Mushroom Studios to release new Barry Keoghan film to ANZ cinemas

August 28, 2024 4:15

The film division of legendary Australian record label Mushroom Group – Mushroom Studios – in tandem with content company The Reset Collective, has acquired Bird – a 2024 drama starring Saltburn actor, Barry Keoghan.

The acquisition sees both entertainment companies distributing the coming-of-age film to Australian and New Zealand cinemas in early 2025.

Apart from Keoghan, the film sees German actor Franz Rogowski (Passages) play alongside up-and-coming stars, Jason Buda and Nykiya Adams, as they tell the story of a 12-year-old girl named Bailey (Adams) living with her brother Hunter (Buda) and single father (Keoghan) in a North Kent squat.

And while Bailey and Hunter’s father, Bug, is often distant from them, Bailey “seeks attention and adventure elsewhere” while her entrance into puberty is oncoming.

Bird is written and directed by Andrea Arnold, an Academy Award-winning, UK-born filmmaker who won her Best Short Film, Live Action Oscar in 2005 for her film, Wasp.

Arnold is also known for her work as a director on her 2016 film American Honey, 2009’s Fish Tank, and a 2011 adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (starring The Gentleman’s Kaya Scodelario).

Credit: Atsushi Nishijima

“Bird is one of the year’s most highly anticipated independent films. With Andrea Arnold’s exceptional direction and Barry Keoghan’s powerful performance, the film delivers a story that will deeply resonate with audiences,” Bethany Jones, chief operating officer at Mushroom Studios, said.

“We’re delighted to partner with The Reset Collective to bring Bird to audiences across Australia and New Zealand.

“Securing Bird in our region exemplifies both Mushroom Studios and The Reset Collective’s dedication to collaborating with top-tier filmmakers, both from Australia and abroad, who bring original and compelling narratives to life.”

When speaking on the joint acquisition, The Reset Collective’s managing director, Lisa Garner, said the move was “especially meaningful” considering both companies’ deep appreciation for independent films.

“We are thrilled to team up with Mushroom on Bird! Our shared love for independent film makes this partnership especially meaningful,” Garner said, before praising the film. “Bird gifts audiences with a uniquely magical and captivating storytelling experience, the characters and their world linger long after the credits roll – we can’t wait to bring the film to Australian and New Zealand audiences.”

Bird’s world premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival awarded it with a seven-minute standing ovation. The film is also booked for a screening at the Toronto Film Festival, with more expected to be officially announced in the near future.