HIDDEN OPENS AT NO. 1

Hidden opened at No.1 on the national limited release box office chart on 12 prints and at No.13 in the Top 20, with a higher screen average than the blockbuster MI:3 which opened on over 400 prints. This position was maintained over week 2, indicating an exceptionally strong opening and great word-of mouth. Tsuki was extremely pleased to work with Madman Cinema on this internationally acclaimed French thriller.

From celebrated French Director Michael Haneke, Hidden has won numerous awards including Best Director, Fipresci Critics Prize, Ecumenical Jury Award (Cannes 2005), Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Editing (European Film Awards 2005) and Best Foreign Film Award (LA Film Critics Association 2005). It has also been Officially Selected by Melbourne International Film Festival (2005) and will open the New Zealand Film Festival (2005).

Starring Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil, Hidden is one of the finest examples of challenging, thought provoking films you are likely to see. Striking deep into the heart of tensions surrounding Algerian immigrants and the associated conflicts of the 1960’s and how this resonates in the French psyche of today, Hidden works on many tantalizing levels. The film unravels in a web of intrigue, guilt, and unresolved conflict of scarred childhoods that Michael Haneke blends together with sometimes tormenting, always alluring finesse.

Publicity highlights for the campaign include the syndication of feature stories on Juliette Binoche that resulted from the UniFrance Press Junket, including placement in The Sun Herald’s ‘S’ magazine which usually favours celebrity-led blockbusters over arthouse foreign films. ABC TV’s At The Movies reviewed the film – 4½ stars – the Wednesday prior to opening week (26 April) and included a 6min interview with director Michael Haneke. The early run of this favourable review cements the film as ‘one-to-see’ with the target audience. Editorial and reviews were strong across the board with support from key critics and presenters including The Movie Show and Today Show.

Promotions highlights include Sydney Morning Herald Metro ticket giveaway and harnessing the support of the French Embassy to promote the VIP screening. All WOM activity was exceptionally well executed, and a highlight included the NSW opening WOM positioned as a “Gala” event although it was simply an advance screening.

QUOTES

"...impressively eloquent and deeply disturbing... very much a story for our times..."
4.5 STARS - SUNDAY AGE

"(Haneke's) most powerful and ingenious work... Hidden is the first great film of the 21st century"
4 STARS - THE AGE

"a chilling thriller"
4.5 STARS - DAILY TELEGRAPH

"... brilliant... A movie with a chilling plan to not only grip your fascination, but strangle it too..."
4 STARS - HERALD SUN

"Enthralling"
4 STARS - Andiee Paviour, WHO WEEKLY

"... a film you have to see twice..."
4 STARS - David Stratton, AT THE MOVIES
4.5 STARS - Margaret Pomeranz, AT THE MOVIES

"Hidden is that rare thing in the cinema; it's an intellectual picture that is also intensely emotional. Brilliantly acted and directed with a chillingly measured rhythm, Hidden is a haunting and mesmerising movie."
AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW

"... a disturbing psychological drama that keeps you guessing long after the credits..."
MX MELBOURNE

"... riveting..."
4 STARS - ALPHA

"... no simple whodunit..."
LIMELIGHT

"... an intriguing thriller...The most accessible film yet from one of Europe’s very finest filmmakers."
4 STARS - EMPIRE

"... classic - and disturbing - French thriller... definitely worth seeing..."
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

"... the film reveals itself to be a grand, if not opaque, rumination on the psychology of terror."
NYLON MAGAZINE

"Acutely observed, intelligent as it is intriguing"
IF MAGAZINE