Press release from Nix Co:
Animal Kingdom, the debut feature film of writer / director David Michôd and produced by Liz Watts (Home Song Stories, Jewboy, Little Fish), has been accepted into the World Cinema Section of the much respected Sundance Film Festival 2010.
Due for national release in Australia through Madman Entertainment in May 2010, Animal Kingdom is a powerful psychological drama set in Melbourne’s criminal landscape featuring an all star ensemble cast including Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Guy Pearce, Luke Ford, Jacki Weaver, Sullivan Stapleton and introducing James Frecheville.
In addition to Animal Kingdom’s success, David Michôd has had a double dose of good news having co-written the independent US feature Hesher, which has been invited to screen in Sundance 2010’s US Competition. Hesher was co-written with director Spencer Susser and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Natalie Portman and Rainn Wilson
The acceptance of Animal Kingdom and Hesher into Sundance 2010 continues David’s relationship with the festival which began in 2008 when his short film Crossbow (which he wrote and directed) was invited to screen along with two other shorts he co-wrote, Nash Edgerton’s Spider and Spencer Susser’s I Love Sarah Jane. In 2009, the festival also screened David’s short film Netherland Dwarf.
Delighted with the invitation from the festival, David said "Having my shorts screen at Sundance was a really big deal for me. Knowing now that my first feature is going to have its world premiere there is about as exciting as it gets."
James Hewison, Madman’s Theatrical Distribution Manager enthused, "We’re absolutely stoked that David’s debut has found its natural home at this most vital festival, a fitting launch pad for not only the international market but for recognition back home in Australia."
Producer Liz Watts commented "After Sundance’s support for David’s short films over the past years, it’s incredibly fitting to be presenting his feature debut at Sundance this year – we are thrilled to have Animal Kingdom in world competition at such a prestigious festival on the world stage – it’s a wonderful reward for a heap of people’s hard work! "