PRINCE, the breakthrough feature debut from acclaimed Dutch music video director Sam de Jong. After debuting at the 2015 Berlinale, where it received an honorary mention for the coveted Crystal Bear for Best First Feature, PRINCE will be opening theatrically and on VOD August 14.
The film follows Ayoub (Ayoub Elsari), a Moroccan-Dutch teenager on his journey into manhood in the low-income housing projects of Amsterdam. Vying for the love of the neighborhood beauty and the respect of the local gang of tough-guys, his big dreams lead him down a dangerous path toward the Lamborghini-driving Kalpa, neighborhood kingpin and alleged sociopath (played to great avail by Freddy Tratlehner, famed Dutch rapper and fashion designer). A deeply personal project that touches on issues of race and class specific to Dutch society, the film’s poignant portrayal of innocence, corruption, and young love promise universal appeal. With a playful visual style and a pulsing 80’s-inspired synth score by Dutch musician Kai Hugo (AKA Palmbomen), PRINCE at times recalls the aesthetics of Nicolas Winding Refn’s DRIVE with fairy-tale iconography reminiscent of WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
In addition to his music video work, Sam de Jong has directed 4 short films (3 of which he also wrote the screenplays for). PRINCE establishes de Jong as an extraordinary new voice on the cinematic scene. The film will be available in North America in theaters and on all major VOD platforms starting August 14th, 2015.
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