Tree puts Boonah on map

Boonah’s ‘perfect fig’, the central figure in ‘The Tree’, and (above) just one of the scenes tourists will delight in when they tour the Scenic Rim region after seeing the movie.

BOONAH and the Scenic Rim are expecting an influx of tourists when independent film The Tree begins screening later this month.

The Tree was filmed in the Scenic Rim after scouts discovered the perfect Moreton Bay fig on a property near Boonah and tells the story of an eight-year-old girl who is convinced her dead father whispers to her through the tree.

Scenic Rim Tourism Association president David McMaugh said the film, starring Anglo-French actress Charlotte Gainsbourgh, was a great story and he expected “quite a bit of interest” from tourists.

“I think it'll give us a spurt,” Mr McMaugh said.

Mr McMaugh said the beautiful Scenic Rim was the perfect destination for travellers with something for everyone from bushwalking in national parks and fishing to splashing out on a luxury getaway or checking out a country pub.

“And there are now 10 vineyards and wineries,” he said.

Boonah Mayor John Brent said he was excited to showcase the beauty of the Scenic Rim to visitors.

“I understand all accommodation options in Boonah were booked out for over a year as the film-making process progressed so the benefits of the film reach far beyond those directly involved,” Cr Brent.

Prominent landmarks shown in The Tree include the Harrisville cemetery, Boonah shops and the pub and main street of Rosewood.

The film used about 100 locals from Boonah and the surrounding region who worked as extras, built props, worked as nannies and drivers and in hospitality.

Producer Sue Taylor said Boonah residents were very welcoming during filming and she was amazed by the region's stunning landscape.

“The whole of the Scenic Rim area is incredibly special,” Mrs Taylor said.

The film opens across Australia on September 30.
 

The Tree

• About 100 Scenic Rim residents worked on the film as extras, prop builders, drivers and in hospitality. 
• Attractions in the area include fishing, sailing, bushwalking, vineyards, B&Bs and local pubs.