Melbourne writer-director Matthew Holmes and his team are attempting to raise $75,000 by July 7 to fund the 30-minute film ‘The legend of Ben Hall.’

If the crew is successful, Mr Holmes hopes to premiere the film in Forbes for the 150th anniversary of Hall’s death next May. 

Mr Holmes has been writing the script since 2007 and said the film would be made with painstaking attention to historical detail.

“I’ve always had a lot of interest in Australian history - I really love bushrangers and I fell in love with the story of Ben Hall,” he said. 

“I’ve been to Forbes several times researching and visiting sites and I want to make sure that this film sticks to the facts and portrays him in a very human way.”

So far, the fundraising efforts have rallied $9,745 from 67 backers and Mr Holmes hopes members of the Forbes community will support his vision. 

“From my experience people in Forbes really love Ben Hall and everyone has a story or an opinion of him,” he said.

“This film has the potential to elevate Australia’s awareness about Ben Hall and I think this could potentially bring a lot of tourists to the (Forbes) area.”

Mr Holmes said Ben Hall’s story is one that needs to be told. 

“Most Australians don’t realise just how prolific Ben Hall was,” he said.  

“The exploits of Ned Kelly pale in comparison to Hall’s. 

“This is an amazing true story just begging for a cinematic adaption and I’m certain our film will thrill, shock and surprise many people.” 

On June 19, Mr Holmes will travel to Forbes to address council with his plans for the project. 

Forbes Shire Council’s director of tourism, cultural and community development Richard Morgan said he hopes Forbes will support the film. 

“It’s such an interesting project- they’re doing some really amazing stuff with such a tight budget,” Mr Morgan said.

 “I am hopeful that the council will see it as something that will benefit Forbes and as something that will generate interest in visiting the central west. 

“Particularly because there are a lot of people who are hooked on bushranger history and with Ben Hall’s grave here…you end up bringing the story alive in people’s minds.”

“It’s place-making from a cultural point of view and gives us a great opportunity.”

Onboard with Mr Holmes is NSW historian and author Peter Bradley, a descendant of the Hall family, as the historical consultant and executive producer and Sydney actor Jack Martin, who bears a striking resemblance to the real outlaw and has been cast in the title role.

If the film is to come to realisation, Mr Holmes hopes that the premiere in Forbes would be supported by an all-new original music show by celebrated musician and blues artist Nigel Maclean, who is a great, great nephew of Ben Hall.

The filmmakers are offering a variety of rewards to those who pledge money toward the film including online content, downloads, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, books, onscreen credits and much more. For $20, pledgers can own a copy of the film when complete.

Pledges to ‘The legend of Ben Hall’ can be made on Kickstarter at: www.kickstarter.com/ projects/2097038969/the-legend-of-ben-hall-an-australian-western-30-mi