The Girl Next Door

The Girl Next Door

In a show of community spirit amidst these uncertain economic times, independent film distributor, Accent Film Entertainment will donate $1.00 from every sale, both rental and retail, of their latest DVD movie release, The Girl Next Door, to the Australian Childhood Foundation.

Based on the best-selling novel by Jack Ketchum, which in turn was inspired by the real-life torture and murder of Indiana teenager Sylvia Likens in 1965 America, The Girl Next Door tells the shocking story of a young girl whose mental and physical abuse at the hands of her aunt, cousins and several neighbourhood children, resulted in her eventual death. During the resultant trial, the prosecutor called the case "the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana."

"Any initiative that helps highlight the issue of child abuse is critical to community understanding," stated CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation, Dr Joe Tucci. "Child abuse is a very difficult subject for the community to face and more often than not, people understandably prefer to switch off. Art, however, can explore the issue in greater depth and still engage an audience. We would like to thank Accent Film Entertainment for donating some of the proceeds of The Girl Next Door to support our work helping abused children to recover from the impact of the trauma they have experienced."

Disturbingly, as The Girl Next Door illustrates, child abuse can take place anywhere, regardless of socio-economic factors or benign suburban facades. During its US release, the film excited much debate, prompting renowned author Stephen King to describe it as, "The first authentically shocking American film I've seen since Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer over 20 years ago." King went on to say, "If you are easily disturbed, you should not watch this movie. If, on the other hand, you are prepared for a long look into hell, suburban style, The Girl Next Door will not disappoint. This is the dark-side-of-the-moon version of Stand By Me."

Starring Blanche Baker, William Atherton and Grant Show, with an astounding central performance by young actor Blythe Auffarth, The Girl Next Door will be available for rental at DVD stores from 28 July, with a retail release slated for 29 September.

The international website is located at: www.thegirlnextdoorfilm.com
For more information on the Australian Childhood Foundation, please visit their official website at www.childhood.org.au