AUSTRALIA's first NRL-supported feature film, Broke, will make is NSW premiere at the Screenwave International Film Festival next month.

Broke follows the life of a rugby league star after the spotlight fades.

The film doesn't pull any punches, shining a hard light on problem gambling with entertaining performances from some of Australia's finest actors, including Steve Le Marquand (Rake, Two Hands), Steve Bastoni (The Water Diviner), Max Cullen, and rising Hollywood star Claire Van Der Boom.

Director Heath Davis will introduce the film and host a Q&A session after it screens.

"It is a redemption story, it's a second chance story," Mr Davis said.

"It happens to be a rugby league film because it's a world that I know," he said.

"I grew up playing the game around Penrith, knowing first-grade players.

"The Coffs Coast is league heartland.

"We want to take the film to the regions first."

Screenwave managing director David Horsley agreed rugby league was part of local culture.

"Having films like Broke in the program create an opportunity for the local footy clubs to come and be part of the festival," Mr Horsley said.

"It ties into the festival's ethos of making film accessible for everyone," he said.

Broke screens at Coffs Harbour Jetty Memorial Theatre on Thursday, January 7, and at Bellingen Memorial Hall on Sunday, January 10.

Sessions begin at 6.30pm.

For tickets visit www.swiff.com.au.