Toni Collette to Make Feature Directing Debut with The Best Of
Toni Collette will make her feature directing debut with The Best Of, a screen adaptation of Graeme Simsion's bestselling novel, Variety reported on 13 October 2026.
It is a first step behind the camera on a feature. Collette will also produce the film alongside Christopher Simon.
The story centres on two former lovers who come back into each other's lives after decades apart. That reunion drives the plot. No cast has been announced.
The Best Of is one of 75 projects sharing more than AUD16.9 million, valued at $11.7 million in US dollars, in production and development funding from Screen Australia, Australia's national screen organisation. Production funding pays for shooting. Development funding pays for earlier work such as scripts and planning.
Screen Australia made a major production investment in the film in association with Screen NSW, the New South Wales screen agency. Kismet will handle local distribution, which means getting the film into cinemas in Australia. Cornerstone holds international sales, which means selling screening rights to buyers outside Australia.
The wider funding round covers features, series and shorts. Screen Australia detailed the slate on 12 October 2026 in an announcement titled 'Screen Australia announces Narrative Content funding for 75 projects that reflect Australia's creative ambition', Screen Australia said. The organisation said the round provided over $16.9 million across 75 Narrative Content projects.
That list also includes the first feature film from comedy group Sooshi Mango, IF.com.au reported on 12 October 2026. Collette is described by Screen Australia as an award-winning actor.
What makes this stand out is the shift in role. For fans, this means watching a familiar performer shape a story from the other side of the lens, with a decades-long romance as the starting point.
