Tim Roth stars in new film by Welby Ings
Production has begun on a new feature film PUNCH, written and directed by Professor Welby Ings, of AUT’s School of Art and Design. The film is being shot in the Auckland region, and is due to be released in late 2021.
PUNCH stars British actor and Oscar-nominee Tim Roth (The Hateful Eight, Rob Roy, Pulp Fiction, Tin Star), alongside local actors Jordan Oosterhof (Cul de Sac) and Toi Whakaari graduate Conan Hayes.
Professor Ings says it is wonderful to welcome Tim Roth to Aotearoa. “This story is very close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be bringing it to life. It’s great to be heading into production, and I’m excited to be collaborating with the extraordinarily talented Tim Roth.”
PUNCH tells the story of a gay adolescent boxer and small-town golden boy Jim (Jordan Oosterhof) on his journey to self-discovery and manhood. Tim Roth plays the role of Stan, Jim’s demanding coach and alcoholic father, and Conan Hayes takes on the part of Whetu, a young takatāpui Māori musician.
PUNCH is produced by Robin Murphy (Lowdown Dirty Criminals) for Robin Murphy Productions and Catherine Fitzgerald (The Orator, Bellbird) of Blueskin Films.
The film will be made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission, NZ Screen Production Grant, Prospect Films and Images and Sound. PUNCH will be distributed by Vendetta Films in New Zealand and Australia.
View Professor Ings’s academic profile and work, including his award-winning short films.