Community News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more.
Camera IconCommunity News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more. Credit: Community News

Talented Tjiirdm eyes Hollywood

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

TJIIRDM McGuire (11) is what is known in the entertainment industry as a triple threat.

Hillcrest Primary School's charismatic Year 6 head boy can sing, dance, act and has his sights set on Hollywood.

With a dramatic short film The Range and a LotteryWest advert already under his belt, Tjiirdm wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol Heath Ledger.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

He even plans go to Guildford Grammar School, just like the Academy Award winner.

Filmed during the school holidays last year, The Range tells the story of an Aboriginal woman (played by Tjiirdm's own mum Liza) who suffers abuse by her white alcoholic husband.

Tjiirdm, who plays the son Sam, said he loved the adrenaline rush of performing, but some days were hard work.

"Some parts were challenging," he said.

"We would memorise lines in the script one day then film them the next, some days the lines would change and I would have to memorise new ones.

"For the dramatic scenes, the make-up artist would put eye drops in my eyes so it looked like I was crying."

The up and comer said he enjoyed being on set and watching how a film was made.

"I would like to do acting and directing some time," he said.

When he is not starring in local film productions, putting on comedy skits for his classmates at school or singing in music class, Tjiirdm combines his love for dancing and his heritage.

"I have learned three traditional dances from my Dad, they have been passed down by our ancestors from the north," he said.

"I love doing them, my Dad does welcome to country at events."

School Aboriginal Islander Education officer Charmaine Thomas has watched Tjiirdm grow up and his talents blossom.

"He has always shown potential, his parents really strive for him," she said.