One of the absolute most joyous experiences I had at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was being at the world premiere of writer-director Taika Waititi’s HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE, his followup to WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, and his last film before he dove headfirst into THOR: RAGNAROK.
Based on the book by Barry Crump, WILDERPEOPLE is about a young, streetwise New Zealand boy who goes to live in a remote area of the bush with his new foster parents, and through a series of mishaps on the part of the local government, the kid and his only remaining caretaker (played by a gruff-as-hell Sam Neill) head into the bush to hide, as a national manhunt is launched to find them. The film is part ’80s action movie, part buddy comedy, and all very heartwarming and funny. It’s easily one of the most enjoyable films of the year, and film festival all over the globe seem to agree—the thing can’t stop winning awards.
And it just so happens I have a whole bunch of seats to an early screening (the film doesn’t open until July 8 in Chicago) of HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE for Ain’t It Cool News readers in the Chicago area. The screening takes place this Thursday, June 30 at 7:00pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). Here’s how to win…
To win, send me an email at WilderpeopleChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “Back to Nature!” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest (write “Guest” or “No Guest”; each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest—if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What is your favorite movie set in nature, and why?” (I’m being deliberately vague in my definition of “set in nature,” so feel free to do the same.) Keep your responses BRIEF—no more than 75 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me very soon if you won, so keep checking your email over the next couple of days.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 15 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:45pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house. If you can't arrive by 6:45pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to The Orchard for giving us this very cool screening opportunity.
