, will play Stan, the demanding coach and notorious alcoholic father of Jim, a seventeen year-old boxer in a small town. Golden boy Jim is preparing for his first professional fight but begins to rethink his life’s trajectory and his sexuality after tangling with Whetu, a razor-tongued, gay Maori boy who spends his days in an old shack down by the beach.Related StoryThe film marks the feature debut of writer-director Welby Ings whose previous shorts have played at dozens of festivals.
Financiers include NZ Film Commission, NZ Screen Production Grant, Prospect Films and Images and Sound. Vendetta Films will distribute in NZ and Australia. Release is slated for Q4, 2021. Producer Robin Murphy said: “Working with Welby to bring to life the story of Jim has been an absolute pleasure, and I have no doubt he’ll bring the same artistry and passion for the stories of his community he expressed in his short films to, where he not only takes us on the unique journey of one young man, but speaks to the universal experience of discovering your own true self.”
Writer-director Welby Ings added: “After developing a story that is close to my heart for what seems like an age, we are all thrilled to be heading into production, and I am so excited to collaborate with the extraordinarily talented Tim Roth.”and keep your inbox happy.