Press release from Sony Pictures Releasing
Sony Pictures Releasing has picked up the Australian and New Zealand distribution rights to RED HILL, the modern outlaw thriller which premiered at the 2010 Berlin International Film Festival. The Australian production starring Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Steve Bisley (Mad Max), and Tom E. Lewis (The Proposition), was produced by Al Clark (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chopper) and executive produced by Greg Mclean (Wolf Creek), Rob Galluzzo, Craig McMahon and written, produced and directed by Patrick Hughes. RED HILL marks Hughes’ directorial feature film debut.
"We are thrilled to be releasing Patrick Hughes' first feature film, as he shows remarkable talent in cinematically capturing the rugged landscape of Australia like no other and generates some outstanding performances from a genuinely talented Aussie cast. There's no doubt the description of the film being "No Country for Old Men" meets "High Plains Drifter" is an apt one.” said Sony Pictures Releasing Managing Director, Stephen Basil-Jones.
RED HILL will premiere at the Sydney Film Festival on Friday June 4 leading to a national release by Sony Pictures Releasing on October 28.
"As an independent film-maker this is truly a dream come true, RED HILL was a passion project for all involved and I am thrilled to have Sony now releasing the movie in Australia. Stephen and his team were immediate in their enthusiasm and confidence in the film and I can think of no better home." said director Patrick Hughes.
RED HILL follows young police officer Shane Cooper (Kwanten) as he relocates to the small country town of Red Hill with his pregnant wife Alice to start a family. But when news of a prison break sends the local law enforcement officers – led by the town’s ruling presence, Old Bill (Bisley) – into a panic, Shane’s first day on duty rapidly turns into a nightmare. Enter Jimmy Conway (Lewis), a convicted murderer serving life behind bars, who has returned to the isolated outpost seeking revenge. Now caught in the middle of what will become a terrifying and bloody confrontation, Shane will be forced to take the law into his own hands if he is to survive.
A taut thriller which unfolds over the course of a single day and night, and told with explosive action. RED HILL is played out against the extraordinary and stunning landscapes of the high-country in Victoria.
RED HILL will be distributed by Sony Pictures in North America and has been invited to participate in the following international film festivals Shanghai (June 12-20), Edinburgh (June 16-27) and Karlovy Vary (Jul 2-13).