SpIFF entry ‘Wildlike’ continues its award-winning run

When the 17th version of the Spokane International Film Festival ran, last Feb. 5-14, a number of good films were screened. Some were even award-winners elsewhere. Among them was Frank Hall Green's narrative film "Wildlike."

Shot in various Alaska locations, from the Inland Passage to Denali National Park, Green's film tells the story of a young runaway — a victim of sexual abuse — who latches onto a stranger for comfort and safety. Newcomer Ella Purnell, a British 15-year-old, plays the runaway, veteran Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood the stranger.

One bit of "Wildlike" trivia, courtesy of IMDB: "Purnell spoke in her American English accent from the moment she got off the plane in Alaska, all during production, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, until she got back on the plane to London 6 weeks later." And you'd never know she wasn't a typical U.S. teen.

Besides SpIFF, “Wildlike” has played in more than 85 festivals and has collected some 50 awards, among them the Silver SpIFFY for Best of the NW Feature and SpIFF's Audience Award in the same category.

“Wildlike” is scheduled to play May 29 in Los Angeles, June 4 and 6 in Greenwich, Conn., and June 7 in Brooklyn. A commercial release is said to be “in the works.”

Once again, SpIFF proves that it does screen quality cinema.

Below: Purnell and Greenwood are interviewed, and you can hear her actual accent.