Sound of Metal, the feature debut of American director, screenwriter and editor Darius Marder about a heavy metal drummer (Riz Ahmed) who after losing his hearing, is forced to re-evaluate his place in the world, is the latest film to receive BFI FAN New Release Support.
Since summer 2018, BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) has been supporting four new release films each year to help exhibitors across the UK engage with more diverse audiences and programme more titles that might be perceived as being ‘risky’ or ‘too challenging’.
The latest film to receive BFI FAN New Release support, which includes marketing resources and social media budget for FAN members is Vertigo Releasing’s Sound of Metal which is set to be released on 17 May 2021.
Ruben (Riz Ahmed) and Lou (Olivia Cooke) live together, two nomads traveling gig to gig on an endless American tour. Their music is loud, frenzied and passionate, until one day Ruben is overwhelmed by a severe ringing in his ears, which quickly gives way to deafness. Ruben is suddenly overcome by anxiety, depression, and soon enough his past addictions begin to surface. Ruben checks himself into a home for deaf addicts run by an eccentric deaf veteran, Joe. In this world of silence and under Joe’s tough, observant care, Ruben must confront himself more honestly than ever before. But the love and sound of his old life echoes in Ruben’s mind, calling for him to return…
Marder uses innovative sound design to create a powerful soundscape of scrapes and muffles that give you a real sense of Ruben’s sonic experience and interior world; including his utter panic as he is jolted into a new, quieter way of being. Injecting visceral, edgy circumstances with great sensitivity, and strengthened by tough-minded performances from Ahmed and Cooke, Sound of Metal is a poignant portrait of a man finding his way to a new revelation.
Exhibitors can expect and request:
- Marketing pack and assets including programme notes and audio programme notes
- BSL promotional video for you to promote the film to D/deaf audience members
- AD and captioned versions of film
- 20 min pre-recorded Q&A available
- Freelance marketing support in every Film Hub area
- Virtual Q&A opportunities with film talent available
- Advice from Inclusive Cinema for exhibitors putting on accessible screenings
- Budget for Facebook/social media ads
- Riz Ahmed intro video
Sound of Metal is released on 17 May 2021 and can be booked via Vertigo Releasing. The film is also supported by FAN Young Consultants.
For more information on how BFI FAN can support your screening, visit www.fannewreleases.co.uk to download the marketing pack or email ti.s@watershed.co.uk
