An ambitious experimental docudrama, Hail draws from the life experiences of its star: ex-criminal and jail-cell philosopher Danny Jones.

Both epic love story and autobiography, the audacious Hail is the culmination of six years of collaboration between director Amiel Courtin-Wilson (Bastardy, MIFF 2008; Ben Lee: Catch My Disease, MIFF 2011) and Danny Jones, a 50-year-old former prisoner with a poet's vision of his world.

Released from prison, the fierce-yet-vulnerable Danny is reunited with his lover Leanne (played by Jones' real-life partner Leanne Letch), with whom he shares an intense and haunting love. But despite his best intentions, Danny remains profoundly troubled by the spectre of alcohol and past violence witnessed, and it isn't long before his fragile domestic existence is torn asunder.

Amiel Courtin-Wilson is a guest of the festival.

D/S Amiel Courtin-Wilson P Michael Cody, Amiel Courtin-Wilson Dist Madman Entertainment TD HD Cam/2011