Robert Sarkies' controversial feature film Out of the Blue has hit the million dollar mark at the New Zealand box office, and now ranks as one of the top ten NZ films, in terms of box office revenue. "I think audiences have been surprised by the sensitive tone of the film and how moved they feel at the end. Hitting the million mark means they are telling their friends that it's a film worth seeing on the big screen," says Sarkies.Robert Sarkies' controversial feature film Out of the Blue has hit the million dollar mark at the New Zealand box office, and now ranks as one of the top ten NZ films, in terms of box office revenue. "I think audiences have been surprised by the sensitive tone of the film and how moved they feel at the end. Hitting the million mark means they are telling their friends that it's a film worth seeing on the big screen," says Sarkies.The success of Out of the Blue highlights the increasing trend for New Zealanders to see New Zealand films. More than 1.3 million New Zealanders saw New Zealand movies in 2005-2006 compared with 185,000 in 2004-2005. The World's Fastest Indian and Sione's Wedding were mainly responsible for this increase in domestic cinema attendance.

A national survey by Research New Zealand revealed that New Zealand movies have a positive impact on national pride. Eight in ten New Zealanders are able to name a movie that makes them feel proud of New Zealand and its people.

Out of the Blue is a gripping drama that reveals a day in the life of the small seaside community of Aramoana when longtime resident David Gray runs amok, with tragic results. In the face of this, a number of heroic feats of bravery and survival unfold.

Written by Graeme Tetley with director Robert Sarkies, the film stars Karl Urban and Matt Sunderland and was shot on location earlier this year in Otago. With permission from the community, some scenes were also filmed at Aramoana itself.

The Weinstein Company and IFC Entertainment recently co- acquired all North American rights to Out of the Blue, which will be released in US cinemas next year.