Matteo Bocelli contributes musical talents to Australian director George Miller's new film

‘Cautionary Tale’, Bocelli’s lead track for the film Three Thousand Years of Longing, is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Directed by Australian Oscar winner George Miller (Mad Max), starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, the film won over critics and audiences alike at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

The song, performed by Bocelli, is a collaboration between the young artist and Grammy nominated composer/producer Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL), the mind behind the entire soundtrack of the film.

The film also marks Matteo Bocelli’s on screen debut as an actor, having been chosen by Miller to play the role of Prince Mustapha.

“I can’t believe that my first appearance in a film is for George Miller, along with this extraordinary cast of Oscar winners”, says Bocelli.

“Being involved through this small role means the world to me. Being a part of the film’s soundtrack was my goal, because music is my first passion, but having the chance to do both was fantastic. I am honoured”.

The single, released by Capitol Records, is also featured in the film’s credits, with Bocelli singing in four ancient languages, including Aramaic. The song’s title is said to have been inspired by a central line from the film.

Three Thousand Years of Longing will be in Australian theatres from September 1, following its world premiere at Cannes.

Artwork for Bocelli's single 'Cautionary Tale'. (Photo: ANSA)

Holkenborg, who has composed soundtracks for Justice League, Divergent, and Terminator: Dark Fate, also worked with Miller in 2015 for Mad Max: Fury Road.

“The film spans 3000 years of history and needed a single melody that could move from ancient to contemporary, capturing all the emotions of the characters within the film” adds the composer.

“It took two years to create it. Being able to work with Matteo to give life to the melody of the song ‘Cautionary Tale’ was a joy, not only because he is also in the film and therefore had a complete vision of George’s work, but also because he is a true artist, with a timeless voice, who has a deep understanding of the history of music”.

This collaboration between an iconic legend of Australian cinema and the beloved Italian music royalty is set to be one that global audiences will not soon forget.