Orange filmmaker Luisa Machielse, from Cherrypip Productions, will direct the short film "Piet and the Wooden Statue" in the region early this year, in a move set to boost the local economy and promote tourism in Cabonne.

The film tells the story of a young boy, Piet, who must come to terms with the passing of his mother and the introduction of his father's girlfriend.

"I wrote it in the Netherlands thinking it would get done there. But coming back to Australia, I think it's more suited to regional Australia. It deals with migrants trying to adapt their lives in other countries and, being set in the '60s, has the backdrop of the Vietnam war, which has parallels to today's war," Ms Machielse said.

"Australia has a rich multicultural history but we don't really hear often about the experiences of northern European migrants."

Ms Machielse said the movie would be shot in areas including Lake Canobolas, Boree and Nashdale, while a location for the central homestead in the film is yet to be determined.

And she hopes locals can play a significant role in the project, which will have a budget of about $50,000.

"I think that will really add to the authenticity of the movie. We'll be holding casting auditions in the new year but we'd also like community involvement in the way of business sponsors, extras, caterers - whoever would like to be involved in a great community project," she said.

The 25-minute film will premiere in the Orange-Cabonne area but Ms Machielse hopes it will predominantly be shown at international short film festivals.

Anyone interested in becoming involved can email info@cherrypip.com.au.