Movie shot entirely on island to be streamed on Apple TV
MAROONED AWAKENING, a movie thriller shot entirely in Guernsey, has been acquired by a US distributor.
The movie has been acquired by Gravitas Ventures and will be available to Apple TV subscribers in the US, with a release date set for 2 February.
Cameron Ashplant, who starred, co-wrote and co-produced the film, said it was incredible that the film was to be seen by an American audience.
‘Getting a distribution deal of this scale isn’t easy, so it speaks volumes in terms of American film-makers’ support for, and enjoyment of, Marooned Awakening.
‘When we found out that a Hollywood-based distributor wanted to release the film we were excited by their plans to share the film with 100 million households, which just felt surreal for a film made on an island of 60,000. It felt like anything was now possible for Guernsey film.
‘It’s great to know that everyone’s hard work had paid off. When you make a film, the priority always has to be to share it with as many people as possible.’
The film will also be shown in select cinemas across the UK, with about 30 scheduled to show it, and islanders will also have another chance to see the movie, as it will be showing at the Mallard over three weeks in February.
This is thought to be the first Hollywood distribution deal for a Guernsey movie.
The US-based distributors were founded in Los Angeles 15 years ago, and its recent film releases include The King's Daughter, starring Pierce Brosnan, and Jackie Chan’s Vanguard.
Marooned Awakening follows Alex, a young journalist who is about to leave behind his quiet island life, pursuing one last story as he attempts to uncover the unsettling truth of a boat accident.
The picture, written and produced by Ashplant and Musaab Mustafa, premiered at Beau Sejour in September and Mr Ashplant was wowed by the audience reaction.
‘I haven’t seen a reaction like it before, with people staying to discuss all their theories and ideas. One critic described Guernsey’s presentation in the film as a character of its own. I think with the wider release in February, local audiences will relate to the narrative of the film, which showcases conversations we’ve all had about living on an island. The film should be a chance to bring families and friends together to see the island in a unique way on the big screen.’
Mr Ashplant, who now lives in London, was back in Guernsey over Christmas, having last been in the island in the summer, shooting his new film, Last Flamingo of the Red Summer Sunset.
‘It’s a historical drama, a neo-western set in 1890’s America,’ he said. ‘I’m hoping its going to be completed and ready for release in the middle of 2023.’
The careers of the other cast members of Marooned Awakening have continued to blossom, with Ashplant’s co-star, Tilly Keeper, who started out as Louise Mitchell in EastEnders, being given a lead role in the hit Netflix series You.
.Tickets for the Guernsey screenings of Marooned Awakening are now available on the Mallard website.
