Sell Out, written and directed by brothers Nick and Josh Holden, will have its world premiere at the 32nd Annual Austin Film Festival. The Holden brothers’ first feature film, The Golden Rut, premiered at the 2016 Austin Film Festival. The filmmakers shared this statement through a press release: “We are beyond excited to share this film. It’s a true passion project, made with love and intention. We designed the pace of the shoot so we could tell the story on our own terms—giving ourselves and the cast the time and space to inhabit the characters, explore their nuances, and have fun improvising. The result is a film we are deeply proud of; a timely and resonant story about what it means to sell out in today’s world—and, more importantly, what it means to be true to yourself.” Nick Holden and Josh Holden.
Sell Out is a satirical look at a neurotic novelist who can’t tell if his most significant problem is the blank page, his Southern family, or his best friend’s off-the-rails political campaign. The film stars Nick Holden, Stephanie Hunt, Adrianne Palicki, Olivia Applegate, Jimmy Gonzales, Gabriel Luna, Temple Baker, Bill Wise, and Adeline Holden.
About – Benny Dink, a novelist and single father on the cusp of forty, watches his life unravel when his latest book is rejected by his publisher and his relationship with his fiancée falls apart. Spiraling, he returns to Louisiana to officiate his sister’s third wedding. Back in his hometown, he wrestles with questions of integrity and compromise – dodging his childhood best friend who’s running an unsavory political campaign, and weighing a lucrative job offer that feels like selling out.
The film was primarily shot in Austin, with cast members from Texas (and specifically Austin) who introduce the Holden family members, including Lana Holden as Marie Dink and Adeline Holden as Lili Dink.
The film’s soundtrack was composed by Il Maestro Mario Matteoli with additional music provided by Danny Levin. The film is produced by Morgan Pollitt, Jennifer Kuczaj, the Holden brothers, and co-produced by Michael Greene.
Nick and Josh Holden will be in attendance at the film screening, along with various talent from the film. The screening dates and locations are:
STATE THEATRE at PARAMOUNT, 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Thursday, October 23rd, at 6:30 PM, with a Red Carpet before the screening, and a Q&A with the writer, director, and cast.
Second screening: GALAXY THEATRE 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd. Austin, 78752 on Thursday, October 30th @ 7 PM
About the filmmakers:Brothers and writing/directing/producing partners, Josh and Nick Holden, started their production company, Mishnoon, in Austin, TX, in 2008. They cut their teeth on music documentaries and music videos in the Outlaw Country music scene, featuring the likes of Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson, and others. This work led to filming b-roll for the making of the (2009) Grammy-winning Crazy Heart soundtrack. Originally born in Los Angeles, the brothers were raised in Louisiana and moved to Austin, TX, for college in the early 2000s, where they have remained ever since. Nick enjoys philosophy and literature, which he studied at St. Edwards, especially when they can be woven into his films. And Josh graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film. In their films, they strive to blend their love of character, philosophy, and the absurdity of life.
The film trailer is available on YouTube.
Source: AFF, Holden Brother Films