Roll out the red carpet

Debut director Richard Owen is rolling out the red carpet for the premiere of Stakes, the locally produced crime drama.

The Australian feature film follows the journey of a young thoroughbred trainer aspiring to fill the shoes of her recently deceased father.

Inspired by real events, the film highlights the criminal element of the horse racing industry whilst remaining appropriate for a younger teenage audience.

The movie has sold out cinemas from Wagga to Kingscliff and now Cootamundra is getting the red carpet experience.

Richard, associate producer Ken Hammond and musclebound actor Ty Butler will be at The Arts Centre from 7pm on Friday for a meet and greet, and to sign free posters for fans.

Richard said the community has been “monumentally supportive” of the production, so he wanted to repay the favour by shunning the big cities for a regional release.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about supporting rural and regional communities. I didn’t make it for me, I made it for everyone in the community,” Richard said.

The cast features several professional actors, including former Cootamundra boy Adam Drummond, as well as a host of local amateurs.

Richard loves the response from audience members who spot themselves or a friend on the big screen.

Also on display is the Riverina itself, with plenty of local landmarks and some breathtaking scenery.

Many locals will recognise the filming locations and the cast, including Ty.

The tattooed, muscle-bound skinhead cuts an intimidating figure on the film posters.

According to Richard his character “leaves a trail of bodies behind him” in the seedy underbelly of the racing world.

In reality the actor is an IT consultant by day, and will be familiar to many as he works in local hospitals.

The unmissable evening begins at 7pm on Friday for a 7.30pm start to the film.

Tickets are $17 and available at the door, though patrons are encouraged to book now for catering purposes.