Rialto Distribution Secures Rights to The Run Ahead of AFM
Blackwood, Australia - November 19, 2025 / Watchpost /
Rialto Distribution has acquired all Australian and New Zealand rights to The Run, the debut feature from writer-director Stephen de Villiers and producer Chloe Gardner of Arterial Films. Finalised ahead of the American Film Market (AFM), the deal strengthens the film’s growing momentum following its sold-out world premiere at the 2025 Adelaide Film Festival, where an encore screening was added due to audience demand. Global sales for the title are being handled by Fabien Westerhoff at Global Constellation.
A tense, atmospheric dystopian thriller set along a desolate, near-future Australia, The Run stars Callan Mulvey, Charlotte Maggi, Felix Cameron, and Taylor Wiese. The film follows a reluctant smuggler and a runaway teenage mother forced into uneasy alliance as they navigate a collapsing world marked by viral breakdown and a mysterious fertility crisis. Early audiences have responded strongly to its blend of emotional intimacy and muscular genre storytelling. The film has been nominated for Best Feature at the South Australian Screen Awards, with cinematographer Michael Tessari recently winning ACS Gold for his striking visual work.
“This new deal with Rialto is a great development for The Run and confirms our belief in the strength and reach of the film,” says Fabien Westerhoff, Head of Global Sales at Global Constellation. “It’s a thrilling and cinematic example of independent genre cinema that showcases the resurgence of distinctive Australian voices on the world stage.”
Writer-director Stephen de Villiers adds, “I grew up loving Rialto’s catalogue, so partnering with them on my debut feature is a real honour. The response at Adelaide Film Festival was overwhelming — incredibly, we were one of the first films to sell out! Audiences seemed to genuinely connect with the humanity beneath the grit, and Rialto’s enthusiasm has only reinforced our belief in the film.”
Producer Chloe Gardner notes, “The Run has been a labour of love for Arterial Films and for Watchpost, our sister company that handled the film’s end-to-end post-production. Rialto’s passion and experience with bold Australian cinema made them the perfect partner for The Run, and we’re excited for audiences across ANZ to discover it.”
Kelly Rogers, CEO of Rialto Distribution, says, “We were immediately drawn to The Run’s raw emotional power, its exceptional ensemble cast, and its haunting, beautifully realised world. It’s exactly the kind of ambitious Australian storytelling that belongs on the big screen.”
Following its work on The Run, Watchpost has continued its expansion as a boutique Australian post house and has recently been engaged for two new South Australian features, Ruby Ruby and The Debt, further strengthening its growing reputation in the national screen industry.
The Run is poised to make a significant impact as it moves toward release in Australia and New Zealand. With Rialto Distribution at the helm and strong international interest already building, the film is positioned as one of the most exciting independent Australian features of the year.
About The Run
The Run is a dystopian Australian thriller from Arterial Films, written and directed by Stephen de Villiers and produced by Chloe Gardner. The film stars Callan Mulvey, Charlotte Maggi, Felix Cameron, and Taylor Wiese.
About Arterial Films
Arterial Films is an Adelaide-based production company founded by Stephen de Villiers and Chloe Gardner, dedicated to bold, auteur-driven cinema and premium drama.
About Global Constellation
Global Constellation is a leading world sales agency representing distinctive international feature films known for strong creative vision and commercial reach.
About Rialto Distribution
Rialto Distribution is one of Australasia’s premier independent distributors, specialising in theatrical, home entertainment, and digital releases of acclaimed arthouse and crossover titles.
About Watchpost
Watchpost is a full-service creative content agency and boutique post-production studio based in Adelaide, offering high-end finishing across film, television, and branded content.
Learn more on https://www.watchpost.com.au/news/rialto-acquires-anz-right-the-run
Contact Information:
Watchpost
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Blackwood, SA 5051
Australia
Stephen de Villiers
+61 8 8313 1119
https://watchpost.com.au
