The award-winning prison drama “Starred Up” will be coming to North America soon! Tribeca Film has announced that it’s acquired the North American rights to the film, directed by Scottish director David Mackenzie. The film’s screenplay is written by Jonathan Asser, a psychotherapist that worked int he penal system.
The film stars Jack O’Connell (“Skins”, Angelina Jolie’s upcoming “Unbroken”), Ben Mendelsohn (“The Dark Knight Rises,” “The Place Beyond the Pines”), and Rupert Friend (“Homeland”). Here’s more about the film:
“Starred Up is about ultra-violent 19-year-old Eric (O’Connell), who is prematurely transferred to the same adult prison facility as his estranged father (Mendelsohn). As his explosive temper quickly finds him enemies in both prison authorities and fellow inmates — and his already volatile relationship with his father is pushed past the breaking point — Eric is approached by a volunteer psychotherapist (Friend), who runs an anger management group for prisoners. Torn between gang politics, prison corruption, and a glimmer of something better, Eric finds himself in a fight for his own life, unsure if his own father is there to protect him or join in punishing him.”
“Starred Up” has received amazing reviews at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival. Asser has also won the Best British Newcomer Award at the 2013 BFI London Film Festival. “Starred Up” is planned for a 2014 theatrical release.
Tribeca is thrilled to have the film in their roster. “The captivating authenticity that David Mackenzie depicts in Starred Up is driven by a brilliant breakout performance by its young lead Jack O’Connell,” said Tribeca Film Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore. “It’s a uniquely detailed and intense immersion in a familiar yet original plot that spins on an axis of a father son relationship and the issues that besiege the British penal system.”
Mackenzie is also excited to work with Tribeca. “We were thrilled by the reaction to the film in Telluride and Toronto this year and are delighted to be working with Tribeca to bring the film to a wider audience. We are blown away by their enthusiasm for the film and really look forward to their dynamic approach to the release next year,” Mackenzie said.
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