The Retreat, developed by writer/producer Alyson Richards and director Pat Mills through the National Screen Institute’s Features First program, makes its theatrical and digital premiere across the US and Canada today.
It’s the 26th fully produced feature film to come from the program.
NSI Features First is a renowned development training launch pad for producer/writer teams looking to produce their first or second feature film with strong commercial appeal.
“Getting the phone call that we’d been accepted into the NSI Features First program was the first step in a long journey to getting The Retreat made. It was our first outside validation for the project and we felt very supported through the program,” says writer/producer Alyson Richards. “For me as a writer, it was just the boost of confidence I needed.”
Alyson and Pat participated in the program from 2008 to 2009 where they worked on the fundamentals of filmmaking and received a cash award and up to $17K of in-kind services.
“The Retreat started her long journey with NSI Features First – through script development, director mentorship and workshopping ideas with other teams, the National Screen Institute played an important part in getting our feature made,” says director Pat Mills.
The Retreat follows a lesbian couple who embark on a romantic weekend at a remote cabin in the woods but must fight for their lives when a group of militant serial killers hunt them.
Production on the film began in 2019, shortly after it was named a semi-finalist in the Slamdance Screenplay Competition the previous year.
“Alyson and Pat have shown dedication and love for their craft since day one,” says NSI CEO Joy Loewen. “They both have worked tirelessly to see this story brought to life on screen, and we are excited to see their hard work pay off.”
Quiver Distribution acquired the worldwide rights to the thriller in April, with the theatrical and digital premieres slated for May 21 in the US and Canada.
About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)
Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.
The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women-identifying, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.
The Native Lab focuses on the development of Indigenous storytellers. Participants hone their storytelling and technical skills in a hands-on and supportive environment, including one-on-one feedback sessions with advisors and roundtables. They also explore indigenizing their creative projects.
Sweet Home Reservation follows a successful fashion businesswoman who returns to her childhood home on her Cree reservation in northern Alberta for the funeral of her aunt. However unbeknownst to her large, loud Native family, she brings home her new fiancé – a musician from Malibu.
The Native Lab ran May 10 to 21 featuring creative advisors James Ashcroft, Kat Candler, Aurora Guerrero and Jennifer Reeder.
This pitch development grant, led by ISO, Amazon Studios and the Black Screen Office, provides Canadian Black, Indigenous and People of Colour screen content creators with the opportunity to develop a half-hour scripted or non-scripted series pitch in English for presentations to executives from Amazon Prime Video.
Each team selected received $10K to develop their pitch, which they then presented to Amazon Studios during a two-day pitch event on May 11 and 12.
