Touch, a stirring Australian mystery and the latest feature film to come out of the South Australian Film Corporation’s (SAFC) FilmLab, will premiere at Sydney Film Festival June, 2014.
The film will be represented by ScreenLaunch for local release and international sales.
Touch is a haunting mystery, a story of love that knows no boundaries shot in the Adelaide Hills and that captures strong dramatic performances. Heart-breaking and raw in its portrayal of a woman harbouring a shattering truth, Touch is a mystery full of unanswered questions until the last moments. It is written and directed by the multi-award winning filmmaker Christopher Houghton and stars celebrated Australian actors Leeanna Walsman (Star Wars: Episode ll – Attack of the Clones, Wentworth) and Matt Day (Rake, Muriel’s Wedding, Kiss or Kill) and also introduces a bright new talent from Adelaide, Onor Nottle. Touch is produced by Julie Byrne (Triptych Pictures) with Kath McIntyre as Producer of Marketing and Distribution. Touch is Houghton’s first dramatic feature.
The film was developed through the SAFC’s bespoke program FilmLab, which has previously seen Sundance selection for the feature documentary Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure (2011, co-produced by Byrne) and the recent 52 Tuesdays, an award winner at this year’s Sundance and Berlin. The Infinite Man, another FilmLab success screened to acclaim at SXSW 2014. Byrne also produced the surrealist mystery The Dead Speak Back (launched AIFF 2013) by the artist and composer Jason Sweeney. This bold and unique film, a must see on the big screen, also arose out of FilmLab and is currently nominated for best feature (with 52 Tuesdays) at the South Australian Screen Awards.
Richard Harris, CEO SAFC says: "The SAFC is proud to have been able to support yet another strong filmmaking team through its FilmLab program, and to introduce South Australian director Chris Houghton as yet another distinctive cinematic voice. We are thrilled that Touch has been selected for Sydney Film Festival, capping off an incredible festival run in recent months for FilmLab films."
Producer Julie Byrne is one of the company directors of the recently formalised Triptych Pictures the co-producing partner of the recent Sundance smash The Babadook (to hit Australian cinemas May 22). She says “We are proud to have Touch released under the Triptych name. With powerful subject matter and a complex female character at its centre it allows an intense examination of the human capacity to love, but is handled in unexpected ways, not least of all through the play of genre and narrative. I am moved and excited by what Chris and our creative team have achieved with this film and hope that the audience will savour the experience.”
Sydney-based ScreenLaunch will represent the new Australian feature for international sales and local distribution. ScreenLaunch CEO, Ross Howden says: “This powerful story joins a growing number of strong Australian female stories on our slate. We are excited to bring this touching mystery to Australia and the rest of the world.”
Touch will debut in Australian theatres in early 2015.
Touch screens at Sydney Film Festival on Friday 6th June, 8.30pm and Sunday 8th June 6.30pm
For more information about TOUCH: http://www.touchthemovie.com.au
For more information on ScreenLaunch: www.screenlaunch