The Run - World Premiere at the AFF (Copy)
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Rialto Acquires ANZ Rights to The Run
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from within the Watchpost and Arterial Films family: Rialto Distribution has acquired all Australian and New Zealand rights to The Run, the debut feature film by writer–director Stephen de Villiers and producer Chloe Gardner, produced through our sister company Arterial Films.
As many of our clients and collaborators know, Watchpost handled end-to-end post-production on The Run — from editorial and colour to VFX and finishing. This project represents the very best of what our post team can deliver: bold, cinematic, high-stakes storytelling brought to life through world-class craft.
The deal was finalised ahead of the American Film Market, where global sales are being led by Global Constellation.
American Film Market 2025
A Breakout Premiere and Growing Momentum
The Run has already enjoyed a wonderful start to its life.
The film sold out its world premiere at the 2025 Adelaide Film Festival, with an encore session added due to audience demand.
It has since been:
Nominated for Best Feature at the South Australian Screen Awards.
Honoured with Gold at the Australian Cinematographers Society Awards for Michael Tessari’s stunning cinematogrphy.
The response from audiences has been wonderful — a testament to hard work of everyone who laboured on this film with care and love.
Cast and Crew at The Premiere of The Run at Adelaide Film Festival
About the Film
Starring Callan Mulvey (Avengers: Endgame, The Gray Man), Charlotte Maggi (Rebel Moon, The Surfer) and Felix Cameron (Boy Swallows Universe, Penguin Bloom), The Run is a tense, atmospheric dystopian thriller set in a near-future Australia weakened by viral collapse and a mysterious fertility crisis.
The story follows a reluctant smuggler and a runaway teenage mother forced to navigate a desolate coastal world — while being hunted by violent pursuers.
The world is harsh. The stakes are primal. But at its heart, the film pulses with humanity, resilience and connection.
Fabien Westerhoff, Head of Global Sales at Global Constellation, shared:
“This new deal with Rialto is a great development for The Run and confirms our belief in the strength and reach of the film. It’s a thrilling and cinematic example of independent genre cinema that showcases the resurgence of distinctive Australian voices on the world stage.”
Stephen de Villiers added:
“I grew up loving Rialto’s catalogue, so we’re thrilled to be partnering with them. The response at Adelaide Film Festival was overwhelming — we were one of the first films to sell out. This deal elevates the film at home and helps ensure as wide an audience as possible will get to see it.”
Producer Chloe Gardner said:
“Rialto have an incredible track record supporting ambitious Australian cinema. Their passion for The Run was clear from the outset, and we’re excited to continue this journey with them.”
Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto Distribution, remarked:
“We were immediately drawn to The Run’s raw emotional power, strong ensemble performances, and striking visual world. It’s the kind of bold genre storytelling that demands to be seen on the big screen.”
This acquisition is a major win for us at Watchpost as we continue to expand our post-production and long-form offerings.
About Arterial Films
Arterial Films, founded by Stephen de Villiers and Chloe Gardner, is an Adelaide-based production company dedicated to bold, auteur-driven cinema and premium drama for global audiences.
About Global Constellation
A merger between Global Screen and Film Constellation, representing auteur-driven and commercially driven films worldwide from their Munich and London offices.
About Rialto Distribution
One of Australasia’s leading independent distributors, with 30+ years of experience handling theatrical, digital and home-entertainment releases across Australia and New Zealand.
Want to Learn More or Work With Us?
If you’re developing a feature, documentary or series and are looking for a post-production partner who understands story, offers boutique service and genuine value, and can take your project from raw footage to final master, we’d love to talk.
Get in touch with the Watchpost team anytime.
