New Zealand Spotlight: There’s a Hole in My Bucket is part of the Newport Beach Film Festival’s “Around the World in One Night” international celebration lineup featuring global independent features and shorts.

When his younger brother Mike dies of Motor Neurone Disease (known as ALS in the United States), Royd Tolkien, the risk-averse great-grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, inherits a secret bucket list of 50 challenges he never agreed to and cannot refuse. Before his death, adrenaline-sports junkie Mike leaves one final act of love and mischief designed to drag his notoriously comfort-zone-hugging older brother into the land of thrill-seeking living.

There’s a Hole in My Bucket follows Royd’s unexpected journey across New Zealand as he fulfills Mike’s wishes, pushing a grieving brother further than he ever imagined possible. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, with Peter Jackson, Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies, and Weta Workshop along for the ride, the film is a raucous and tender story of brotherly love, grief, adventure, and living life beyond your comfort zone.

SPECIAL CHARITY AUCTION: In conjunction with the Newport Beach Film Festival screenings, Royd Tolkien is auctioning a one-of-a-kind deluxe copy of The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition, signed by Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Lee Pace, and others from the world of Middle-earth. Proceeds benefit ALS Network, in partnership with ALS United Orange County.

Runtime: 85 minutes | Language: English | Director: Robert Cavanah, Drew Cullingham, Royd Tolkien | Producer: Robert Cavanah, James Fisher, Belindalee Hope, Royd Tolkien

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Royd Tolkien, Robert Cavanah, James Fisher, Shane Rangi

ADMISSION & TICKETING: Film + Party $60 // Film ONLY $30

To purchase tickets: Eventive 

Video (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emsnlyG1-Cg