Robert Sarkies' controversial new feature film Out of the Blue has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will have its world premiere in the Festival's 'Discovery' section, where both Whale Rider and In My Father's Den screened.

Out of the Blue is a gripping drama which reveals a day in the life of the small seaside community of Aramoana when long-time resident David Gray runs amok, with tragic results. In the face of this, a number of heroic feats of bravery and survival unfold.

Image: Karl Urban stars alongside Matt Sunderland in Out of the BlueRobert Sarkies' controversial new feature film Out of the Blue has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will have its world premiere in the Festival's 'Discovery' section, where both Whale Rider and In My Father's Den screened.

Out of the Blue is a gripping drama which reveals a day in the life of the small seaside community of Aramoana when long-time resident David Gray runs amok, with tragic results. In the face of this, a number of heroic feats of bravery and survival unfold.

Image: Karl Urban stars alongside Matt Sunderland in Out of the Blue"Out Of The Blue courageously recounts one of the most significant events in New Zealand's recent history" said the Festival, when making the announcement.

The film stars Karl Urban and Matt Sunderland and was shot on location earlier this year in the South Island's Otago region. With permission from the community, some scenes were also filmed at Aramoana itself.

For director Sarkies, the 36-day shoot was at times gruelling as he contended with unpredictable weather, a large cast and a very tight schedule.

"We all felt a very real sense of responsibility in telling this story and the set was often an emotional place" says Sarkies. "Choosing to film so close to Aramoana brought the reality of the events we were depicting home to everyone involved. We're thrilled that we'll be able to showcase the film at one of the world's leading film festivals."

Sarkies will be at the Festival to introduce the film to audiences along with producers Steven O'Meagher and Tim White.

Out Of The Blue will be released in New Zealand on 12 October 2006. The local distributor is Dendy/Becker who also released the box office smash hit The World's Fastest Indian.

ABOUT THE NZFC

The New Zealand Film Commission's main purpose is to invest in the development, production, marketing and sales of New Zealand films, both domestically and internationally.

It does this through:

- Direct financial support for script development and production of projects that meet funding criteria.
- Sales and marketing activity - particularly through the promotion of New Zealand films at major international markets and festivals.
- Professional development by facilitating and funding relevant opportunities for script writers, directors and producers.
- Support for NZ film industry infrastructure such as guilds, associations and film festivals.

Last year the NZFC invested $19.3 million into the NZ film industry.

The NZFC was established in 1978. It is based in Wellington and has a dedicated staff of 17.