IATSE has called out the producers of “ 40 Acres ,” a drama that premiered this weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival , saying that almost a year after the film wrapped principal photography crew and vendors have yet to be paid. Based in Ontario, Canada, IATSE Local 634 issued a formal statement to members on September 6, the same night that “40 Acres” made its TIFF world premiere. The union local said there are “significant outstanding payments to its employees and vendors” and it is “profoundly disappointing” that the film is screening at a major festival despite the unpaid crew.
“The actions of this production company are highly troubling and highlights their disregard for professional ethics and responsibility,” IATSE wrote in the statement. “The making of ’40 Acres’ should not have come at the expense of well-being and financial security of its actors, crew, and local businesses who provided their services.” “40 Acres” is directed by R.
T. Thorne and stars “The Color Purple” actress Danielle Deadwyler . The film is a post-apocalyptic thriller about a family of Black farmers who who must defend their land from cannibals.
The film premiered to respectable reviews. Jennifer Holness, the producer on “40 Acres” with company 4T, said in a statement to IndieWire: “4T is aware of the claims being made by IATSE 634 about crew non-payment and take these matters seriously. We will evaluate all the claims to ensure everything get.
