Darclight Films Takes GHOST RITUALS To its World Market Premiere in Cannes Where it will be Screened for International Distributors for the First Time
Directorial Debut of Hong Kong Best Actor Winner Nick Cheung
Darclight Films, the edgy genre-driven label of Arclight Films, is pleased to announce the world market premiere of horror-thriller GHOST RITUALS in Cannes. Multiple Best Actor Award Winner Nick Cheung (UNBEATABLE, THE STOOL PIGEON), who has over 60 films to his credit and a huge following at the box office, makes his directorial debut with this latest horror piece staring himself, Annie Liu (FLOATING CITY), Lam Wai (THE SILENT WAR, ADVENTURE OF THE KING) and Carrie Ng (THE SILENT WAR, HI, FIDELITY).
The Hong Kong-Malaysian coproduction will be released in July in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
GHOST RITUALS is produced by Adrian Teh, the man responsible for one of Malaysia’s most successful box office sensations: THE WEDDING DIARY, and its sequel, THE WEDDING DIARY 2. He was also an executive producer on the 2010 hit ICE KACANG PUPPY LOVE.
“We’re excited to both present and screen GHOST RITUALS to buyers for the first time in Cannes,” said Elliot Tong, Head of Asian Sales & Acquisitions for Arclight Films. “This award-winning team of actors and filmmakers have skillfully brought a truly unique and terrifying story to life, one that can claim both artistic integrity and major commercial appeal. The result is a modern ghost story that will have audiences riding an exhilarating roller coaster of fear from start to finish.”
The terror begins as ZONG (Nick Cheung) takes over an opera troupe that is plagued with supernatural phenomena. Finding the source of the inexplicable hauntings and putting it to rest lead ZONG on a journey where he must struggle to conquer his fears while confronting evil spirits and a ravenous poltergeist head-on.
“Working with this talented cast, many of whom I have worked with on past projects, was an honor,” director Nick Cheung shared. “The strong friendships on set allowed the project to flow, and I could not have had a better experience with my first project behind the camera.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with Nick Cheung, who is known for his commanding presence on the stage and screen,” said producer Adrian Teh. “I am also truly impressed by his directing abilities that feel as seasoned and natural as his talent for acting. As a Malaysian production company, we are proud to collaborate with such a brilliant cast that includes, but is not limited to, Annie Lau, Carrie Ng, and Lam Wai. Their collaborative participation integrates the best parts of the cultures of both countries.”
Darclight Films is be presenting GHOST RITUALS to buyers for the vey first time in Cannes via premiere screenings by invitation.
About Arclight Films
Arclight Films is one of the world’s leading international sales companies for theatrical, television and home video. Arclight Films has sold over 150 motion pictures including the Best Picture Oscar® winner CRASH, and Golden Globe® Best Picture Nominee BOBBY.
Arclight Films additionally encompasses subsidiary labels Darclight Films, the edgy genre-driven division of the company whose films include the worldwide horror hit WOLF CREEK, action thriller BAIT 3D and a current slate that includes WOLF CREEK 2, and Easternlight, a specialty arm showcasing Asian cinema with the largest film library of any non Asian-based indie film label. Films sold under the Easternlight banner include the worldwide blockbuster FORBIDDEN KINGDOM starring Jackie Chan and Jet Li, 14 BLADES starring Donnie Yen, legendary auteur Chen Kaige’s SACRIFICE and a live action adaptation of the world-renowned legend MULAN, now in pre-production.
The latest additions to Easternlight include OUTCAST starring Nicholas Cage, now in post production, SPECIAL ID starring Donnie Yen, THE ASSASINS starring Chow Yun Fat and Cannes Film Festival “Directors Fortnight” official selection and Toronto International Film Festival Gala Selection DANGEROUS LIASIONS starring Zhang Ziyi, Cecilia Cheung and Jang Dong Gun.
Some of the latest additions to the Arclight Films’ slate include LAST KNIGHTS starring Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman, PREDESTINATION starring Ethan Hawke, RECLAIM starring John Cusack, PAPER PLANES starring Sam Worthington, and LEFT BEHIND starring Nicholas Cage.
Arclight Films maintains a presence at all major motion picture and television festivals and markets with offices in Los Angeles, Sydney, Hong Kong, Beijing and Toronto.
For more information on Arclight Films, please visit www.arclightfilms.com