Film Review: Tiber – Glam Adelaide

Tweet

Tiber is a superb impactful film and a must-see at this year’s Adelaide Film Festival.

The only Australian film in competition for the Feature Fiction Award at the Adelaide Film Festival with its world premiere at the AFF, Tiber is an exceptionally emotional father and daughter road film coming with a 100% guarantee of tears.

Beginning in Rome, Australian Italian art historian Marco (Marus J Cotterell) is in an inner crisis and has just lost his job as an art historian at a university. He travels to Cortona to see the estranged mother, Julia (Tamara Godivier), of his daughter, Lucia (Uma Cotterell) where he picks Lucia up to take her on a journey towards the Tiber River. Borrowing a vintage gold Fiat X1/9 from his friend, Pietro (Emiliano Campagnola), father and daughter begin the journey through the beautiful Italian summer landscape including a lakeside where Hannibal and his elephants fought the Romans and a forest monastery. As the journey continues Marco also travels with his grief. 

Directed by Australian Dominic Allen, Tiber is his debut narrative feature after years of working as a documentary film maker. His short film Two Men won the MIFF Emerging Australian Filmmaker Award, and his immersive work Carriberrie has been shown internationally. The film was co-written by award-winning author Miles Allinson. Both have produced an outstanding poignant script. Tiber is a testament to what a small crew with a small budget can produce. Along with cinematographer Joel Betts, Allen and the crew have produced an outstanding film. 

Marus J Cotterell and his real life daughter, Uma Cotterell have an exceptional on screen connection. Uma’s skill for learning lines and acting is remarkable for someone so young. Marcus is also an executive producer of the film and an Australian actor who has been based in Rome for over two decades.

Tiber was selected for the Adelaide Film Festival  goes to Cannes initiative in 2026, with the filmmakers showcasing it at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film which is the world’s biggest film market. Following its premiere screening events at the Adelaide Film Festival, Tiber continues its festival run at the Byron Bay Film Festival and will have an International Premiere at the 7th Matera International Film Festival in Italy.

Tiber is a superb impactful film and a must-see at this year’s Adelaide Film Festival.

More information about the Adelaide Film Festival is available here: