Silver Spring, MD; September 2, 2008 — Acorn Media announces the October 21, 2008 U.S. debut of Rain Shadow, a new, compelling Australian drama featuring exceptional performances by celebrated actress Rachel Ward (The Thorn Birds, Wide Sargasso Sea) and talented Aussie newcomer Victoria Thaine (Caterpillar Wish). In this six-part series akin to the acclaimed McLeod’s Daughters, Ward and Thaine bring poignancy and intensity to a drama that pits two strong women against the odds and, just as frequently, against each other. The series is available to U.S. audiences for the first time with its DVD release.

After a 10-year drought, tensions reach a breaking point in the small Australian farming town of Paringa when a mysterious disease begins to ravage the local sheep. Tough-minded veterinarian Kate McDonald (Rachel Ward) struggles to save her community with the help of a feisty new assistant (Victoria Thaine)—who is just as determined to unlock the mysteries of Kate’s past. Hostility and hope, determination and despair mix in equal measure in this combustible six-part series.

Filmed entirely on location in a natural rain shadow region in the Adelaide Hills, Rain Shadow features stunningly stark vistas, parched skies, and a spare but hauntingly beautiful soundtrack from the Audreys, an up-and-coming South Australian blues/roots band.

A second season has been commissioned for Australian television.

Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., Acorn Media distributes distinctive home video releases to the North American market with a special focus on the best of British television. Acorn’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn Media at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.