[Press Release by NZ Film Commission]
Transmission Films has acquired New Zealand rights to The Volcano (aka Tama), the highly anticipated second feature film from Eagle vs Shark writer/director Taika Waititi.
The Volcano is a tragicomedy inspired by Taika’s award-winning, Oscar-nominated short, Two Cars One Night, and is being produced by Cliff Curtis and Ainsley Gardiner.
“Having long admired Taika’s work we are thrilled to have secured what will undoubtedly be an extraordinary new film from one of New Zealand’s youngest and brightest voices. To be handling The Volcano in its home territory is an absolute honour,” said Richard Payten and Andrew Mackie of Transmission Films.
“It’s a great way to start the New Year with another deal to Transmission” said Kathleen Drumm of NZ Film. “Our previous successful collaborations with company principals, Richard Payten and Andrew Mackie include The World’s Fastest Indian and Out of the Blue. In addition they will soon release (alongside Paramount Pictures) our new movie Dean Spanley.”
In The Volcano – when his father returns home after seven years, 11-year-old Darcy must reconcile his memories and fantasies with reality and find his own inner potential. It is both heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud hilarious, but ultimately a story of redemption and hope.
The Volcano is financed by the NZ Film Fund, NZ Film Commission, Unison Films, NZ On Air and Te Mangai Paho.
The Volcano starts shooting March 2009 and will be released theatrically in New Zealand in 2010. NZ Film is handling international sales.