The development of each finalist’s project has been supported from early concept, to now, as they prepare to head into production and compete in the global marketplace.

Written and to be directed by Adrian, and produced by Hannah Ngo, Leviticus follows two queer teenagers who are forced to confront their desires after being cursed by a supernatural being.

“I've always been a big fan of the horror genre and know how moving the core emotion of fear can be in cinema. With Leviticus, I'm excited to work with a creative team to uncover a new dimension of the terrifying and primal parts of homophobia. We can't wait to breathe life into this sexy, scary, queer love story.” – Adrian Chiarella

Participants have been mentored throughout the Originate process by powerhouse industry figures, including Arenamedia producers Robert Connolly (The Dry) and Liz Kearney (Blueback), Head of Scripted at SBS, Julie Eckersley and Commissioning Editors of SBS Scripted, Loani Arman and Donna Chang.

Leviticus will enter production before the end of 2025.