Kevin Costner spoke candidly about self-financing his new film Horizon: An American Saga during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday.
Costner mortgaged his ranch and invested much of his personal finances into making the film, which cost more than $100 million. He directed and stars in the film, which he also produced and co-wrote.
When asked about the difficulties he had in getting financing for the film, Costner replied, “I don’t know why it was so difficult.”
“You saw the movie. I don’t know why it was so difficult to get people to believe in the movie I wanted to make,” he continued. “You know, I don’t think my movies are better than other people’s movies, but I don’t think other people’s movies are better than mine. I’m not going to go out into the world with something that I don’t think is good.”
“Horizon” will be a four-part story, and Costner said he is currently trying to gather resources for the third installment. The second part is scheduled to be released in August.
“I’ve been knocking on every door to help,” Costner said. “Oh, come on, here’s the picture. Come get your checkbook. Let’s talk money!”
Costner was also asked about his views on racism in America. “I’m racially conscious. I live in a place called Compton, California. I funded a movie called ‘Black or White,'” he said. “This was my version of the level of racism that exists in our country.”
Regarding the representation of indigenous people in Horizon and why he didn’t tell the story from their perspective, director Costner said: This is not a plot movie and Native Americans are represented. I don’t feel the need to balance the story. I’m just trying to make it as realistic as possible. ”
At Sunday night’s premiere, Costner became visibly emotional, and “Horizon” earned a seven-minute standing ovation.
This two-part film depicts the expansion of the American West from the perspective of the ranchers, farmers, and soldiers who are building a future in the region, as well as the indigenous people who originally lived there.
“Horizon” will be released in the United States on June 28th, and the second chapter will be released in theaters on August 16th. The ensemble cast of “Horizon” includes Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabel Fuhrman, Tatanka Means, Owen Crowe Shew, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Thomas Haden Church.
