Finn Little is just 11 years old. A Singaporean kid his age would most likely be preparing for the PSLE.

But the talented young actor is already starring in a feature film, with Hollywood stars Geoffrey Rush and Jai Courtney.

Storm Boy (2019), is the most recent film adaptation of a beloved Australian children's novel.

It tells the story of a young boy who raises three orphaned pelicans together with his father in a tiny shack, out in the Australian wilds.

As the birds grow up, so does the boy, but he can't remain in his idyllic surroundings forever.

The Storm Boy

Speaking to Mothership, Little explained why he wanted to be an actor.

"I want to do it because you travel the world, meeting amazing people, doing what you love," he said, crediting his mother for helping him get his start.

Little, along with director Shawn Seet, was in Singapore on Jan. 15 to attend a red carpet premiere.

The movie was screened at a new theatre in the financial district, Salt Media @ Capital Tower. It was Little's first time in Singapore.

"I love it, I love the food and everyone here, but it's a bit hot though," he quipped. His hometown, Brisbane, is way less humid.

Working with fellow stars

Little's character is the heart of the film.

He needed to demonstrate both a child's wide-eyed idealism, as well as showcase his struggle with impending adulthood.

A daunting task, even for a film veteran.

Fortunately, Little absolutely knocks it out of the park.

Courtney is full of admiration for his co-star. Speaking to 9Honey Celebrity, he called Little a "beautiful, raw talent" who applied himself to his craft.

But Little loved working with his on-screen "father" too.

"You know, Jai Courtney, working with him is great. He taught me a lot, because he's been doing this for a long time. So he did teach me a lot on set, and he's a really nice guy," he said.

Likewise, he had nothing but praise for his other co-star Trevor Jamieson, one of Australia's leading indigenous actors. Jamieson plays Fingerbone Bill, an indigenous man who helps the family.

"Trevor's amazing. He taught me a lot about the land, when we were in the Coorong, like how to make prints in the sand. He's a really decent, nice guy. He's great to be around," he said.

More to come

Singaporean film fans can look forward to more "inspirational" movies from Salt Media & Entertainment, who wish to go off the beaten path, away from the usual Hollywood fare.

The Singaporean media company, which partners with CapitaLand, served as co-producers for Storm Boy. CEO Sherman Ng wants to continue with similar films.

"I just want to focus on telling good stories that have a strong message," he said. "That's my niche, and we hope to continue building on that niche, and expand our footprint in the region."

Salt Media is going back to Australia for inspiration, with another Crocodile Dundee film in the works.

For Australian High Commissioner to Singapore Bruce Gosper, the guest of honour at the premiere, this is a welcome development.

"I think there's a lot of potential for Australia and Singapore to work together...It's an A$3 billion industry in Australia, it raises more money than the Sydney Opera House," he said.

Gosper also foresees more collaborations in the future.

"It's a thriving industry in Australia, and there's a lot of capability, so it could be something where we see much more done between Singapore and Australia," he added.

Top image adapted from Sulaiman Daud and Ambience Entertainment.