Writer and director, Valerie Weiss’ debuts her action-packed film, “The Archer” at SXSW this year.
The film chronicles the journey of high school archery champion Lauren Pierce (Bailey Noble) after she is sentenced to two years at a corrupt juvenile court facility in the mountains of California for hospitalizing a friend’s abusive boyfriend in self-defense. Her friend doesn’t show up in court on her court date and her right to legal defense is waived by her weak-willed mother.
Soon after her arrival, Lauren quickly discovers the corruption under the rule of the strict head-master Bob Patrice (Bill Sage) and his perverted son Michael (Michael Grant). With the help of Rebecca (Jeanine Mason), a strong and rebellious young woman whom Lauren befriends, the two escape and fight for their lives in wilderness and rugged terrain with Bob’s stolen bow. In the film, we watch their journey as they are run away from Bob who hunts them down like prey in an attempt to keep his giant secret away from the public even if he has take them down with it.
At first glance Lauren seems privileged and to have it all: an Olympics-tracked competitive archer, and Bob a bow-hunting enthusiast is appreciatively aware of her skill. But as the film quickly unfolds we see the injustices of her situation in her fight for justice and ultimate freedom.
The Archer is a for-sale title at the festival via Mar Vista Entertainment.
