Perth filmmaker Ben Young returns home for a whirlwind visit this week and will make a special appearance to present an encore Q&A screening of his debut feature film shot in Perth. Tickets are now on sale for this special screening of HOUNDS OF LOVE (MA 15+) SUNDAY 25 JUNE, 4.50PM at Luna Cinemas Leederville.
Following the movie, Ben Young will answer questions from the audience in a Q&A hosted by his long-time industry colleague – casting director Annie Murtagh-Monks from PAC Screen Workshops – workshops of which Ben himself is a graduate of.
Ben jets into Perth fresh off the European set where he was directing the Hollywood blockbuster EXTINCTION. Following the instantaneous acclaim that accompanied HOUNDS OF LOVE after its World Premiere at the 2016 Venice Film Festival, Ben was swooped upon by US talent agencies and managers, subsequently signing with powerhouse agency UTA. Less than 6 months later he was confirmed to direct this major US feature film starring Michael Pena, Lizzy Caplan, and HOUNDS actress -WA’s own Emma Booth, which will be released through Universal Pictures.
HOUNDS OF LOVE had its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2016 where it announced the arrival of a striking new Australian filmmaking talent in Ben Young (who wrote and directed the film).
Following the Venice premiere Screen International said “in its style as well as its psychological focus, HOUNDS OF LOVE marks Young as a filmmaker to watch”. The film premiered in the US at SXSW and was named in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Top 20 Film’s we can’t wait to see” at Tribeca.
The film features compelling performances from its lead actors WA actress Emma Booth and Ashleigh Cummings, and a particularly unflinching turn from Stephen Curry, cast against type as a brutal killer. Produced by Perth filmmaker Melissa Kelly, the film is proudly a 100% WA produced and developed production, with almost an entirely West Australian crew.
HOUNDS OF LOVE had its Australian premiere at Luna Leederville on 18 May where actor Stephen Curry walked the red carpet at a sell-out screening along with cast and crew. Label Distribution released the film for its official season in Perth and Melbourne on 1 June, with Sydney set to open next week.
Set in Perth in 1987, HOUNDS OF LOVE is a drama-thriller set in an era when the city still didn’t lock its doors at night. Hounds of Love delves into the now staple of Australian film: unsuspected violence behind ordinary suburban doors. John (Stephen Curry) and Evelyn (Emma Booth) look ordinary enough, if a bit rough; nobody guesses what goes on behind closed doors. . Inspired by real life crimes, Hounds of Love is a confronting thriller examining themes of breaking free from psychological control and domestic violence.
“Hounds of Love is through and through a psychological thriller,” says writer and director Ben Young.
“It’s fast moving, confronting and deals with characters involved in the most brutal of human behaviour. Despite the subject matter the film ultimately portrays the power of love and how it can either destroy us, or help us live to see another day,” he said.
Born in Perth, Ben Young is an award-winning writer and director who began his career as a screen actor at the age of 12. Ben has since gone on to forge a career as a writer/director working in commercials, music videos, fashion, series television, short film and feature film. His short films have screened internationally at over 40 festivals and won numerous awards. He has directed 25 music videos including the ARIA nominated John Butler Trio video Only One (1.8M hits on YouTube) and ADG nominated John Butler Trio video: How You Sleep at Night. Ben also wrote and directed on Network 7’s Trapped and Castaway and directed 9 episodes of the ABC’s Prank Patrol.
Ben’s passion for filmmaking stems from his interest in the human condition. He is drawn to performance heavy material that is often challenging and hard hitting. Ben has a BA in Film and Television from Curtin University followed by an MA in Professional Communications from the WA Screen Academy.
Tickets are now on sale for the screening on Sunday 25 June, 4.50pm.
Get tickets online now at: www.lunapalace.com.au . Normal cinema prices apply.
You can win a double pass to this Exclusive Q&A Screening at Luna Palace Leederville on Sunday June 25 at 4.50pm with Perth Director BEN YOUNG hot off the set of his film EXTINCTION which stars Michael Pena, Lizzy Caplan and Emma Booth! Just fill in your details below.
Please note this is for the Perth Screening only and the film is rated MA
(competition is open to WA residents only and closes Thursday June 22)
