PRESS RELEASE
Hytra Films and Hopscotch Films’ playful and touching feature documentary, The Golden Spurtle, directed by Constantine Costi and produced by Rebecca Lamond and John Archer, has been acquired for distribution in Australia and New Zealand by Umbrella Entertainment. The announcement follows news that the film will have its world premiere at the prestigious CPH:DOX Film Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark, in March 2025. The film received principal production funding from Screen Australia.
The Golden Spurtle delves into the quirky yet heartfelt traditions of the sleepy Scottish Highland village of Carrbridge, home to the annual World Porridge Making Championships. Each year, local residents and competitors from across the globe gather to vie for the coveted title of World Porridge Champion.
Amid simmering rivalries and steaming bowls of oats, the film offers a charming portrait of the eccentric locals who keep the town’s legacy alive. Featured also are the International competitors who arrive on the scene with bold plans to push the boundaries of porridge to new heights, including Sydney local chef Toby Wilson, who is trying his hand in the competition for a second time.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Carrbridge—a village of just 708 residents—this documentary is more than a celebration of porridge. It’s a reflection on the power of community and tradition in a rapidly changing world. Beneath the joyful absurdity of the competition lies a deeper story: the resilience of small-town life and the individuals who fight to preserve it.
Director Constantine Costi said, “The Golden Spurtle is a world of humble curiosities and dreams. During my time in Carrbridge, I discovered a community brimming with wit, warmth, and poignant stories. We’re incredibly excited to have been selected to have our World Premiere at CPH:DOX and grateful to Umbrella Entertainment for sharing our vision and championing this film.”
Nick Hayes, Head of Sales and Acquisitions Australia at Umbrella Entertainment, added, “There’s a long tradition of documentaries celebrating people with passion, striving to be the best at what they do. The Golden Spurtle fits beautifully into that tradition. Its charming observations of both the competitors and the village are as heartwarming as a steaming bowl of porridge.”
Richard Huddleston, Head of Documentary at Screen Australia said, “This talented creative team led by director Constantine Costi and producer Rebecca Lamond have beautifully captured the playful existential honesty of a porridge-loving community. Highly original, the film's cinematic qualities elevate a town’s quirky competition into a beautiful celebration and I’ve no doubt it will delight audiences here and around the world.”
Umbrella Entertainment will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand, with a release date yet to be announced.
Production credit: The Golden Spurtle is a Hytra Films and Hopscotch production. Principal production funding from Screen Australia. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia and Screen NSW.
About Umbrella Entertainment
Umbrella Entertainment is a leading independent Australasian distributor committed to amplifying diverse voices and delivering exciting cinema to audiences in Australia and New Zealand. Our expertise spans theatrical releases, home entertainment, TV broadcasting and digital platforms showcasing world class films that inspire, entertain, and resonate with a wide range of audiences.
About Screen Australia
Screen Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting the development, production, promotion and distribution of Australian screen content in all its forms, across all platforms. The agency also administers the Producer Offset on behalf of Government, which underpins all local screen production. In addition, Screen Australia tracks industry data and conducts research on key issues to inform policy and support sector development. Visit www.screenaustralia.gov.au for more information.