Desert Dawn shines at AFM with international distribution success

Premiere Entertainment Group (PEG) has reported a successful sales run at the American Film Market (AFM) in Las Vegas for Desert Dawn, an action-thriller produced by Ugandan-American filmmaker HemDee Kiwanuka.

The film stars Twilight alumni Kellan Lutz and Cam Gigandet has secured distribution deals across various international markets.

Distribution agreements have been confirmed for Australia and New Zealand (Rialto), Latin America (A2), Germany (Tiberius), Spain (Flins y Piniculas), France (Program Store), Benelux (Amazon), Eastern Europe (Daro), Russia/CIS (Filmster), the Middle East (Eagle Films), Taiwan (AV Jet), and India, along with in-flight airline entertainment (Pictureworks).

Desert Dawn follows a new small-town sheriff, portrayed by Lutz, and his resentful deputy, played by Gigandet, as they investigate the murder of a mysterious woman. Their inquiry spirals into a complex web of lies and corruption involving shady businessmen and a dangerous cartel. The supporting cast includes Chad Michael Collins, Helena Haro, Texas Battle, Guillermo Iván, and Niko Foster.

Kiwanuka collaborated with Elias Axume of Premiere Entertainment and Al Bravo, who also produced the film for Al Bravo Films.

Ugandan-American filmmaker HemDee Kiwanuka

Directed by Marty Murray, Desert Dawn features an original screenplay by Chad Law and Johnny Walters. Saban Films is set to handle distribution in North America and the UK, building on the strong reception from the AFM.

This film marks a reunion for Lutz and Gigandet, who last worked together on Twilight. Since then, Lutz has appeared in films such as The Legend Of Hercules, The Expendables 3, and Immortals, while Gigandet’s credits include Never Back Down, Burlesque, Priest, and The Magnificent Seven.

In addition to Desert Dawn, PEG promoted two other films at the AFM: the zombie thriller Outbreak, starring Billy Burke, which will be distributed by Vertical Entertainment in the US, and the crime comedy BFFs, featuring an ensemble cast including Adam Rifkin, Constantine Paraskevopoulos, Terrence Howard, and Taye Diggs.

With Desert Dawn, Kiwanuka and PEG continue to make a powerful impact in international cinema, showcasing compelling stories and talented casts that appeal to a global audience.