Press release from Circle Films
Acclaimed writer/director Ben Hackworth (Corroboree Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival 2007, Berlin Film Festival 2008) has been selected as one of only 6 programme alumni to return to Cannes for the 10th Anniversary of the Cinefondation Residence Programme, where he will present a reading from RUINS OF LOVE, his upcoming feature currently in development with Producer Lizzette Atkins of Circe Films.
Ben has a remarkable history of support from the Cinefondation. His short Martin Four was an official Cinefondation selection in 2001, and he developed CORROBOREE and CURE FOR SERPENTS – a script that would become the genesis for his current project – at the Residence in 2005. CURE FOR
SERPENTS was additionally selected for the Atelier program in 2008.
2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the Residence, an immersive script and career development event for promising young filmmakers, selected by a jury of established film professionals to live and work in Paris for four and a half months. The program features both personalised assistance throughout the writing process, as well as a series of group forums with leading industry professionals. Alumni of the Residence include PETER SOLLETT (Raising Victor Vargas, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist) LUCRECIA MARTEL (La Cienaga, The Holy Girl) Antonio Campos (After School) , Alexis dos Santos (Unmade Beds, Glue).
As part of the 10th Anniversary program, Ben & the other returning program Alumni have been asked to present a reading by professional actors from current projects in development for a select group of invited industry professionals.
RUINS OF LOVE, co written with Bille Brown, traces the story of Bette, a fading bohemian beauty, as she attempts to transform her ramshackle North Queensland jungle estate into a living work of art. Inspired by the memory of her charismatic, philandering husband Cesar, Bette recruits family and
friends to bring her grand carnival to life. As she attempts to end her estrangement with Cesar’s illegitimate son Jack, the two become entangled in an intense game of seduction.