DUSTIN Schmidt’s latest film, The Last of the Pretty Boys, is an evocative, dramatic love letter to Brisbane and Ipswich’s vibrant music scene and explores the tumultuous path of self-discovery and identity.
Released by Bounty Films and directed by award-winning filmmaker Dustin Schmidt, the film follows shock-rocker Lazarus Graves, who must confront his past after returning home to Brisbane following a successful international music career.
As he reconnects with his roots, Lazarus faces his demons head-on, navigating a treacherous journey through self- destructive tendencies and unexpected revelations.
The film is uniquely South East Queensland, with scenery including Brisbane and Ipswich landmarks, while the soundtrack features artists from the region.
“The Last of the Pretty Boys is my homage to Brisbane’s vibrant music scene,” Schmidt said.
“We filmed in real venues and involved a community of local musicians and talents, aiming to capture the authentic spirit of the scene.
“I wanted to try and capture as much of the beautiful scenery as we could.
“Once I knew I was going to direct it myself, I rewrote the middle section of the movie to take place in Ipswich so we could showcase the town, and the talented artists we have.
“There’s heaps of local bands on the soundtrack and both the lead actors grew up in Ipswich and came back to their home turf to film.
“The journey of making this film has been both challenging and rewarding, deeply rooted in a punk rock, DIY ethos.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, and hope viewers find as much meaning and connection in the film as we did in bringing it to life,” Schmidt said.
The Last of the Pretty Boys has been showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide, including the Barcelona Indie Awards, Titan International Film Festival, and the Melbourne and Sydney Lift-Off Film Festivals.
The film has also received several accolades, notably winning at the Venus Community Awards and the Tabriz Cinema Awards, as well as Best Original Screenplay at the AFIN International Film Festival.
The Last of the Pretty Boys has received positive reviews thanks to its unique approach to the rock star narrative.
OnlyBands podcase said that even though the narrative had been played before, The Last of the Pretty Boys was its own beast.
Schmidt said he drew inspiration from his time as a professional musician that began at age 17.
“As a musician, I’ve intimately experienced both the joy and the dark undercurrents of this world,” he said.
“Writing this screenplay allowed me to weave these personal insights into a story that encapsulates over a decade of my life.”
