‘Dirty Boy:’ Debut From Indie British Filmmaker Doug Rao Lands Sales Deal — Cannes Market 

EXCLUSIVE: Firebook Entertainment has acquired world sales and distribution rights to Dirty Boy, the debut feature from British actor-turned filmmaker Doug Rao. 

The film is described as a psychological thriller. It stars Graham McTavish (The Hobbit) and was shot on location in Styria, Austria, the town where part of The Sound of Music was filmed.  

The film’s plot follows a reclusive schizophrenic, raised in an oppressive religious sect, who must clear his name when he’s framed by cult leaders for a series of ritualistic murders. As he races to save the next victim, he must unravel his fractured mind and expose the sect from within.

Also starring are Susie Porter (Wentworth, Gold), Stan Steinbichler (Zero Chill, Netflix), Honor Gillies (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), and Alice Lucy (Mad Heidi). The film was produced by Rao, Giles Alderson (The Dare), Marek Lichtenberg, and Sarah-Ann Grill. The film has played San Francisco Indie Fest, Twin Cities, and Antalya, and won Best Film at the Maverick Movie Awards.

“With Dirty Boy, I wanted to overrun the idyllic location of The Sound of Music with some warped humour, a seriously malevolent cult and some filthy deviance – you’ll never see those green hills the same way again,” Rao said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to have Firebook and Raven Banner aboard to help bring this twisted ride to global audiences and look forward to buyers viewing in Cannes.”