The Film Factory has signed an international distribution deal for the thriller/ slasher Night Drive ahead of the local premiere in February.
After a number of months of on-going negotiations, The Film Factory signed a distribution deal with an American-based company with some high profile international releases scheduled.
The film was announced at AFM (American Film Market) held in Santa Monica, California from 3-10 November 2010 and generated tremendous interest, say the producers. The film and its content, as well as the setting are entirely South African.
Night Drive centres on an eclectic mix of tourists who are left stranded whilst on a night safari. Local folklore speaks of the Hyena Man, a ruthless criminal mastermind known for trading with animals and animal body parts. Legend has it that he now heads up a well-armed, well-trained group of poachers on the hunt for human beings, dead or alive.
Night Drive was written and directed by Justin Head and stars Christopher Beasley, Corine du Toit, Brandon Auret, Greg Melvill-Smith, Antonio Lyons and Leroy Gopal.
This announcement at AFM led to the film being sold to three different territories, namely Germany, Japan and the Middle East, with others currently under negotiation.
The overall perception at the market was that Night Drive had a unique concept and was not scared to explore the dark side of Africa.
“It was always our intention right from the outset for Night Drive to not only be released locally but internationally as well,” says CA van Aswegen, executive producer The Film Factory. “So we’re thrilled at this immediate response and tremendous interest the film has received. We also see it as an affirmation that the South African film industry is being taken seriously by the international players and we hope that Night Drive will continue the existing surge of interest in local content overseas.”
The main international market launch of Night Drive will be at the European Film Market being held in Berlin, Germany from 10-18 February 2011.
Night Drive releases in South African cinemas nationwide on 18 February 2011 and is being distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution.
