Italian
Bonus Track: A new queer rom-com set to charm U.S. audiences
A fresh take on coming-of-age stories
Sunrise Films has recently secured the U.S. rights for “Bonus Track” from Bankside Films, with plans for a theatrical and digital release in October. This feature directorial debut from Julia Jackman is a coming-of-age queer rom-com that promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt narrative and stellar performances.
The story behind “Bonus Track”
Set in 2006 England, “Bonus Track” follows the journey of 16-year-old aspiring musician George, played by Joe Anders, who is known for his role in “1917”. George’s life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Max, portrayed by Samuel Small from “So Awkward”. Max is the son of a famous musical duo, and as the two prepare for a year-end talent show, their friendship evolves in ways neither of them anticipated.
The film also features an ensemble cast including Ray Panthaki, Susan Wokoma, Jack Davenport, Alison Sudol, and a cameo by Josh O’Connor, who contributed to the story. The film’s narrative, written by Mike Gilbert, is a beautiful exploration of friendship, identity, and the transformative power of music.
A festival favorite
“Bonus Track” made its debut at the BFI London Film Festival and was released in the U.K. as a Sky Original film. The film is a collaborative effort between Erebus Pictures and Sky, in association with Lunapark Pictures and Fortune Films. Bankside Films is handling international sales, ensuring that this charming story reaches a global audience.
Sunrise Films: A rising star in distribution
Sunrise Films, a production and internationally focused distribution company, was launched by Vertigo Releasing CEO Rupert Preston and chair Nigel Williams. The company has a growing portfolio of production credits, including “The Accused” and “Gassed Up”. On the distribution front, Sunrise has brought films such as “Beneath the Surface”, “The Girl in the Trunk”, “After Love”, and “Law of Tehran” to U.S. audiences.
Recently, Sunrise Films acquired Luna Carmoon’s Venice winner “Hoard” and the action thriller “Sunray” for U.S. distribution, further solidifying their reputation as a key player in the industry.
A word from the distributors
Andrew Nerger, head of U.S. and international distribution at Vertigo Releasing, expressed his enthusiasm for “Bonus Track”: “We loved the utterly charming ‘Bonus Track’ from the moment we first screened it. It’s a lovely feel-good coming-of-age story full of winning performances, and we simply cannot wait to bring it to audiences in the U.S.”
Explore more
For those eager to get a glimpse of “Bonus Track”, you can watch the trailer and find more information about the film here.
Reflecting on the impact
“Bonus Track” is more than just a film; it’s a reflection of the evolving landscape of queer cinema. It offers a fresh perspective on the coming-of-age genre, blending humor, heart, and music to create a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. As we anticipate its U.S. release, one can’t help but wonder about the future of such narratives and the new voices that will continue to shape the film industry.
“Bonus Track” is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of representation. It reminds us that every journey is unique, and every story deserves to be told.
