A feature film based on the true story of Bruce and Denise Morcombe and their battle for justice for their murdered son Daniel will reveal the truth behind the police investigation, says director Peter Cousens.
The film Where Is Daniel? is based on the book of the same name by Bruce and Denise Morcombe, which details their tireless search for answers about their 13 year old son's disappearance. Daniel was abducted from a bus stop on the Sunshine Coast in December 2003 and the protracted investigation became the biggest ever in the history of the Queensland Police.
Producer Rod Hopping and Cousens want to bring a dramatised version of their story to the big screen, and have started a Kickstarter crowd funding campaign to try to raise $300,000 in 30 days to allow them to bring the film one step closer to reality.
"Our journey seems to have connected with people all over Australia and around the world," says Denise Morcombe in a new video on the fundraising page.
"After reading our book Where is Daniel? filmmakers approached us with the idea of bringing our story to life on the big screen. They discussed the potential for a film to give Daniel a voice."
The film takes place after the abduction, and will be eye-opening, even for the many Australians who followed Daniel's tragic story over many years, says Cousens.
"[The story] is so well documented, but the dots really haven't been put together in a way that really reveals the truth behind that investigation, and the heroes inside that police service who are sort of unsung," Cousens tells SBS.
"There is an element to it which is sort of jaw-dropping, in what is revealed about the process of that investigation over such a long period of time.
"The film is both an uplifting film about the Morcombes' courage and determination and advocacy, but also it is a film which will kind of reveal the way the police investigation was dealt with, and how particular police men and women really held onto that blue line and sought justice and truth themselves. They wouldn't let go. This case could have been cold and the perpetrator could be still out there, killing."
Brett Peter Cowan was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 for killing Daniel in 2003.
To date, more than $52,000 has been raised since the Kickstarter campaign launched on July 5.
Daniel Morcombe's parents hope a movie about his abduction will inspire a global audience. (AAP) Source: AAP
In their video appeal the Morcombes say the film will show people how they got through the years of not knowing what had happened to their son, and how they kept going and kept focussed on helping other children.
"You're soon going to find out much, much more than you've ever known about our story," Bruce Morcombe says.
Filming of Where is Daniel? is expected to begin in early 2017, with a planned cinema release to follow.
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