Raindance Film Fest Opens with Sci-Fi Thriller

The 34th Raindance Film Festival will launch with the U.K. premiere of Michel K. Parandi's acclaimed sci-fi thriller "April X." The film stars Connor Storrie and Lilly Krug as twins Bax and April, whose bond is tested when April disappears. The movie, which has won multiple international awards, will be distributed across the U.K. and Ireland in September.

The festival's opening night on June 17 will also showcase the Gorillaz animated short "The Mountain, the Moon Cave and the Sad God." The festival will close with the European premiere of Kirsty Bell's documentary "Eddie Cochran: Don't Forget Me," the first official biography of the influential rock and roll musician.

Eddie Cochran will be honored with a posthumous Raindance Icon Award. The documentary "Eddie Cochran: Don't Forget Me" is produced by the Academy Award-winning team behind "Quant" and "Ronnie's," tracing Cochran's journey from country roots to a legendary status that influenced artists like the Beatles and David Bowie. Cochran tragically died at the age of 21.

Additional program details will be revealed at a Cannes event on May 17, with the full lineup announced the next day. Raindance founder Elliot Grove expressed excitement for "April X," calling it a bold and brilliant independent sci-fi from a debut director, fitting for a festival that champions emerging filmmakers.