The Dark Horse
Filmfest 2015
New Zealand 2014
Original version with English subtitles
(Original: English)
German Premiere
Director: James Napier Robertson
Section: CineVision
THE DARK HORSE is a true story based on the life of a charismatic, little-known New Zealand hero: Genesis Potini. Once a heralded chess champion, Genesis has spent the last few years in and out of mental institutions, battling with severe bipolar disorder. After being released from the psychiatric ward for one more chance at life, he moves in with Ariki, his gang-patched and distant brother, and Ariki's soon-to-be-patched teenage son, Mana. Needing a purpose and a reason to get out of the gang house, Genesis joins a rough-as-guts local chess club, with the wild idea of coaching the motley crew of kids to the national chess championship.
New Zealand Film Commission
Cast: Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrence, Miriama McDowell, James Napier Robertson
Credits
Screenplay: James Napier Robertson
Director of Photography: Denson Baker
Film Editor: Peter Roberts
Composer: Dana Lund
Production Designer: Kim Sinclair
Costume Design: Kristin Smith
Sound: Nick Buckton
Producer: Tom Hern
Co-Producer: Jim Marbrook, James Napier Robertson
Production Company: Four Knights Film Ltd
Co-Production Company: Southern Light Films
Distributor: Koch Films GmbH
Director: James Napier Robertson
