Sooshi Mango Secures Funding for Debut Feature Film
The popular comedy troupe is set to bring their signature humour to the big screen in late 2027.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Comedy
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Australian comedy group Sooshi Mango has secured production investment from Screen Australia and VicScreen for their debut feature film. The project follows three Italian immigrants who work to save a local community social club.
Why it matters
The film represents the realisation of a lifelong ambition for the troupe to transition their successful social media and live touring careers into feature filmmaking.
The comedy troupe commands a massive audience with more than 9 million social media followers and has successfully completed 63 performances on their recent Australian tour.
The players
Sooshi Mango
This Australian comedy troupe gained fame through viral sketches and has since built a global following of over 9 million fans.
Screen Australia
This federal government agency is responsible for supporting and promoting the development of the Australian screen industry.
Nick Kozakis
An established director, he leads the creative vision for the troupe's transition into feature-length cinema.
Roadshow
A major Australian film and television distribution company that handles the release of domestic and international productions.
VicScreen
This state-based agency works to develop and fund the Victorian screen industry through production grants and creative support.
The details
Directed by Nick Kozakis, the film is co-written by the group's members Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri, and Andrew Manfre along with Declan Fay. Produced by Paul Dainty and Cathy Rodda, the project is a collaboration with Pizza Oven Productions and will be distributed by Roadshow.
Timeline
April 2026: The production embarked on an international tour.
13 October 2026: Screen Australia announced funding for 75 narrative projects.
October and November 2026: The production performs an additional European tour leg.
Late 2027: The debut feature film is scheduled for release.
Industry Dynamics
This development highlights the growing trend of digital-first creators successfully pivoting to mainstream film production with backing from national agencies. It places Sooshi Mango among a cohort of creators leveraging their large online audiences to secure traditional studio distribution.
Fans will be able to watch the new film at cinemas across Australia when it premieres in late 2027. The project marks a change in consumption from short-form social media clips to a full-length theatrical experience distributed by Roadshow.
The takeaway
The transition from viral social media sketches to professional cinema highlights the shift in modern entertainment pipelines. Aspiring creators can look to this model of building a dedicated community before seeking institutional support for larger projects.
What happens next
The film is scheduled to arrive in Australian cinemas in late 2027.
Further reading
Discover more local humour and upcoming releases at Australia Comedy.
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Do you support local comedy groups moving from online sketches to full-length theatrical films?
