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Damsel

Competition 2018
© Strophic Productions Limited
Samuel Alabaster, more greenhorn than pioneer, sets off into the vast expanse of the American wilderness. He’s looking for Penelope, the love of his life and the woman he wants to marry. He is accompanied by his guitar, the miniature pony Butterscotch that he’s brought along as a wedding gift, and Parson Henry, the man he’s hired as master of ceremonies, who is a bit of a tippler. And so the motley crew sets off, but no sooner do they overcome some initial hurdles than Samuel comes out with the whole truth: Penelope must be freed from the clutches of a kidnapper – if necessary by force. Her abductor is apparently holding her captive in a remote log cabin. However, it seems that their plans to liberate the potential bride were forged without the lady’s consent, and feisty Penelope is not at all inclined to become Mrs Alabaster. ... Just like the hero and his very little pony, so too does this bold interpretation of the western meander – through satire, slapstick and parody. A serious dimension is nonetheless ensured, not least by the film’s resilient heroine who is quite capable of asserting her own will with a shotgun in her hand.
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by David & Nathan Zellner
with Robert Pattinson, Mia Wasikowska, David Zellner, Nathan Zellner, Robert Forster, Joe Billingiere USA 2017 English 113’ Colour

With

  • Robert Pattinson (Samuel)
  • Mia Wasikowska (Penelope)
  • David Zellner (Parson Henry)
  • Nathan Zellner (Rufus)
  • Robert Forster (Old Preacher)
  • Joe Billingiere (Zachariah)

Crew

Written and Directed by David & Nathan Zellner
Cinematography Adam Stone
Editing Melba Robichaux
Music The Octopus Project
Production Design Scott Kuzio
Costumes Terry Anderson
Make-Up Amy Forsythe
Production Manager Scott Chester
Producers Nathan Zellner, Chris Ohlson, David Zellner
Executive Producers Jim Reeve, Robert Halmi Jr.

Produced by

Damsel Productions

Additional information

World Sales:
Great Point Media
London, United Kingdom
+44 20 38730020
Imeurin@greatpointmedia.com

ICM Partners
Los Angeles, USA
+1 310 5504316
JLacy@icmpartners.com

Photos

Press Conference

Red Carpet

David & Nathan Zellner

© Fred Hayes 2024 Getty Images

The brothers David (born in 1974) and Nathan (born in 1975) from Greeley, Colorado have been writing, directing, producing and appearing in films for more than a decade. Among their award-winning shorts and features are Goliath, which was shown at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and Kid-Thing, which had its international premiere in the 2012 Forum at the Berlinale. Their 2014 film Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter starring Rinko Kikuchi also screened in the Forum and was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. Their Western Damsel premiered in the 2018 Competition at the Berlinale.

Filmography

2001 Frontier 2008 Goliath 2011 Kid-Thing 2014 Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter 2017 Damsel 2024 Sasquatch Sunset

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2024