Stanley (James Rolleston), a naive first year drama student meets Isolde and begins a sweet, first love affair. Goaded by Hannah (Kerry Fox), the charismatic, domineering Head of Acting, Stanley uncovers a talent and ambition he didn’t know he had. When his group hits on a sex scandal that involves Isolde’s tennis prodigy sister as fertile material for their end-of-year show, Stanley finds himself profoundly torn.
The Rehearsal, directed by Alison Maclean and written by Maclean and author Emily Perkins, is based on the novel by Man Booker award-winner Eleanor Catton, and produced by Bridget Ikin and Trevor Haysom.
The Rehearsal was financed by New Zealand film commission and NZ Lottery Grants Board, in association with ANZ Bank of New Zealand Limited, Park Pictures Media Partners, Definition Limited, and Film Buff Pty Ltd.
International sales: Mongrel Media
Australasia: Footprint Films