In April 1980, six armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in Princes Gate, London, taking 26 people inside hostage. Over the next six days a tense standoff took place, all the while a group of highly trained soldiers from the SAS prepared for a raid, the likes of which the world had never seen before.
Director Toa Fraser’s new hostage thriller, 6 Days, has long been completed with a cast that primarily includes Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish and Mark Strong. Official images and promotional assets began rolling out a few years ago with release details yet to be known until this week with reports of sweeping international territories by XYZ Films which also includes the U.S. via Vertical Entertainment.
SYNOPSIS:
In April 1980 armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in Princes Gate, London and took all inside hostage. Over the next six days a tense standoff took place, all the while a group of highly trained soldiers from the SAS prepared for a raid the world had never seen the likes of and which would change the world forever.
The film is produced by Matthew Metcalfe from a script by Glenn Standring who executive produces with Nate Bolotin, Aram Tertzakian, Peter Hampden, Gavin Poolman and Andrea Scarso. Vertical will be premiering the film this Fall in the U.S. with Netflix landing it internationally as a Netflix Original Films release in France, Germany, Latin America, Japan, Benelux, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Italy and Switzerland among the included locations.
Other distributors will be Icon for the UK, Transmission for Australia and New Zealand, Film4You in Portugal, A Contracorriente in Spain, Falcon for the Middle East, Calinos for Turkey, PT Prima for Indonesia, Double & Joy for S. Korea, Fox for pan-Asian pay-TV and HGC for China.
via Screendaily:
“Jamie, Abbie and Mark put forth excellent performances,” Vertical co-president Rich Goldberg said. “We cannot wait begin working with the 6 Days producing team and XYZ Films again to bring this true story to audiences later this year.”
Metcalfe added; “I am excited to be working Vertical, Netflix and all of our distribution partners to bring this incredible true story to audiences worldwide.
“The events surrounding the siege at No.16 Princes Gate, London, in May 1980 were unprecedented for the time and Toa Fraser’s adaptation of the events reveals a tense, dramatic and confrontational story that could not be more relevant to our world today.”
6 Days is the fifth feature film from Fraser who last directed the 2014 coming-of-age Maori martial arts adventure, The Dead Lands which Standring also wrote.
Stay tuned for more info on 6 Days.
Stills finally came pouring in exclusively via EW for director Toa Fraser‘s latest hostage thriller, 6 Days since pincipal photography began in New Zealand in June. The film follows up Fraser’s most recent effort, The Dead Lands, which proved to be one of the most compelling films to date in his stellar career of award-winning feats.
Here and now, Fraser reunites with The Dead Lands scribe Glenn Standring for a story that grounds itself in the chaos of true events that took place in April 1980 when six armed gunmen engaged Britain’s elite SAS in a six day standoff at the Iranian Embassy in 1980, taking 26 people hostage. Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish and Mark Strong lead the current cast for the film which has now begun its London shoot as of a few days ago.
Matthew Metcalfe is producing for General Film Corporation in associaition with international sales agent XYZ Films, Lip Sync Productions, Dog With a Bone Films and the Ingenious Senior Film Fund. The film will likely release next year with Icon releasing the film in the U.K. and WME co-representing the film for the U.S.
Fans and moviegoers alike can catch Bell among an ensemble cast for director Josh Trank’s Marvel adaptation, Fantastic Four, this Friday. Stay tuned for more info.
SYNOPSIS:
Hongi (James Rolleston) – a Maori chieftain’s teenage son – must avenge his father’s murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his loved ones after his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery. Vastly outnumbered by a band of villains, led by Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka), Hongi’s only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden Dead Lands and forge an uneasy alliance with the mysterious “Warrior” (Lawrence Makoare), a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years.
REVIEW:
If you’re at all keen to what’s happening in film festivals, chances are you might have caught a glimpse of director Toa Fraser‘s latest contribution to period action adventure genre, The Dead Lands. The film has been highly-received by critics throughout the festival circuit as well as its audience at home in New Zealand upon its theatrical release late last year, and not for nothing either. Should you just now happen to be stumbling upon this movie for yourself through my review, feel free to keep reading.
The film takes off as two tribes, long pacted by a truce are once again thrown into bitter war when Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka) commits an egregious act of sacrilege during what should have been a symbolic ceremony of peace. Little does he know that Hongi (James Rolleston) the son of the arbitrating chieftain (George Henare) was watching – a moment that would soon play to Wirepa’s advantage in the course of his own personal ambitions toward glory and tribal dominance, and one that ultimately costs Hongi the lives of nearly his entire tribe in one fateful night.
Desperate to avenge his father and bring honor back to the spirits of his fallen tribe, Hongi sets out to claim his place as a chief and hunt down Wirepa and his warrior clan once and for all. Knowing full well he cannot take on them alone, he follows Wirepa and his men into a forbidden land and wanders his own way into the territory of its long-feared and enigmatic keeper (Lawrence Makoare) to seek his help. Seeing as Wirepa and his men are also trespassers, the reclusive and mysterious Warrior reluctantly joins Hongi on his quest, one which ultimately becomes a journey of self-discovery and redemption for the two distinct tribesmen in the face of evil.
The Dead Lands is really my first step into Fraser‘s work aside from those who are already familiar with films like his stellar wins in the 2006 dramedy, Naming Number Two, and the 2008 book adaptation, My Talks With Dean Spanley. Moreover, I’m not knowledgeable of anicient Maori culture, but for this, I was very pleased at the scope and overall quality and handling of the production, in addition to the training of the actors and absorption of ancient dialect, culture and mannerisms in all aspects.
Rolleston, an award-winning actor namely having earned his accolades in films like Boy (2010) and The Dark Horse (2014), does an incredible job leading the story, driven even more with stronger performances by notable TV actor Tuhaka as the film’s villian, and actor Makoare, who showcases one of the most primal and engaging performances of the film as the Warrior. Glossy visuals further enhance actress Rena Owen‘s role as Hongi’s late Grandmother who acts as his spiritual guide during his harrowing quest. Actor Henare, while his character is short-lived, is able to leave his mark in setting the tone as Hongi’s father, Tane, the chieftain, in addition to actors Xavier Horan and Pana Hema Taylor who lend their own intensity to the screen as Wirepa’s men.
Further into the acting and drama is the impressive action we get to see from our cast, thanks in large part to stunt coordinator Steve McQuillan, and co-star and action choreographer Jamus Webster, who lends an eye-ful to the intricacies and overt brutality of Maori martial arts combat, from ancient weaponry to choreography and relative warrior bravado. Some of the most impressive physical action is put on display by Makoare who is no stranger to physical roles like the several he’s played in three of Peter Jackson’s recent films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s LOTR-universe novels. Actress Raukura Turei also delivers a strong performance in role of Mehe, a tribeswoman traveling separately through the titular ‘lands’ with two other companions, and while the only female in the film to partake in the film’s action during her limited screentime, also manages to make an impression of her own that simply leaves you wanting more.
Clearly The Dead Lands is representative as something that Fraser has managed to adequately and genuinely adapt to from start to finish. Glenn Standring’s script shines light on an historic world filled with visceral ferocity, pain and suffering, coupled with emphasis on the toxicity of tribal politics, as well as magic and mystery, and messages respective to differing philosophies about life, tragedy and honor surrounding a young boy’s coming-of-age journey into manhood and wisdom. Fraser‘s world is one that immerses you with ample thrills, chills, intensity, brilliance and majesty while taking neither of these to the extreme, thus delivering a powerful movie that captivates and grips you nearly from moment-to-moment.
These, if not more, are all plenty of reasons why this film has been one of the most highly-rated period dramas as of late, and all the more equally exemplary of why I personally recommend it myself when Magnet Releasing premieres the film in select theaters and on VOD on April 17.
Watch the brand new red-band trailer below courtesy of IGN and be sure to mark the date for its limited theatrical and video-on-demand release for April 17 from Magnet Releasing!
Director Toa Frasier‘s latest Maori action epic, The Dead Lands, has stood the test of time since its film festival accolades last year prior to its New Zealand release. The film is finally extending its roll-out to other territories in 2015, including in North America where it will first premiere in limited theaters and through video-on-demand beginning on April 17 following its acquisition by Magnet Releasing. As such, we now have a fresh new poster to accomodate. It’s not too different from the artwork presented last year, but its still worth taking notice. Check it out.
Produced by Matthew Metcalfe and scribe Glenn Standring, The Dead Lands centers on actor James Rolleston in the role of Hongi, the son of a chieftain forced trek forbbiden territory to forge an uneasy alliance with a mysterious warrior in order to avenge his father and his tribe, and bring peace and honor to their souls. Also starring are actors George Henare, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan and Lawrence Makoare, and actresses Raukura Turei and Rena Owen. Stick around as we may be seeing a trailer soon enough after this.
H/T: ComingSoon.net
While filmmaker and popular stage director Toa Fraser is on his way with the forthcoming production of his new hostage thriller, 6 Days, his latest completed project is already paving the way for filmgoers to get a glimpse of an ancient era of Maori culture, now in the form of the new period action epic, The Dead Lands. The film is out this week in New Zealand with pending releases in other territories worldwide, and based on the reviews now published at various media sites, it’s pretty easy to conclude this as one of the best received films as of late, on top of being an Oscar contender for next year.
With that in mind, New Zealand TV program Waka Huia unveiled a half hour special discussing the film’s development and pre-production, with specific focus on the training regime of the cast, the intricate and true-to-origin design in costumes and weapons, ancient Maori dialect, and the martial arts action choreography to boot. Actress Raukura Turei, and actors Te Kohe Tuhaka, Wairangi Koopu, and co-stars, script translator Te Manahau “Scotty” Morrisson and Mau Rakau expert Jamus Webster, and co-producer Tainui Stephens all provide their insight throughout the program which is now available on YouTube just below.
Directed by Fraser with a script by Glenn Standing, The Dead Lands stars lead actor James Rolleston as a chieftain’s young son whose people are nearly slaughtered by an enemy tribe, sending him on a coming-of-age journey to a forbidden land to forge a reluctant partnership with a mysterious warrior in order to avenge his people and bring peace to their souls. Magnet Releasing has North American distribution rights for 2015.
H/T: Twitchfilm
In case you’ve been wondering, director Toa Fraser has been keeping himself busy in the past few months following the accolades he’s been receiving for his new Maori action epic The Dead Lands. The film has since become an entry for best foreign language movie of the 2015 Oscars while Fraser continued onward with his forthcoming stage play, Pure And Deep which is getting a limited run at the Herald Theater next month in Auckland.
Essentially, Fraser is a cinematic favorite among those familiar with his work, and as things are just getting started for The Dead Lands, moviegoers can now add another to their list of films to see with the forthcoming production of 6 Days. The film will tell the story of the six gunmen who took over two dozen people hostage at the Iranian Embassy in Princes Gate, London, at the behest of Arab sovereignty, and the six days of intense drama and tragedy that unfolded before Britain’s Special Air Service infiltrated the embassy, ending the crisis once and for all.
6 Days will reteam Fraser with The Dead Lands scribe Glenn Standring and producer Matthew Metcalfe, and the executive producers over at XYZ Films who will also represent the film at the American Film Market in California next month. The report from Deadline also states that some of the SAS members who were at the scene over fourteen years ago will act as consultants for the film which will commense shooting next year.
The Dead Lands has since been picked up by major distributors worldwide, inclding by Magnet Releasing for North America with a release date pending.
Stay tuned for more info!
H/T: Deadline
After his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery, Hongi – a Maori chieftan’s teenage son – must avenge his father’s murder in order to bring peace and honor to the souls of his loved ones. Vastly outnumbered by the band of villains, Hongi’s only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden Dead Lands and forge an uneasy alliance with the mysterious “Warrior,” a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years.
Another day has arrived, and as such, another new poster has arrived for director Toa Fraser‘s Maori action drama, The Dead Lands. The new poster marks the official New Zealand release date for October 30 from Transmission Films.
Check it out below:
Written by Glenn Standring, the new film centers on actor James Rolleston in the role of Hongi, the son of a chieftain forced trek forbbiden territory to forge an uneasy alliance with a mysterious warrior in order to avenge his father and his tribe, and bring peace and honor to their souls. One of the biggest elements moviegoers can expect on top of its stunning New Zealand landscapes and prominence of Maori culture will be the presence of Mau rakau, an ancient style of Maori martial arts and weapons combat used for the film’s epic fight sequences, coordinated by Steve McQuillan (Ek Tha Tiger, Spartacus: Blood And Sand). So, rest assured, positive early screening reviews notwithstanding, The Dead Lands will be sure-fire effort in delivering a fully-fledged epic story when it gains a bigger audience in the months ahead.
XYZ Films has worldwide distribution rights following its acquistion at the top of the year. The film also just earned its first poster art this week for its opening-night premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival which kicks off on September 4. CLICK HERE to check out the festival poster art, as well as the film’s official teaser, and stay tuned for more info as it arises.
H/T: Trigger World
The epic production of director Toa Fraser‘s new film, The Dead Lands, is sparking some amazing new coverage this week since wrapping principal photography earlier this year. The film, which is being handled by international sales agents at XYZ Films is poised to be the latest thrilling new look into a genuine Maori-language period tale of revenge and redemption from writer Glenn Standring, with Maori martial art form Mau rākau, as the backbone of the intricate and exciting new fight choreography from Steve McQuillan (The Gunman, Slow West).
SYNOPSIS:
Hongi (James Rolleston) – a Maori chieftain’s teenage son – must avenge his father’s murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his loved ones after his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery. Vastly outnumbered by a band of villains, led by Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka), Hongi’s only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden Dead Lands and forge an uneasy alliance with the mysterious “Warrior” (Lawrence Makoare), a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years.
Now in post production, Twitchfilm is debuting six new photos and stills from the upcoming film which you can check out below.
Stay excited, and by all means, stay tuned for more updates!
The #DeadLandsMovie crew are having a bloody good time in New Zealand pic.twitter.com/Z8z5LULG6A
— XYZ Films (@XYZFilms) January 9, 2014
XYZ Films took to Twitter this week to share a new photo above, updating the progress on the New Zealand filming of director Toa Fraser‘s coming-of-age period revenge epic, The Dead Lands. A little help from XYZ executive Simon de Bruyn clarifies the item in the picture is called a “patu parāoa”, one of several types of patu representing the ancient weaponry of the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Further Googling details that this particular kind of weapon, carved from whalebone, would be used to bludgeon an enemy’s head, or thrust into the ribs or jaw.
Weaponry, of course, is one of several elements that will be emphasized in depicting an ancient style of Maori martial arts in Fraser‘s new film, with the aid of stunt coordinator Steve McQuillan (Spartacus, The Warrior’s Way, The Lord Of The Rings). XYZ Films is reportedly playing a key role with Fraser, producers Matthew Metcalfe and screenwriter Glenn Standring, and McQuillan, to help deliver and introduce the style of Maori hand-to-hand fighting in the same fashion that helped launch director Gareth Evans and action star Iko Uwais into the global spotlight with the success of The Raid: Redemption and its forthcoming sequel in March, The Raid 2: Berandal.
Recently wrapped from filming with worldwide sales rights already attributed to XYZ Films for most territories, The Dead Lands centers around the story of a chieftain’s teenage son, the sole survivor of the traitorous slaughter of his family and entire tribe, who journeys to a forbidden and feared land to seek the reluctant aid of its keeper, a mysterious “warrior”, to help avenge his people and bring peace and honor to their souls. James Rolleston stars along with Lawrence Makoare, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan, George Henare and Rena Owen.
Stay tuned for more
This week, Deadline is reporting that writer and director Gareth Evans’s upcoming film, The Raid 2: Berandal, will be joining the line-up for this year’s events at the Sundance Film Festival, which will be held at Park City, Utah between January 16th and the 26th of next year.