The selection of Cannes Film Fest Critics Weeks sidebar, unveiled by artistic director Jean-Christophe Berjon, includes a host of new films by rising talent, including U.K helmer Duane Hopkins’ debut, the rural drama Better Things.
Set in present-day rural England, the tale presents a multi-narrative tale, centering on the young and old and their respective journeys of withdrawal and commitment to each other.
Hopkins began work on the screenplay for Better Things in 2003, and in 2004 was awarded the MEDIA New Talent Award for Best Screenplay by at the Cannes Film Festival. An intensive casting process then started in and around the West Midlands where the film was set.
As the film explores heroin addiction and the physical and emotional effects on the users, Hopkins cast young people who had been drug-addicted.
Directed, and written by Duane Hopkins
Produced by Samm Haillay, Rachel Robey
Music by Dan Berridge
Cinematography: Lol Crawley
Edited by: Chris Barwell
Running time: 93 minutes
