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10 March 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marsden School student Thomasin McKenzie to star in US movie
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School Year 12 student Thomasin McKenzie is going to the US to star in the movie “My
Abandonment”. She leaves for Portland, Oregon at the end of March to play the role of Caroline in the movie directed by
Debra Granik (Winter's Bone) and co-starring Ben Foster (Angel in X-Men).
Thomasin auditioned via Skype for the role. The story follows 13 year old Caroline and her father (Foster) who live in
Forest Park, a temperate rain-forest in Portland. When authorities evict them from their hidden world they embark on an
increasingly erratic journey to find a place to call their own. Her preparation has involved tree-climbing, research
into foraging/living off the land and working on her US accent. “We are thrilled for Thomasin and know she will be
absolutely amazing in the role”, said Marsden School Principal Jenny Williams.
Thomasin is relieved that the final step in her Visa has been approved at her US consulate visit in Auckland earlier
this week. She will leave for Portland, Oregon with her carer Claire Van Beek on March 28.
See press release http://bit.ly/2lMerup
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School has been providing quality independent education for more than 135 years. Today it has
two campuses, in Karori and Whitby. The Marsden School Karori campus provides education for girls from Years 1 – 13 and
has a co-ed Preschool. Marsden School’s vision is to lay the foundation for lives of meaning, accomplishment and genuine
happiness. Marsden School fosters excellence, creativity, resilience and giving, in a nurturing and positive
environment. marsden.school.nz
END
BACKGROUND
The film My Abandonment will be directed by Debra Granik and produced by Anne Rosellini. Their 2010 film Winter's Bone was nominated for 4 Oscars.
My Abandonment is adapted from the novel of the same name by Peter Rock. Thomasin plays the role of Caroline.
Playing opposite Thomasin as her father is Ben Foster whom is known as Angel in X-Men and from this year's Oscar Best
Picture-Nominated film Hell or High Water.
Thomasin’s research involves tree-climbing, research into foraging and living off the land and working on her US accent
with her Wellington-based accent coach Jade Valour.
Thomasin auditioned via Skype for the role. Her agent in the US is CESD and her management is Untitled.
DEADLINE
February 22, 2017
“‘My Abandonment’ From ‘Winter’s Bone’ Director Lands Financing From Bron, First Look,” features MY ABANDONMENT, by
Anita Busch.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
February 22, 2017
“Ben Foster to Star in 'My Abandonment' from 'Winter's Bone' Director Debra Granik,” features MY ABANDONMENT, by Rebecca
Ford.
SCREEN DAILY
February 22, 2017
“Ben Foster to star in 'My Abandonment' for Bron Creative, First Look Media,” features MY ABANDONMENT, by Jeremy Kay.
VARIETY
February 22, 2017
“Ben Foster to Star in Family Drama ‘My Abandonment,’” features MY ABANDONMENT, by Dave McNary.