XYZ Films is distributing the eco-thriller “The Well” from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hubert Davis

EXCLUSIVE: XYZ Films has secured worldwide distribution rights for the eco-thriller, excluding Canada The sourcethe first narrative film from Oscar-nominated documentary director Hubert Davis.

Recently filmed in Hamilton, Canada, The source features a Canadian cast including veterans such as Sheila McCarthy (Women Talk) and Arnold Pinnock (The doorman), who is also an executive producer. Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (Book of Negroes) and Idrissa Sanogo (Robin Hood) also star. The ensemble, working outside the SAG’s area of ​​responsibility, is completed by Joanne Boland (The Handmaid’s Tale), Noah Lamanna (Dream scenario), Natasha Mumba (The last of us) and Steven McCarthy (Maria kills people).

The film’s synopsis is: In a world where survivors of environmental collapse are fighting for the precious resources they need to survive, a young woman’s (Shailyn Pierre-Dixon) loyalty is tested by the arrival of an injured man. When he discovers that her family has a secret supply of fresh water, they all find themselves in the crosshairs of a dangerous cult and its ruthless leader Gabriel (Sheila McCarthy).

The film was produced by Coral Aiken of Aiken Heart Films (Carmen) and Davis. Executive producers are Damon D’Oliveira, Clement Virgo of Conquering Lion Pictures, Tom Kavluk and Lexy Kavluk of Untitled Films. The film is financed by Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund and Ontario Creates in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Vortex Media, who will distribute the film in Canada.

Davis is perhaps best known for his 2005 short documentary Hardwood, which was nominated for both an Oscar and an Emmy. Davis was the first black Canadian filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar. His documentary Black Ice won the 2022 People’s Choice Award at TIFF.

“As a father, I am inspired by my own fears and worries about the future of my children The source. I want to protect her from chaos, but as I watch her journey to a fulfilling life, I realize that our survival depends on community. The source challenges us to stretch our imaginations about what and who we need to let in to rebuild the world after the end of the world,” Davis said.

Brown added: “Hubert Davis is a hidden gem, a talent we’ve been watching for years and wondering when he would make the leap into the film industry. That’s it, with a script that’s as exciting and beautifully written as The sourceand that we can be a part of bringing it to the public is a thrill.

Davis is repped at WME by Bash Naran, and Aiken at UTA by Ella Mastrippolito and Matt Coatsworth.