US and Canadian rights for Irish Neo-Western ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’ have been acquired by New York-based distributor Candy Factory Films.
The revenge drama will be positioned stateside as a leading title under their new genre arm, Electric Candy, with a view to a day-and-date theatrical and VOD release later this year. Maren Olson of Traction Media negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
Written and directed by Patrick Ryan and starring Emma Eliza Regan, Emma Willis and Brian Gleeson, ‘Darkness’ premiered at the 2014 Galway Film Fleadh, and went on to be selected for the Slamdance Film Festival in January 2015, garnering strong reviews and high praise on both sides of the Atlantic for its script, performances and cinematography.
The film received a number of US distribution offers, as well as being picked up by international distributor CinemaVault.
‘Darkness’ tells the story of a troubled teenage sharpshooter striving to avenge the murder of her estranged sister. It was shot by Tommy Fitzgerald and edited by Conor Fitzpatrick. Production and costume design were provided by Aoife Murray and Tania Persechini respectively, while Julie Caulfield acted as Make-up Artist. The score was composed by Alex Ryan, bassist and musical director of Hozier.
Founded by Jason Ward in 2005, Candy Factory Films is dedicated to showcasing high impact films and has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative distributors on the burgeoning independent cinema scene. Head of Acquisitions Caitlin Gold said: ‘We believe that Patrick Ryan is a filmmaker to watch and we're thrilled to bring ’Darkness’ to American audiences. His unique storytelling has resulted in an exceptionally-crafted, tension-filled thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.’
Director Patrick Ryan commented: ‘The response from the US has been amazing. When you make a low-budget indie in Kerry, you don’t necessarily anticipate this kind of thing, so it‘s humbling and exciting. We’re thrilled to team up with Candy Factory, and we’re very much looking forward to bringing the film to a wider American audience.’
Patrick is currently developing his second feature film, Dublin-set serial killer thriller ‘Black River’, with Brain Gleeson attached to play the lead.
A UK and Irish release for ‘Darkness’ will likely follow in the latter half of the year. The film continues its US festival run at the Middle of the Map Festival in Kansas City this month, while the Mauvais Genre Film Festival will host its French premiere on April 3rd in Tours.