Sundance

Yesterday Newmarket films acquired the dramatic competition film, Hesher, during the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.  The seven figure deal was agreed to early in the morning after negotiations took place with Chris Ball (Co-Chairman of EMG) and John Crye (Head of Acquisitions for Newmarket).

Synopsis:  Hesher is the story of a twenty-something long-haired tattooed metal-head who one day unexpectedly enters the life of a grieving family.   Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is the most unlikely person to help 13-year-old TJ (Devin Brochu) cope with the death of his mother, but he proves to be the only one who can truly free TJ from his overwhelming sadness.   The charismatic and dangerous Hesher drags TJ out of loss and confusion by sheer force of will and gives the young boy and his grieving father (Rainn Wilson) a chance to be a family again. 

Nigel Sinclair (Co-Chairman of EMG) and Chris Ball claim, "Hesher is a fine example of American independent film that fits perfectly with Newmarket's tradition of distributing provocative, unique stories about iconic characters made by exciting new directors".  

Newmarket has a successful history of working with first time directors (Christopher Nolan: Memento, etc.), as well as an ability to spot edgy and meaningful, yet commercial pictures.  With films such as Donnie Darko, Whale Rider, Monster and Passion of the Christ under their belts, Hesher stands the chance of becoming this year's break-out hit.

Hesher was directed by Spencer Susser and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Natalie Portman, Devin Brochu and Rainn Wilson.

by Dianna Renée