Kiwi film favourite The Dark Horse has been given new life with limited theatre release in the United States.



The film, which released in New Zealand in 2014, nabbed NZ Film Awards for best picture, director, screenplay, actor (Cliff Curtis) and supporting actor (James Rolleston).



Now two years later, it's earning praise a second time with its theatrical debut in the US taking place this week.

American audiences are now experiencing the true story of a little-known New Zealand hero, Genesis Potini; a chess player who, after struggling with bipolar disorder, decides to coach the kids at his local chess club.



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Supplied Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis is earning praise for his performance in The Dark Horse for a second time.



Curtis's profile in the US has been skyrocketing thanks to his lead role in The Walking Dead spin-off Fear The Walking Dead, and it's getting an extra boost off the film release as favourable reviews are coming in thick and fast.

The Observer noted Curtis's performance as "breathtaking...note perfect in every gesture, mesmerising in its conviction".

Deadline said Curtis was "absolutely is at his best here, he delivers a remarkable, amazing performance as Gen. If Gen had only lived to see this movie, he would be so proud", and added that the film itself succeeds because "it manages to inspire without ever venturing into the kind of sentimentality that mars these sorts of movies".

And The Washington Times summed it up saying:

"It's a reminder of our shared humanity - things like chess and movies can unite us - and, as humans, we can choose to aim for the positive, regardless of our mental, physical or geographical circumstances."

The Motion Picture Association of America is hosting a reception and screening of The Dark Horse next week, which the New Zealand Embassy and New Zealand's Ambassador to the US, Tim Groser will attend.

The film's writer and director James Napier Robertson will also attend the screening in Washington D.C and participate in a live Q&A.

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