Seville rides Dark Horse

Entertainment One’s boutique sales arm Séville International has acquired international rights to New Zealand drama The Dark Horse from Four Knights Film.

Writer/director James Napier Robertson’s drama charts the journey of a man facing adversity who passes on lessons to the children in his community.

The deal was negotiated by Tom Hern for Four Knights Film with eOne Films International President Harold van Lier for Séville International. The film was previously with Celluloid Dreams.

Cliff Curtis (Whale Rider, Training Day, Sunshine) stars alongside James Rolleston (Boy), Kirk Torrance and newcomer, Wayne Hapi.

Tom Hern produced the film for Four Knights Film with funding coming from the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air and Arama Pictures, and financing from Fulcrum Finances. Timothy White and Cliff Curtis served as executive producers on the film, while James Napier Robertson and Jim Marbrook co-produced the film. 

The film recently opened the New Zealand International Film Festival and has reached No.1 at the NZ box office taking more than $1m after two weeks.

“On the heels of an incredible premiere in New Zealand, we’re excited to add The Dark Horse to the Séville International lineup to present to our partners at TIFF,” said Anick Poirier, VP International Sales, Séville International. 

“The moving performances and powerful universal story made for some competitive bidding but I knew we needed to have it the moment I saw it.”