Irish Abroad: Darkness on the Edge of Town lands US distribution deal

Great news from the Americas with word that the 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 on the Edge of Town premiered at the 2014 Galway Film Fleadh, before being selected for the prestigious Slamdance Film Festival in January 2015. It has garnered strong reviews and high praise on both sides of the Atlantic for its script, performances and cinematography. The film was a hot property at Slamdance; in the wake of its sold out premiere it received a number of US distribution offers, as well as being picked up by international distributor CinemaVault.

Darkness on the Edge of Town 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 for Hozier.

Founded by Jason Ward in 2005, Candy Factory Films is dedicated to showcasing high impact films and has emerged as an exciting and innovative distributor on the burgeoning independent cinema scene. Head of Acquisitions Caitlin Gold said, [quote]we believe that Patrick Ryan is a filmmaker to watch and we’re thrilled to bring Darkness on the Edge of Town 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.[/quote]

Director Patrick Ryan stated, [quote]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.[/quote]

Ryan is currently developing his second feature film, the Dublin-set serial killer thriller Black River, which has Brian Gleeson attached to play the lead.

A UK and Irish release for Darkness on the Edge of Town 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. The Mauvais Genre Film Festival will host the film’s French premiere on April 3rd in Tours.