Hail wins at Melbourne International Film Festival

An Australian film based on the real lives of its two lead actors has won The Age Critics’ Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

Selected by a panel of film critics, the award now in its second year, is for the best Australian feature film at MIFF.

Amiel Courtin-Wilson’s first feature film Hail took the prize against a program that included The Sapphires, Dead Europe, Last Dance, Save Your Legs! 100 Bloody Acres, Errors of the Human Body and Jack Irish: Bad Debts.

Hail is about Dan, who on losing his love is reduced to savagery and violence. A mix of fact and fiction the story is based on lead actor Daniel Jones’ real life as an ex-con. Jones stars alongside real-life partner Leanne Letch.