The Rider: Exclusive trailer for new western hailed best indie of the year

Chloé Zhao's acclaimed drama has been stunning festival audiences all year long

Festival favourite The Rider is finally galloping its way into UK cinemas this September, and we're happy to exclusively unveil the first trailer.

Directed by Chloé Zhao, the acclaimed drama – which won the top prize at this year's Cannes Director’s Fortnight – follows a young rodeo cowboy who must come to terms with never riding again after surviving a near-fatal accident.

Setting this independent film apart is its cast – real-life Lakota cowboy Brady Jandreau was handed the lead role alongside an ensemble comprised of his family and friends, a decision which results in what looks to be a naturalistic portrait of contemporary rodeo life in South Dakota.

Filmmaker Zhao, in particular, has been praised for crafting a film that offers a female perspective on masculinity – a rarity in cinema today.

The Rider, which received its premiere at festivals including Telluride and Sundance, swiftly rose to the top of many critics 'Best of...' lists despite its US release in April which has only served to heighten anticipation in the UK.

Speaking about his role in the film, Jandreau told KSFY: “I was proud to portray my part of the world. Hope I did a good portrayal of it. It leaves a lot of room. You don't necessarily have to be Native American, cowboy or South Dakotan to appreciate the film. It leaves enough room for everyone to take home what they need.”

Zhao's previous film was drama Songs My Brother Taught Me (2015) – also set in South Dakota – which was produced by Forest Whitaker.

The Rider is released in the UK on 14 September