AUSTRALIA — Sooshi Mango’s Debut Feature Film Secures Funding Ahead of 2027 Release
Australian comedy trio Sooshi Mango are preparing to make their feature-film debut after securing significant production funding from Screen Australia and VicScreen for an untitled comedy scheduled to arrive in cinemas in late 2027.
The film will bring brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri and their longtime friend Andrew Manfre to the big screen, with Roadshow overseeing Australian distribution.
Nick Kozakis, director of “Kick On,” will helm the project, which centres on three headstrong Italian immigrants attempting to save their cherished social club. Their efforts bring the local multicultural community together as they confront a mysterious health and wellness club threatening to force the venue to close.
The three comedians will lead the cast and co-write the screenplay with Declan Fay. Paul Dainty and Cathy Rodda will produce, Timothy Whiting will serve as co-producer, and Pizza Oven Productions is behind the project.
Known for sketches drawing on migrant family experiences, Sooshi Mango have built a substantial international following, attracting millions of fans and selling out arenas around the world. Their transition into feature filmmaking represents another step in the group’s development from online comedy stars to international entertainers.
Joe Salanitri said the trio had long hoped to bring their characters to cinemas and welcomed the opportunity to tell a story inspired by the families they grew up in.
“We’ve always wanted to bring our characters to the big screen, and now we get to tell a story inspired by the families we grew up in,” he said. “Having Screen Australia’s support means so much to us. Now it’s just time for ‘lights, camera, meatballs!’ That’s how that goes right?!”
Carlo Salanitri also described the film as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
“This has been a lifelong dream and we can’t believe we are about to live it. We can’t wait to bring a hilarious movie to the silver screen,” he said.
The film announcement follows a busy year for the group, whose “Home Made” World Tour has taken their distinctly Australian multicultural comedy to audiences across North America and Europe.
After completing 63 performances in Australia, the production began its international leg in April. Strong demand led to an additional European run scheduled across October and November. According to the group’s representatives, the 2026 tour will feature 50 shows in 42 cities across 23 countries.
Sooshi Mango’s popularity also extends beyond live performances. The trio have accumulated more than 9 million followers across social media, generated billions of online views and won an AACTA Award. Their music has also found chart success, with “Tarantella” reaching the top of the ARIA Club Chart and their latest release, “Italian Coffee Shop,” bringing them back onto the chart.
Manfre said the opportunity to make a feature film was something he had imagined since childhood.
“It’s one of those things you’d dream about as a kid at the cinema and it’s becoming a reality,” he said. “We get to make people laugh on the big screen. Very grateful and blessed. Truly a pinch yourself moment.”
Screen Australia announced the project as one of 75 narrative productions receiving support on October 13. The funding round allocated more than $16.9 million towards production and development.
The same funding announcement also included Toni Collette’s feature directorial debut, “The Best Of,” and Brouhaha Entertainment’s television adaptation of “The Dark Lake,” starring Phoebe Tonkin, as previously reported by Variety Australia.
Sooshi Mango’s still-untitled feature film is expected to open in Australian cinemas in late 2027.
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