Western Australia writer Tim Winton's novel 'Breath' (on which this film is based) was first published in 2008 and won the Miles Franklin Literary Award in 2009. It was the third time the author was awarded this annual literary prize.
Although he had previously directed several episodes of the hit American drama television series The Mentalist (2008), this is Simon Baker's motion picture directorial debut, as well as his first ever writing credit.
In real life, Simon Baker is an experienced surfer, as are the two teenage actors why play the parts of Pikelet and Loonie. As a result, virtually all of the surfing footage seen in the final cut of the movie is of the actors themselves.
The film won two and was nominated for six AACTA Awards at the 8th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards. It won Best Supporting Actor for star Simon Baker and Best Sound. It was nominated for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Elizabeth Debicki, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.