Cate Blanchett to direct her first film

Melbourne, Mar 22 (ANI): Cate Blanchett is all set to make her directorial debut in a screen adaptation of Tim Winton's haunting short story collection 'The Turning'.

Alice in Wonderland's Mia Waiskowska and David Wenham will also direct segments of the 'omnibus' film to be produced by Robert Connolly.

The other directors who will be contributing to the ambitious project are Snowtown's Justin Kurzel, theatre director-of-the-moment Benedict Andrews and choreographer Stephen Page.

"Winton's iconic Australian short stories will come to life, showcasing acclaimed Australian talent as well as emerging directors, writers and producers," the Daily Telegraph quoted Ruth Harley, Screen Australia's Chief Executive, as saying while announcing the project in the latest round of funding investments.

A film adaptation of Robyn Davidson's book Tracks, directed by John Curran (Praise, The Painted Veil) and produced by Emile Sherman and Iain Canning (the Oscar-winning team behind The King's Speech) was also given the green light by the film funding body. (ANI)