DNFF– CLOSING NIGHT: THE SCHOOL DUEL
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
When an opportunity for twisted notoriety arises, a tormented 13-year-old enlists in a deadly competition run by the state.
Written and directed by a former resident of the “Free State of Florida”, this riveting debut feature is the kind of darkly poetic dystopian thriller that rings so hard and true it hurts. We’re reminded of BATTLE ROYALE and THE HUNGER GAMES, but the way Wiseman harnesses society’s complacency and turns the barrel of the gun in our faces, in particular America’s obsession with gun culture, is a far more chilling, prescient study of the state of the entire world. Young Kue Lawrence is a star in the central role, but terrific work from the whole cast – especially Christina Brucato as the boy’s desperate mother. A harrowing, essential watch.
Official Selection – Fantasia 2025
Winner – Canal+ Special 50th Anniversary Jury Prize, Deauville Film Festival 2024
“Few films are as heartbreaking in their vision … or visceral in the horror they generate … *****” – Cinerama
“Wiseman crafts a stunning work of horrifying filmmaking … 9/10” – Sunshine State Cineplex
Preceded by
***** (five stars)
(Dir: Todd Wiseman Jr/US/7m) A French teenager racks up death and destruction in Florida, before dinner time. Australian Premiere.
PLUS: Dark Nights Film Fest – Volume 2 – Awards Presentation
Rating
Unclassified 15+
Duration
90 min
Language
English
Director
Todd Wiseman Jr.
