EXCLUSIVE: The distribution outfit plans to release the film theatrically in 2016.

The Survivalist

Brighton-based Bulldog Film Distribution has taken UK rights for Stephen Fingleton’s feature debut The Survivalist and is aiming to release the film theatrically in Q1 2016.

The film, which is currently playing at the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18) in the Thrill section, debuted at Tribeca Film Festival where its director received a special jury mention.

The Survivalist, a dystopian drama set in the near future, follows a man eking out a meagre, self-sustained existence in a small forest. When he encounters a starving women and her daughter, he finds his existence threatened by their presence.

Martin McCann (Clash Of The Titans) leads the cast, which also includes Mia Goth (a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2014) and Olwen Fouere (This Must Be The Place).

Writer-director Fingleton, a 2013 Screen Star of Tomorrow, developed the script through Northern Ireland Screen’s New Talent Focus scheme. It appeared on the 2012 US Black List and topped the 2013 Brit List of unproduced screenplays before going into production in 2014.

The film was produced by David Gilbery, Wayne Marc Godfrey and Robert Jones for the Fyzz Facility Film One. Financing came from the Fyzz Facility, Northern Ireland Screen and the BFI.

K5 International are handling worlwide sales. Alchemy acquired North American rights at this year’s Cannes.