Breaking Barriers in Film
5.2.25
American-born Australian actor Matt Young takes on a compelling new role in the upcoming sports drama Heart of the Man, a coming-of-age film about a young boxer, torn between fulfilling his father’s dream and following his own path.
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The role resonated deeply with Young, as he saw many parallels between himself and his character.
“I play Joey, a gay theatre owner, whose world literally collides with Chris Wandora, our hero. And I show him that there are other ways to live life than to live in a world of pain and trauma. “I used to run an arts club and a theatre school, and, like Joey, I’ve mentored young men. As a foster-to-adoptive parent, I care for young people the same age as Chris. That experience of looking after and guiding someone like a son is very present in me.” Director David Cook asked Young to perform using his natural accent, allowing him to bring authenticity to the role. “David told me, ‘I just want to see you on screen.’ It wasn’t even like acting—it was just showing up and telling the truth. It was pretty spectacular.” |
Acting has been Young’s passion since childhood. “As the youngest of four, I tried a lot of things my siblings did—swimming, hockey, running—but acting was the first thing that felt entirely mine.” After discovering theatre in primary school, he quickly became immersed, performing in multiple productions and making acting a lifelong pursuit.
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Beyond acting, Young has built a career in training and casting.
When he and his husband moved to Fiji for his partner’s business, Young set up his own company through Investment Fiji. A friend encouraged him to expand beyond acting classes to media and public speaking training, broadening his expertise and influence. His work as a casting director for Netflix’s #blackAF led to a proud moment when he helped secure a role for Fijian actress Ateca Ravuvu. Though casting initially sought a Caucasian actress, Young saw potential in Ravuvu. “I could tell she was exactly what they needed, and she absolutely nailed it.” |
Matt's company based in x, x and x.
Actress Ateca Ravuvu, whose known for her role in
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