PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 8th August 2008
New Zealand Feature Show Of Hands To Have World Premiere In Montreal
New Zealand feature Show of Hands has been invited to the Montreal Film Festival, which takes place August 21 to September 1.
Written and directed by Anthony McCarten, the film is inspired by a true story. Show of Hands is an off-beat love story starring Melanie Lynskey and Craig Hall. It is centered on a car yard in an everyday suburb,
where an endurance competition with a difference is being staged. Show of Hands is Anthony's second feature as director, and the screenplay is based on his novel of the same name.
Anthony will be in Montreal to introduce his film to audiences along with Melanie Lynskey and the film’s producer,
Angela Littlejohn of Great Southern Films.
Anthony McCarten commented “The film was a passion project for all involved, we were often shooting more each day than
some films shoot in three, and by the end you're not quite sure what you have. Being officially selected for a festival
like Montreal, consequently, is a great compliment and an endorsement that all the work might not have been in vain."
Rialto Distribution will release Show of Hands in New Zealand. After viewing the film Rialto CEO, Kelly Rogers said that he “thought the film has was a touching love
story, a film about everyday people, very engaging with instant appeal for a wide New Zealand audience” he added “the
Montreal selection is a wonderful accolade for the film makers, our team is looking forward to contributing to the
film’s local success”
Set in Taranaki, Anthony’s old hometown (and coincidentally also that of the lead actress, Melanie Lynskey) Show of Hands will be released nationwide on November 13 after a star studded premiere in New Plymouth this spring.
Show of Hands was financed by Venture Taranaki Trust, the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air and Television New Zealand.
Executive Producer is Trevor Haysom of T.H.E Film.
ENDS