Lexus Short Film Winner Kev Cahill's Film to Premiere at Raindance Film Festival

Lexus and The Weinstein Company will be heading to Raindance Film Festival opening night on Sep 21^st to premiere an exciting new film The Nation Holds Its Breath, created and directed by Kev Cahill, an award-winning writer and director. Cahill comes from a VFX background and is a frontrunner in this space―known for his dedicated work on popular films such as The Huntsman: Winter's War, Thor: The Dark World and Alice Through the Looking Glass. Cahill has also contributed to the hit HBO television series Game of Thrones. This experience coupled with his directorial expertise, has launched his career not only within the digital industry but also the film and television industries overall.

The Nation Holds Its Breath is one of four films being produced by Joey Horvitz of The Weinstein Company as part of this third season of Lexus Short Films which is a partnership between Lexus International and The Weinstein Company to support up-and-coming filmmakers.

The Nation Holds Its Breath features an exciting story about a young father to be who is torn between witnessing the miracle of childbirth and witnessing the miracle of Ireland reaching the quarter finals of the 1990 World Cup. This monumental event in Ireland was one of the most important football matches in the country's history and the film explores this one man's journey and the difficult and highly anticipated challenges that he faced along the way.

The Nation Holds Its Breath stars notable Irish actor Sam Keeley, who has recently appeared in the film Burnt alongside Bradley Cooper and the film In the Heart of the Sea as well as Irish actress Barbara Brennan, who is known for her roles in the films Veronica Guerin and A Date For Mad Mary. Cahill's cast embodies and highlights the momentous occasion that is featured in this film. Viewers will be captivated by their performance in more ways than one.

"We cannot be more pleased with the work and opportunity that Lexus Short Film Series has created thus far. Cahill's film is just one of four films that demonstrate that magic happens when you give talented people a chance to fulfill their dreams," said The Weinstein Company COO and President David Glasser.

David Nordstrom, global branding department general manager of Lexus International, added, "Each year, the work of our directors never ceases to amaze us. We are honored to be in partnership with The Weinstein Company to bring these filmmakers aspirations to life."

Two of the other Lexus Short Films Series films, Friday Night and MESSiAH, were also selected to be shown at Raindance Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival and Calgary International Film Festival and other world famous film festivals.

In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. These aspiring directors and writers have received a unique opportunity supported by Lexus to collaborate with acclaimed film studio The Weinstein Company to produce and showcase their work on an international stage. For more information, visit www.lexusshortfilms.com and follow #LexusShortFilms

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. http://www.lexus-int.com

The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein.

Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; SCRE4M; SPY KIDS: THE KING'S SPEECH; UNDEFEATED; THE ARTIST; THE MASTER; SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK; DJANGO UNCHAINED; SCARY MOVIE 5; LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER; PHILOMENA; THE IMITATION GAME; PADDINGTON; WOMAN IN GOLD; SOUTHPAW, CAROL and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. Upcoming releases include SING STREET, THE FOUNDER, HANDS OF STONE, and LION.

TWC boasts an active television production division which garnered twelve Emmy nominations in 2015. TWC Television produces the reality powerhouse Project Runway, with its spin-off series Project Runway All Stars, hosted by Alyssa Milano, Project Runway Jr, featuring supermodel Hannah Davis and fashion critic Kelley Osbourne Under The Gunn, and Threads. Scripted series include John Fusco's Marco Polo with Netflix, going into its second season, and War & Peace, which debuted on Lifetime, A&E and HISTORY in 2016. Scripted projects in development include Ten Commandments, Daniel Stashower's The Hour Of Peril and military drama Six. TWC will also launch several new projects in2016 across several networks, including MTV, Lifetime, and AMC. For more information on The Weinstein Company, please visit: