Revenge flick Hail will be only the eighth Australian film in the last decade to screen at the 68th Venice International Film Festival.
The film, written and directed by Amiel Courtin-Wilson, has been chosen for the Orizzonti section, which focuses on “new trends of world cinema”.
“It is truly humbling to be recognised and placed on the world stage of cinema in competition at the oldest film festival in the world – especially considering the festival’s relationship with past luminaries such as John Cassavetes, Mike Leigh and Robert Altman,” says Courtin-Wilson, who will attend with producing partner Michael Cody and lead Daniel Jones.
The announcement follows news that feature films The Hunter, The Eye of the Storm and Burning Man will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival next month.
The Flood Projects production, distributed by Madman, tells the tale of Dan (Jones) and Leanne (Leanne Letch). They were born on the same day – June 19, 1960. They eat together. They live together. They steal together. When Dan's love is suddenly ripped away from him, he is reduced to savagery. The past is not a dead thing, but may return, like a hunter, to follow us for a time.
Its executive producers include Nick Barkla, Andrew de Groot and Laura Gordon (who stars in upcoming film Face To Face).
The film had financial assistance from Screen Australia, Adelaide Film Festival and Film Victoria.
The Venice International Film Festival, which is regarded as one of the top film festivals in the world (alongside Cannes, Berlin and Toronto), will be held between August 31 and September 10.
For more on the film's two leads – Daniel Jones and Leanne Letch – see the August/September issue of IF Magazine.
Source: Screen Australia