U.Good ample., a prominent French sales and production company, has acquired the global distribution rights for “Low Rider,” the second feature film from director Campbell X, known for “Stud life.” This announcement arrives just ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where it will compete for the prestigious Sean connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, valued at £50,000 (approximately $67,000).
The film features Emma McDonald (“moonhaven,” “The Serpent Queen”) and thishiwe Ziqubu (“Hard to Score”) in leading roles. It tells the story of Quinn, a British woman who embarks on an impulsive journey to South Africa in search of her estranged father. Along her travels, she partners with Harley (Ziqubu), and together they navigate both the stunning landscapes of Western cape and their own emotional challenges.
A Journey of Self-Finding
brett Walker, president of Alief, expressed enthusiasm about representing this project: “‘Low Rider’ is an exhilarating adventure—a narrative about self-discovery and resilience that leads us back home thru unexpected paths. With Emma McDonald’s captivating performance at its core, we are thrilled to be part of this remarkable filmmaking team.”
Spotlight on Diversity
Miguel Govea from Alief remarked: “‘Low Rider’ is definitely a must-see at Edinburgh.”
the screenplay was penned by Stephen strachan while Campbell X returns to long-form storytelling with this project after his impactful debut with “Stud Life,” which resonated within British queer cinema. Produced by Rebecca Long (“The Falling”) alongside Stella Nwimo (“Nuclear,” “Gangs of london”) under Boudica Entertainment’s banner, this film received support from BFI through National Lottery funding and also Head Gear Films and LipSync.The late Norman Merry along with Peter Hampden,Kristin Irving,Phil Hunt and Compton Ross serve as executive producers.
Lead actress mcdonald shared her excitement about playing Quinn: “Embarking on this role was an unbelievable adventure! I read through the script once and within a week found myself boarding a flight to South Africa ready to start filming. We completed shooting in just three thrilling weeks that felt like a beautiful blur.”
She further added: “The cast and crew were some of the most generous-hearted individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to work alongside—each location we filmed in was breathtakingly beautiful. This experience ignited my passion for storytelling in filmmaking—I truly hope our film resonates with audiences.”
The production took place across Cape town and Western Cape’s picturesque settings. “In ‘Low Rider,’ my goal was to take viewers on an exhilarating ride across Western Cape… without any seatbelts,” stated Campbell X.
“This film embodies elements of risk intertwined with desire while pushing boundaries by centering two Black protagonists—a rarity we still seldom witness.”
Quinn’s narrative explores themes surrounding nightlife adventures intertwined with rural mysticism along with complex personal histories.
Boudica’s Long and Nwimo described their project as mirroring its protagonist’s journey: “At times chaotic yet adventurous—filled with joy but also surprises—our movie delves into universal themes such as identity exploration, belongingness issues along self-empowerment narratives.”
“Low Rider” is part of an international competition lineup at EIFF featuring ten world premieres all vying for audience acclaim through voting for Connery Prize.
‘Low Rider’Courtesy Of Alief