“The Sweet East” is on the road again, this time heading across the pond for a theatrical release via Utopia, which has acquired the drama’s U.K. rights.
Marking celebrated cinematographer Sean Price Williams’ feature debut, “The Sweet East” stars Talia Ryder, Ayo Edebiri, Jacob Elordi, Simon Rex and Jeremy O. Harris as they embark on a road trip across the U.S. Utopia purchased the North American rights to the film last year following its Director’s Fortnight premiere at Cannes Film Festival, and has since shepherded it around the continent to play in theaters in New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal, Atlanta, D.C. and more.
In addition to acquiring the U.K. rights for the film, Utopia is teaming up with Gotham Photochemical to produce new 35mm prints for “The Sweet East’s” continued theatrical expansion in North America and the U.K. The first 35mm...
Marking celebrated cinematographer Sean Price Williams’ feature debut, “The Sweet East” stars Talia Ryder, Ayo Edebiri, Jacob Elordi, Simon Rex and Jeremy O. Harris as they embark on a road trip across the U.S. Utopia purchased the North American rights to the film last year following its Director’s Fortnight premiere at Cannes Film Festival, and has since shepherded it around the continent to play in theaters in New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal, Atlanta, D.C. and more.
In addition to acquiring the U.K. rights for the film, Utopia is teaming up with Gotham Photochemical to produce new 35mm prints for “The Sweet East’s” continued theatrical expansion in North America and the U.K. The first 35mm...
- 2/7/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Cologne-based The Match Factory has acquired rights to Swedish-Polish helmer Magnus von Horn’s Danish pic “The Girl With the Needle,” billed as a “fairy-tale about a horrible truth.” In the starring roles are Trine Dyrholm, Vic Carmen Sonne and Besir Zeciri (“Wildland”).
First clips of the stylised black-and-white chiller will be unveiled at the Works in Progress at Göteborg’s Nordic Film Market.
“Magnus von Horn is a talent to follow,” said The Match Factory’s head of sales Thania Dimitrakopoulou. “His story of “The Girl with the Needle” hooked us and his choice of cast and narrative style promises a great outcome. We are certain the audiences will relate to this.”
Von Horn’s dark drama is his first foray into period genre, following his 2015 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight calling card “The Here After”, and his 2020 Cannes-selected and international festival hit “Sweat”, a “poised, impressive drama” according to Variety.
First clips of the stylised black-and-white chiller will be unveiled at the Works in Progress at Göteborg’s Nordic Film Market.
“Magnus von Horn is a talent to follow,” said The Match Factory’s head of sales Thania Dimitrakopoulou. “His story of “The Girl with the Needle” hooked us and his choice of cast and narrative style promises a great outcome. We are certain the audiences will relate to this.”
Von Horn’s dark drama is his first foray into period genre, following his 2015 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight calling card “The Here After”, and his 2020 Cannes-selected and international festival hit “Sweat”, a “poised, impressive drama” according to Variety.
- 1/18/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
The Match Factory has acquired international sales rights to Cinema Laika, a documentary feature about Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki and his process of building a personal movie theater in Karkkila, Finland.
The pic is directed by Croatian artist and filmmaker Veljko Vidak. Synopsis reads: In a small village in Finland, which has relied solely on metallurgical activities for the past two centuries, Aki Kaurismäki and his friend, the poet, and writer Mika Lätti are constructing their own cinema theater within an old foundry. Employing recycled wood, metal, and pre-owned furniture, Kaurismäki and the residents of Karkkila collaboratively craft Kino Laika. The venue is surrounded by Cadillacs, motorcycles, rock bars, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, encapsulating the very essence of cinema’s enchantment—a place where the magic resides in its profound capacity to instigate change.
The film is a production by 43e Parallèle Productions, Les Films du Worso in...
The pic is directed by Croatian artist and filmmaker Veljko Vidak. Synopsis reads: In a small village in Finland, which has relied solely on metallurgical activities for the past two centuries, Aki Kaurismäki and his friend, the poet, and writer Mika Lätti are constructing their own cinema theater within an old foundry. Employing recycled wood, metal, and pre-owned furniture, Kaurismäki and the residents of Karkkila collaboratively craft Kino Laika. The venue is surrounded by Cadillacs, motorcycles, rock bars, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, encapsulating the very essence of cinema’s enchantment—a place where the magic resides in its profound capacity to instigate change.
The film is a production by 43e Parallèle Productions, Les Films du Worso in...
- 6/30/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Veljko Vidak’s Cinéma Laika tracks the creation of Kino Laika in a small village near Helsinki.
The Match Factory has boarded Veljko Vidak’s Cinéma Laika, a documentary about the efforts of legendary Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki to create his own cinema theatre in an abandoned factory hall in a small village an hour from Helsinki.
Billed as being “in close harmony with Kaurismäki’s cinematic style”, the documentary follows the construction of the cinema in an old foundry by Kaurismäki and his friend, the poet and writer, Mika Lätti.
It also delves into the world of the Finnish...
The Match Factory has boarded Veljko Vidak’s Cinéma Laika, a documentary about the efforts of legendary Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki to create his own cinema theatre in an abandoned factory hall in a small village an hour from Helsinki.
Billed as being “in close harmony with Kaurismäki’s cinematic style”, the documentary follows the construction of the cinema in an old foundry by Kaurismäki and his friend, the poet and writer, Mika Lätti.
It also delves into the world of the Finnish...
- 6/30/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Sales company The Match Factory has boarded the documentary “Cinéma Laika,” which focuses on Aki Kaurismäki’s construction of his own movie theater in Karkkila, Finland. Veljko Vidak directed the film, which was shot “in close harmony with Kaurismäki’s cinematic style,” according to a statement.
The documentary offers an opportunity for the audience to delve into the realm of the Finnish master, engage with his peers, including Jim Jarmusch, and fully immerse themselves in the world of Kaurismäki’s cinema.
In Karkkila, a small village in Finland, which has relied solely on metallurgical activities for the past two centuries, Kaurismäki and his friend the poet and writer Mika Lätti construct their own movie theater, called Kino Laika, within an old foundry. Using recycled wood and metal, and pre-owned furniture, Kaurismäki and the residents of Karkkila collaboratively craft Kino Laika.
The venue is surrounded by Cadillacs, motorcycles, rock bars, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature,...
The documentary offers an opportunity for the audience to delve into the realm of the Finnish master, engage with his peers, including Jim Jarmusch, and fully immerse themselves in the world of Kaurismäki’s cinema.
In Karkkila, a small village in Finland, which has relied solely on metallurgical activities for the past two centuries, Kaurismäki and his friend the poet and writer Mika Lätti construct their own movie theater, called Kino Laika, within an old foundry. Using recycled wood and metal, and pre-owned furniture, Kaurismäki and the residents of Karkkila collaboratively craft Kino Laika.
The venue is surrounded by Cadillacs, motorcycles, rock bars, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Neon is nearing a deal for North American rights to Cannes competition entry Perfect Days from The Match Factory in a deal pegged in the mid-to-high six figures.
The parties declined to comment.
Wim Wenders’ well-received Japan-set movie debuted today on the Croisette. The official synopsis for the movie reads: Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past.
Starring are Koji Yakusho (Babel), newcomer Arisa Nakano, Tokio Emoto (Norwegian Wood), Yumi Aso (Carnation), Sayuri Ishikawa, Tomokazu Miura (Adrift in Tokyo), Aoi Yamada (Netflix series First Love) and veteran actor and dancer Min Tanaka (The Twilight Samurai).
Related: Cannes Film Festival 2023: All...
The parties declined to comment.
Wim Wenders’ well-received Japan-set movie debuted today on the Croisette. The official synopsis for the movie reads: Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past.
Starring are Koji Yakusho (Babel), newcomer Arisa Nakano, Tokio Emoto (Norwegian Wood), Yumi Aso (Carnation), Sayuri Ishikawa, Tomokazu Miura (Adrift in Tokyo), Aoi Yamada (Netflix series First Love) and veteran actor and dancer Min Tanaka (The Twilight Samurai).
Related: Cannes Film Festival 2023: All...
- 5/25/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The Match Factory has acquired international sales rights on U.S. cinematographer and filmmaker Sean Price Williams’s feature directorial debut The Sweet East ahead of its world premiere in Directors’ Fortnight in May.
Written by the film critic and programmer Nick Pinkerton, the movie is described as a picaresque journey through the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the United States undertaken by Lillian, a high school senior from South Carolina who gets her first glimpse of the wider world on a class trip to Washington, D.C.
Separated from her schoolmates, she embarks on a fractured fairy tale travelogue into America, where she is granted access to a variety of the strange factions that proliferate the present-day unreality of contemporary life.
Williams’s credits as a cinematographer include Owen Kline’s Funny Pages (2022), Abel Ferrara’s Zeros and Ones (2021), Michael Almereyda’s Tesla (2020), Alex Ross Perry...
Written by the film critic and programmer Nick Pinkerton, the movie is described as a picaresque journey through the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the United States undertaken by Lillian, a high school senior from South Carolina who gets her first glimpse of the wider world on a class trip to Washington, D.C.
Separated from her schoolmates, she embarks on a fractured fairy tale travelogue into America, where she is granted access to a variety of the strange factions that proliferate the present-day unreality of contemporary life.
Williams’s credits as a cinematographer include Owen Kline’s Funny Pages (2022), Abel Ferrara’s Zeros and Ones (2021), Michael Almereyda’s Tesla (2020), Alex Ross Perry...
- 4/21/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Film is directorial debut of prolific cinematographer Sean Price Williams.
The Match Factory has boarded Sean Price Williams’ The Sweet East which world premieres next month in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.
Written by the film critic and programmer Nick Pinkerton, it is the first feature film directed by cinematographer Price Williams, whose credits Owen Kline’s Funny Pages (2022), Abel Ferrara’s Zeros and Ones (2021), Michael Almereyda’s Tesla (2020), Alex Ross Perry’s Her Smell (2018) and the Safdie brothers Good Time (2017).
The Sweet East is billed as picaresque journey through the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the US undertaken by Lillian,...
The Match Factory has boarded Sean Price Williams’ The Sweet East which world premieres next month in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.
Written by the film critic and programmer Nick Pinkerton, it is the first feature film directed by cinematographer Price Williams, whose credits Owen Kline’s Funny Pages (2022), Abel Ferrara’s Zeros and Ones (2021), Michael Almereyda’s Tesla (2020), Alex Ross Perry’s Her Smell (2018) and the Safdie brothers Good Time (2017).
The Sweet East is billed as picaresque journey through the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the US undertaken by Lillian,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
The Match Factory has boarded Sean Price Williams’s “The Sweet East,” which has its world premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar of the Cannes Film Festival in May.
It is the first feature film directed by Price Williams, the cinematographer of Owen Kline’s “Funny Pages” (2022), Abel Ferrara’s “Zeros and Ones” (2021), Michael Almereyda’s “Tesla” (2020), Alex Ross Perry’s “Her Smell” (2018) and the Safdies’ “Good Time” (2017).
The screenplay is by film critic and programmer Nick Pinkerton.
“The Sweet East” is a picaresque journey through the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. undertaken by Lillian, a high school senior from South Carolina, who gets her first glimpse of the wider world on a class trip to Washington, D.C.
“Separated from her schoolmates, she embarks on a fractured fairy-tale travelogue into America, where she is granted access to a variety of the strange factions...
It is the first feature film directed by Price Williams, the cinematographer of Owen Kline’s “Funny Pages” (2022), Abel Ferrara’s “Zeros and Ones” (2021), Michael Almereyda’s “Tesla” (2020), Alex Ross Perry’s “Her Smell” (2018) and the Safdies’ “Good Time” (2017).
The screenplay is by film critic and programmer Nick Pinkerton.
“The Sweet East” is a picaresque journey through the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. undertaken by Lillian, a high school senior from South Carolina, who gets her first glimpse of the wider world on a class trip to Washington, D.C.
“Separated from her schoolmates, she embarks on a fractured fairy-tale travelogue into America, where she is granted access to a variety of the strange factions...
- 4/21/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Cologne-based sales company The Match Factory has expanded and restructured its acquisition and development team.
Former head of sales, Thania Dimitrakopoulou, has been promoted to vice president of acquisitions and sales. Claudia Solano comes on board as senior manager of acquisitions, and Cécile Tollu-Polonowski, a long-time partner with the company, has been appointed as head of development.
Dimitrakopoulou, who joined The Match Factory in 2007, will now be heading up all acquisitions activities and manage the sales team, reporting to Michael Weber, managing director.
Solano joins The Match Factory from the distributor Koch Media in Italy where she worked as sales and acquisitions manager. Solano has held various positions in acquisitions in companies such as Videa and Good Films. During her career, she has introduced several high profile directors to the Italian market, including Xavier Dolan and Yorgos Lanthimos.
The Match Factory has appointed long-standing partner Tollu-Polonowski to lead the development team for the company.
Former head of sales, Thania Dimitrakopoulou, has been promoted to vice president of acquisitions and sales. Claudia Solano comes on board as senior manager of acquisitions, and Cécile Tollu-Polonowski, a long-time partner with the company, has been appointed as head of development.
Dimitrakopoulou, who joined The Match Factory in 2007, will now be heading up all acquisitions activities and manage the sales team, reporting to Michael Weber, managing director.
Solano joins The Match Factory from the distributor Koch Media in Italy where she worked as sales and acquisitions manager. Solano has held various positions in acquisitions in companies such as Videa and Good Films. During her career, she has introduced several high profile directors to the Italian market, including Xavier Dolan and Yorgos Lanthimos.
The Match Factory has appointed long-standing partner Tollu-Polonowski to lead the development team for the company.
- 2/16/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Festival continues through Sunday.
Danish director Lea Glob’s Apolonia, Apolonia has won best film in the international competition at the 35th edition of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), running 9-20 November.
The award,which comes with a €15,000 euro cash prize, was confirmed on Thursday evening in a ceremony at Ita (International Theatre Amsterdam) that was streamed live.
Apolonia, Apolonia, backed by HBO Max and Arte and sold by Cat&Docs, follows brilliant young artist Apolonia Sokol over a period of 13 years. It was produced by Sidsel Siersted for Danish Documentary Production.
“This film has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
Danish director Lea Glob’s Apolonia, Apolonia has won best film in the international competition at the 35th edition of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), running 9-20 November.
The award,which comes with a €15,000 euro cash prize, was confirmed on Thursday evening in a ceremony at Ita (International Theatre Amsterdam) that was streamed live.
Apolonia, Apolonia, backed by HBO Max and Arte and sold by Cat&Docs, follows brilliant young artist Apolonia Sokol over a period of 13 years. It was produced by Sidsel Siersted for Danish Documentary Production.
“This film has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Lea Glob’s documentary “Apolonia, Apolonia,” depicting French figurative painter Apolonia Sokol over the course of 13 years, has won the best film award in the International Competition section as well as €15,000 at documentary film festival IDFA in Amsterdam.
The coming-of-age story with Bohemian Paris as its backdrop was pitched at IDFA Forum back in 2015. In his Variety review for “Apolonia, Apolonia” Guy Lodge described the docu as “an impressively idiosyncratic, far-reaching work, assured of further festival play and specialist arthouse attention.” The film is a co-production between Denmark, Poland and France.
This marks the third time that Glob, a Danish director, has been at IDFA with a docu.
Glob’s “Olmo & the Seagull” which she co-directed with Petra Costa screened at IDFA 2015, while “Venus,” which was co-directed with Mette Carla Albrechtse, made its world premiere at IDFA in 2016.
“(‘Apolonia, Apolonia’) has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
The coming-of-age story with Bohemian Paris as its backdrop was pitched at IDFA Forum back in 2015. In his Variety review for “Apolonia, Apolonia” Guy Lodge described the docu as “an impressively idiosyncratic, far-reaching work, assured of further festival play and specialist arthouse attention.” The film is a co-production between Denmark, Poland and France.
This marks the third time that Glob, a Danish director, has been at IDFA with a docu.
Glob’s “Olmo & the Seagull” which she co-directed with Petra Costa screened at IDFA 2015, while “Venus,” which was co-directed with Mette Carla Albrechtse, made its world premiere at IDFA in 2016.
“(‘Apolonia, Apolonia’) has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights for Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s debut feature “Murina” which won the Golden Camera Award at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, with Hélène Louvart (“The Lost Daughter”) as cinematographer, “Murina” will play on opening night of the First Look Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York.
“Murina” is a tense and sensual tale about a restless teenager, Julija, whose urge to break free from her oppressive father and isolated existence in coastal Croatia is triggered by the visit of a family friend.
Variety‘s Jessica Kiang wrote in her review that “If Patricia Highsmith had ever written a coming-of-age story set on the rocky, clear-watered Croatian coastline, it might have looked a lot like Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s bright, brooding debut.”
The movie also boasts a breakthrough performance by Gracija Filipovic, a promising young...
Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, with Hélène Louvart (“The Lost Daughter”) as cinematographer, “Murina” will play on opening night of the First Look Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York.
“Murina” is a tense and sensual tale about a restless teenager, Julija, whose urge to break free from her oppressive father and isolated existence in coastal Croatia is triggered by the visit of a family friend.
Variety‘s Jessica Kiang wrote in her review that “If Patricia Highsmith had ever written a coming-of-age story set on the rocky, clear-watered Croatian coastline, it might have looked a lot like Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s bright, brooding debut.”
The movie also boasts a breakthrough performance by Gracija Filipovic, a promising young...
- 2/28/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Martin Scorsese served as executive producer.
Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights from The Match Factory to Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s debut feature Murina, winner of last year’s Camera d’Or prize for best first feature in Cannes.
‘Murina’: Cannes Review
Martin Scorsese served as executive producer on the upcoming opening night selection of the First Look Festival at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image.
The sexually charged coming-of-age takes place in the coastal regional of Croatia where, amid clashes with her oppressive father and impassive mother, restless Julija seeks liberation from her family’s isolated existence.
Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights from The Match Factory to Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s debut feature Murina, winner of last year’s Camera d’Or prize for best first feature in Cannes.
‘Murina’: Cannes Review
Martin Scorsese served as executive producer on the upcoming opening night selection of the First Look Festival at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image.
The sexually charged coming-of-age takes place in the coastal regional of Croatia where, amid clashes with her oppressive father and impassive mother, restless Julija seeks liberation from her family’s isolated existence.
- 2/23/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Martin Scorsese served as executive producer.
Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights from The Match Factory to Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s debut feature Murina, winner of last year’s Camera d’Or prize for best first feature in Cannes.
‘Murina’: Cannes Review
Martin Scorsese served as executive producer on the upcoming opening night selection of the First Look Festival at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image.
The sexually charged coming-of-age takes place in the coastal regional of Croatia where, amid clashes with her oppressive father and impassive mother, restless Julija seeks liberation from her family’s isolated existence.
Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights from The Match Factory to Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović’s debut feature Murina, winner of last year’s Camera d’Or prize for best first feature in Cannes.
‘Murina’: Cannes Review
Martin Scorsese served as executive producer on the upcoming opening night selection of the First Look Festival at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image.
The sexually charged coming-of-age takes place in the coastal regional of Croatia where, amid clashes with her oppressive father and impassive mother, restless Julija seeks liberation from her family’s isolated existence.
- 2/23/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Distributor, streamer and production company Mubi has acquired sales and production companies The Match Factory and Match Factory Productions.
The Match Factory’s management team will stay in place to lead operations and focus on its slate as well as deals and projects already in development and keep its offices in Berlin and Cologne. It will also expand its presence through Mubi’s London headquarters and New York and Los Angeles offices.
The Match Factory, which counts “Waltz With Bashir” and “Drive My Car” among its films, was founded in 2006 while Match Factory Productions followed in 2013 to produce arthouse films such as “Evolution” and “The Traitor.”
Mubi recently acquired two titles potential best international feature Oscar contenders from The Match Factory: “Great Freedom” (pictured) and Tatiana Huezo’s “Prayers for the Stolen.”
“As long time partners of The Match Factory we have gained tremendous admiration and respect for Michael and his team,...
The Match Factory’s management team will stay in place to lead operations and focus on its slate as well as deals and projects already in development and keep its offices in Berlin and Cologne. It will also expand its presence through Mubi’s London headquarters and New York and Los Angeles offices.
The Match Factory, which counts “Waltz With Bashir” and “Drive My Car” among its films, was founded in 2006 while Match Factory Productions followed in 2013 to produce arthouse films such as “Evolution” and “The Traitor.”
Mubi recently acquired two titles potential best international feature Oscar contenders from The Match Factory: “Great Freedom” (pictured) and Tatiana Huezo’s “Prayers for the Stolen.”
“As long time partners of The Match Factory we have gained tremendous admiration and respect for Michael and his team,...
- 1/14/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix Appoints Hamish Moseley As Distribution Exec
London-based Hamish Moseley has been tapped as Director Of Distribution, theatrical, for Emea, reporting to Spencer Klein, Head of Distribution at the streamer. The distribution vet most recently helped establish Altitude’s distribution arm, acquiring titles including Oscar-winners Moonlight and Minari, and helped to get the UK theatrical supply chain back up and running after the pandemic with movies like Unhinged. He respected professional started out at Momentum Pictures working on titles including The Woman In Black and The King’s Speech. Netflix is expected to theatrically release around 30 features and docs in the Emea per year. Screen was first to report the hire.
Cohen Media Acquires Picks Up Israeli Oscar Submission
Cohen Media Group has acquired North American rights to Let It Be Morning, Israel’s submission to the 2022 Oscars. The Eran Kolirin-directed drama is a gently satirical tale of a man...
London-based Hamish Moseley has been tapped as Director Of Distribution, theatrical, for Emea, reporting to Spencer Klein, Head of Distribution at the streamer. The distribution vet most recently helped establish Altitude’s distribution arm, acquiring titles including Oscar-winners Moonlight and Minari, and helped to get the UK theatrical supply chain back up and running after the pandemic with movies like Unhinged. He respected professional started out at Momentum Pictures working on titles including The Woman In Black and The King’s Speech. Netflix is expected to theatrically release around 30 features and docs in the Emea per year. Screen was first to report the hire.
Cohen Media Acquires Picks Up Israeli Oscar Submission
Cohen Media Group has acquired North American rights to Let It Be Morning, Israel’s submission to the 2022 Oscars. The Eran Kolirin-directed drama is a gently satirical tale of a man...
- 11/4/2021
- by Anuj Radia
- Deadline Film + TV
Cohen Media Group has acquired all U.S. and Canada rights to writer-director Eran Kolirin’s “Let It Be Morning,” Israel’s official submission to the international film race at the 2022 Academy Awards, the company announced on Thursday.
The title world premiered earlier this year in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and went on to win nine of the 11 noms it received last month at the Ophir Awards — Israel’s Academy Award-equivalent — including best film, director, actor and actress.
Based on a novel of the same name by Palestinian author Sayed Kashua, the film tells the story of Sami, a Palestinian-born Israeli citizen who finds that the Arab village where he grew up is one day suddenly surrounded by an ominous wall, forcing him to confront new questions of identity and national belonging.
It also stars Juna Suleiman (“The Time That Remains”), Salim Dau (“The Crown”) and Ehab Salami...
The title world premiered earlier this year in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and went on to win nine of the 11 noms it received last month at the Ophir Awards — Israel’s Academy Award-equivalent — including best film, director, actor and actress.
Based on a novel of the same name by Palestinian author Sayed Kashua, the film tells the story of Sami, a Palestinian-born Israeli citizen who finds that the Arab village where he grew up is one day suddenly surrounded by an ominous wall, forcing him to confront new questions of identity and national belonging.
It also stars Juna Suleiman (“The Time That Remains”), Salim Dau (“The Crown”) and Ehab Salami...
- 11/4/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Cologne-based The Match Factory, one of the world’s leading arthouse sales agencies, is at Mia Market in Rome with two German features and one upcoming Italian project, following a busy summer with 20 premieres between Cannes and Toronto.
Nana Neul, best known for her film “My Friend From Faro,” is back with an entertaining German-Italian-Greek feature “Daughters,” starring Birgit Minichmayr, Alexandra Maria Lara and Josef Bierbichler. Produced by Germany’s Heimatfilm and distributed by Warner Bros Germany, the comedy hit German cinemas last week and has its international market premiere at Mia on Friday. The international festival premiere will follow soon.
Andreas Kleinert’s “Dear Thomas” is an authentic portrait of Thomas Brasch, one of the most talked about German authors of the last 50 years. The film stars the German actor Albrecht Schuch from “System Crasher,” “Berlin Alexanderplatz” and “Fabian: Going to the Dogs.” It celebrated its world premiere in...
Nana Neul, best known for her film “My Friend From Faro,” is back with an entertaining German-Italian-Greek feature “Daughters,” starring Birgit Minichmayr, Alexandra Maria Lara and Josef Bierbichler. Produced by Germany’s Heimatfilm and distributed by Warner Bros Germany, the comedy hit German cinemas last week and has its international market premiere at Mia on Friday. The international festival premiere will follow soon.
Andreas Kleinert’s “Dear Thomas” is an authentic portrait of Thomas Brasch, one of the most talked about German authors of the last 50 years. The film stars the German actor Albrecht Schuch from “System Crasher,” “Berlin Alexanderplatz” and “Fabian: Going to the Dogs.” It celebrated its world premiere in...
- 10/15/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
European sales companiers and distributors heading to Rome with AFM off limits for second year.
All roads lead to Rome this autumn for Europe’s film and TV industry, with the seventh edition of Italy’s Mia International Audiovisual Market opening tomorrorw, October 13 and running until October 17. The physical Italian event looks set for a bumper year, with attendance outstripping the pre-pandemic 2019 edition.
“There’s really a sense of the European industry wanting to come together in person,” says Francesca Palleschi, head of Mia’s strategic development division.
While Mia is aimed at both film and scripted and unscripted TV professionals,...
All roads lead to Rome this autumn for Europe’s film and TV industry, with the seventh edition of Italy’s Mia International Audiovisual Market opening tomorrorw, October 13 and running until October 17. The physical Italian event looks set for a bumper year, with attendance outstripping the pre-pandemic 2019 edition.
“There’s really a sense of the European industry wanting to come together in person,” says Francesca Palleschi, head of Mia’s strategic development division.
While Mia is aimed at both film and scripted and unscripted TV professionals,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
One of the most acclaimed films on this year’s festival circuit has found a North American home. KimStim have acquired The Tsugua Diaries, Maureen Fazendeiro and Miguel Gomes’ wistful, sunny antidote to lockdown blues that blurs the line between cinema and life. Gomes is the acclaimed Portuguese director of the Arabian Nights trilogy, Fazendeiro an accomplished documentary filmmaker who first collaborated with him as casting director for Arabian Nights. The cast of Tsugua Diaries includes Crista Alfaiate and Carloto Cotta, both of whom starred in Arabian Nights, as well as João Nunes Monteiro.
The film, which KimStim will release in early 2022 in theaters, had its world premiere at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and screened at Karlovy Vary and TIFF, and will next make its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival as the opening night of Currents this Saturday, September 25. KimStim’s Ian Stimler negotiated the deal with...
The film, which KimStim will release in early 2022 in theaters, had its world premiere at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and screened at Karlovy Vary and TIFF, and will next make its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival as the opening night of Currents this Saturday, September 25. KimStim’s Ian Stimler negotiated the deal with...
- 9/20/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
If you haven’t heard of The Match Factory, you probably don’t work in the international arthouse film arena. The German sales and production outfit is one of the world’s leading champions of auteur cinema and has consistently been involved in a raft of festival-winning titles since its inception in 2006. From Cannes Palme d’Or winner Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives to Berlin Golden Bear winners Grbavica and Honey to Oscar-nominated titles Waltz With Bashir, Ajami, The Milk Of Sorrow, The Broken Circle Breakdown and Omar, the Cologne-based company is unwavering in its effort to bring distinct and striking titles to an international audience.
Michael Weber, managing director and mastermind behind the European outfit, and the company’s well-respected head of sales Thania Dimitrakopoulou, are in Cannes this week with their biggest and most eclectic festival slate to date. They’re representing 14 titles including Competition titles Memoria,...
Michael Weber, managing director and mastermind behind the European outfit, and the company’s well-respected head of sales Thania Dimitrakopoulou, are in Cannes this week with their biggest and most eclectic festival slate to date. They’re representing 14 titles including Competition titles Memoria,...
- 7/15/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: European arthouse sales force The Match Factory and ICM Partners are teaming up to jointly represent four films playing at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The Match Factory and ICM Partners will co-rep North American rights on Nanni Moretti’s Competition film Tre Piani (Three Floors), and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Competition entry Drive My Car, based on Haruki Murakami’s short story.
Additionally, they will co-rep North American rights on two films in Un Certain Regard: Sebastian Meise’s film Great Freedom starring Franz Rogowski and Georg Friedrich, and Eran Kolirin’s film Let It Be Morning, which marks the director’s return to Cannes where his well-received film The Band’s Visit won an award in Un Certain Regard in 2007.
As previously announced, The Match Factory reps international sales on all four of the titles.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Wheel Of Fortune And Fantasy won Best Director at this year’s Berlinale.
The Match Factory and ICM Partners will co-rep North American rights on Nanni Moretti’s Competition film Tre Piani (Three Floors), and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Competition entry Drive My Car, based on Haruki Murakami’s short story.
Additionally, they will co-rep North American rights on two films in Un Certain Regard: Sebastian Meise’s film Great Freedom starring Franz Rogowski and Georg Friedrich, and Eran Kolirin’s film Let It Be Morning, which marks the director’s return to Cannes where his well-received film The Band’s Visit won an award in Un Certain Regard in 2007.
As previously announced, The Match Factory reps international sales on all four of the titles.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Wheel Of Fortune And Fantasy won Best Director at this year’s Berlinale.
- 7/7/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Film4 and Match Factory execs also selected for Nfts scheme from 11 territories.
Amazon Studios and Paramount Pictures executives are among those selected for the 2021 Inside Pictures training and leadership initiative, run by the UK’s National Film and Television School (Nfts).
The annual scheme has chosen 20 participants, representing 11 territories, from sectors including acquisitions, development, production, sales, distribution, finance, marketing, publicity, exhibition, legal and business affairs.
Scroll down for full list of participants
This year’s industry mentor is Fiona Lamptey, director of UK features for Netflix, who will provide support and expertise to the producers and executives throughout the programme,...
Amazon Studios and Paramount Pictures executives are among those selected for the 2021 Inside Pictures training and leadership initiative, run by the UK’s National Film and Television School (Nfts).
The annual scheme has chosen 20 participants, representing 11 territories, from sectors including acquisitions, development, production, sales, distribution, finance, marketing, publicity, exhibition, legal and business affairs.
Scroll down for full list of participants
This year’s industry mentor is Fiona Lamptey, director of UK features for Netflix, who will provide support and expertise to the producers and executives throughout the programme,...
- 5/4/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Some 820 films are screening in the market’s online edition, up from 732 in 2020.
This year’s online edition of the European Film Market (EFM), running March 1-5, officially opens next Monday but many sales agents have already got down to business this week.
“We’ve started our meetings. Buyers have a two-hour window to access their screenings and with all the films that are there, I felt it could help,” says The Match Factory head of sales Thania Dimitrakopoulou.
According to the latest EFM figures on Friday (Feb 26), 503 companies from 60 territories have signed up for this year’s online edition...
This year’s online edition of the European Film Market (EFM), running March 1-5, officially opens next Monday but many sales agents have already got down to business this week.
“We’ve started our meetings. Buyers have a two-hour window to access their screenings and with all the films that are there, I felt it could help,” says The Match Factory head of sales Thania Dimitrakopoulou.
According to the latest EFM figures on Friday (Feb 26), 503 companies from 60 territories have signed up for this year’s online edition...
- 2/26/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow¬Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
When shooting wrapped last February on Poland’s Oscar entry Never Gonna Snow Again, its filmmakers and production team could never have predicted the bizarre physical and emotional journey that the indie title would undergo across the next 11 months as it was finished and then unveiled amidst a global pandemic.
The film, which played In Competition at the Venice Film Festival in September and was scheduled to premiere at Telluride before the event was cancelled, is hoping to get Poland another seat at the Oscar nomination table much like Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War and Jan Komasa’s Corpus Christi did in 2018 and 2019 respectively, even if this year’s seat will be a virtual one.
Born out of an idea from established Polish helmer Malgorzata Szumowska and cinematographer Michal Englert, who have worked together on films such as Berlin Silver Bear winner Mug and last year’s English-language title The Other Lamb,...
The film, which played In Competition at the Venice Film Festival in September and was scheduled to premiere at Telluride before the event was cancelled, is hoping to get Poland another seat at the Oscar nomination table much like Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War and Jan Komasa’s Corpus Christi did in 2018 and 2019 respectively, even if this year’s seat will be a virtual one.
Born out of an idea from established Polish helmer Malgorzata Szumowska and cinematographer Michal Englert, who have worked together on films such as Berlin Silver Bear winner Mug and last year’s English-language title The Other Lamb,...
- 2/1/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Kino Lorber has acquired the North American rights to “Never Gonna Snow Again,” Poland’s submission to the Oscars race for Best International Film, and the indie distributor is planning a release in spring 2021.
Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert directed “Never Gonna Snow Again,” and the two also co-wrote and produced, with Englert also serving as the cinematographer. The film premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival this year and won the Premio Fondazione Fai Persona Lavoro Ambiente Award, and it was also an official selection of the canceled Telluride Film Festival.
“Never Gonna Snow Again” stars “Stranger Things” actor Alec Utgoff as Zhenia, a Russian-speaking immigrant from the East who enters the lives of the rich residents of a bland, walled-off community as a masseur. Despite their wealth, the residents emit an inner sadness and a longing. The mysterious newcomer’s hands heal and his eyes seem to penetrate their souls.
Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert directed “Never Gonna Snow Again,” and the two also co-wrote and produced, with Englert also serving as the cinematographer. The film premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival this year and won the Premio Fondazione Fai Persona Lavoro Ambiente Award, and it was also an official selection of the canceled Telluride Film Festival.
“Never Gonna Snow Again” stars “Stranger Things” actor Alec Utgoff as Zhenia, a Russian-speaking immigrant from the East who enters the lives of the rich residents of a bland, walled-off community as a masseur. Despite their wealth, the residents emit an inner sadness and a longing. The mysterious newcomer’s hands heal and his eyes seem to penetrate their souls.
- 11/19/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Kino Lorber has acquired the North American rights to Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s drama “Never Gonna Snow Again,” Poland’s Academy Awards entry.
“Never Gonna Snow Again” follows a Russian masseur — played by Alec Utgoff of “Stranger Things” — who enriches the lives of the rich, unfulfilled residents living in a walled-off community. Kino Lorber will release the pic in spring 2021.
“After last year’s moody but mildly received English-language diversion ‘The Other Lamb,’ prolific Polish auteur Malgorzata Szumowska returns to home turf in this Venice competition entry, and the result is her most compelling and hauntingly realized film to date,” Guy Lodge wrote in his review for Variety.
Szumowska directed, produced and co-wrote alongside Englert, who co-directed, co-wrote, produced and served as cinematographer. Mariusz Włodarski, Viola Fügen, Agnieszka Wasiak and Michael Weber also produced the Lava Films and Match Factory production, which was co-produced by Kino Świat, Bayerischer Rundfunk/Arte,...
“Never Gonna Snow Again” follows a Russian masseur — played by Alec Utgoff of “Stranger Things” — who enriches the lives of the rich, unfulfilled residents living in a walled-off community. Kino Lorber will release the pic in spring 2021.
“After last year’s moody but mildly received English-language diversion ‘The Other Lamb,’ prolific Polish auteur Malgorzata Szumowska returns to home turf in this Venice competition entry, and the result is her most compelling and hauntingly realized film to date,” Guy Lodge wrote in his review for Variety.
Szumowska directed, produced and co-wrote alongside Englert, who co-directed, co-wrote, produced and served as cinematographer. Mariusz Włodarski, Viola Fügen, Agnieszka Wasiak and Michael Weber also produced the Lava Films and Match Factory production, which was co-produced by Kino Świat, Bayerischer Rundfunk/Arte,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights to Never Gonna Snow Again, Malgorzata Szumowska’s Polish drama which is representing the country in this year’s International Oscar race. The distributor is lining up a theatrical release in Spring, 2021.
The film debuted in competition at Venice this year. It stars Alec Utgoff (Stranger Things) as a Russian-speaking immigrant from the East who enters the lives of the rich residents of a bland, walled off community as a masseur, going on to achieve a guru-like status.
Szumowska directed, produced and co-wrote alongside Englert who co-directed, co-wrote, produced and served as cinematographer. Mariusz Włodarski, Viola Fügen, Agnieszka Wasiak and Michael Weber also produced the Lava Films and Match Factory production, which was co-produced by Kino Świat, Bayerischer Rundfunk/ arte, the Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, Di Factory and supported by the Polish Film Institute, Film and Medienstiftung Nrw, Dfff and the German Polish Filmfund.
The film debuted in competition at Venice this year. It stars Alec Utgoff (Stranger Things) as a Russian-speaking immigrant from the East who enters the lives of the rich residents of a bland, walled off community as a masseur, going on to achieve a guru-like status.
Szumowska directed, produced and co-wrote alongside Englert who co-directed, co-wrote, produced and served as cinematographer. Mariusz Włodarski, Viola Fügen, Agnieszka Wasiak and Michael Weber also produced the Lava Films and Match Factory production, which was co-produced by Kino Świat, Bayerischer Rundfunk/ arte, the Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, Di Factory and supported by the Polish Film Institute, Film and Medienstiftung Nrw, Dfff and the German Polish Filmfund.
- 11/19/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Distributor plans spring 2021 release.
Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to Polish Oscar submission Never Gonna Snow Again.
Małgorzata Szumowska directed and Michał Englert co-directed the drama that premiered in Venice and centres on a Russian-speaking healer from Chernobyl who changes lives when he arrives at a rich residential community.
Szumowska and Englert co-wrote the screenplay and the pair produced alongside Mariusz Włodarski, Viola Fügen, Agnieszka Wasiak, and Michael Weber.
The Lava Films and Match Factory production is co-produced by Kino Świat, Bayerischer Rundfunk/ arte, the Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, Di Factory, and supported by the Polish Film Institute,...
Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to Polish Oscar submission Never Gonna Snow Again.
Małgorzata Szumowska directed and Michał Englert co-directed the drama that premiered in Venice and centres on a Russian-speaking healer from Chernobyl who changes lives when he arrives at a rich residential community.
Szumowska and Englert co-wrote the screenplay and the pair produced alongside Mariusz Włodarski, Viola Fügen, Agnieszka Wasiak, and Michael Weber.
The Lava Films and Match Factory production is co-produced by Kino Świat, Bayerischer Rundfunk/ arte, the Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, Di Factory, and supported by the Polish Film Institute,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Michel Franco’s dystopian drama played at Toronto and scored success at Venice.
Ascot Elite Entertainment has picked up all rights for German-speaking Europe and Switzerland to Michel Franco’s New Order, in a deal struck with The Match Factory.
The Zurich-based distributor plans to release the dystopian drama, which won the grand jury prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival, in 2021.
Franco’s drama chronicles a shocking class uprising set in the near future in an unspecified Mexican location, seen through the eyes of a young bride and the servants who work for her wealthy family.
The ensemble cast includes Naian González Norvind,...
Ascot Elite Entertainment has picked up all rights for German-speaking Europe and Switzerland to Michel Franco’s New Order, in a deal struck with The Match Factory.
The Zurich-based distributor plans to release the dystopian drama, which won the grand jury prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival, in 2021.
Franco’s drama chronicles a shocking class uprising set in the near future in an unspecified Mexican location, seen through the eyes of a young bride and the servants who work for her wealthy family.
The ensemble cast includes Naian González Norvind,...
- 11/4/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Passion River Films and 8 Above are teaming on the U.S. release of The Disrupted, the feature documentary debut of Sarah Colt, the Emmy-winning director of PBS’ American Experience docs about Walt Disney and Henry Ford, as well as The Polio Crusade and the Native American series We Shall Remain.
The Disrupted, a look at rising income inequality in the U.S. that follows a farmer, a factory worker and an Uber driver, is now set to hit 20 virtual cinemas on September 25, followed by a digital bow October 13.
“No matter what race, ethnicity, sex, or creed you come from, the subjects from The Disrupted represent all of us who have ever needed to make our own living in America,” Passion River’s Mat Levy said. “There has never been a more crucial and timely film about the compound struggles we are all facing to achieve the ‘American Dream.’ We are...
The Disrupted, a look at rising income inequality in the U.S. that follows a farmer, a factory worker and an Uber driver, is now set to hit 20 virtual cinemas on September 25, followed by a digital bow October 13.
“No matter what race, ethnicity, sex, or creed you come from, the subjects from The Disrupted represent all of us who have ever needed to make our own living in America,” Passion River’s Mat Levy said. “There has never been a more crucial and timely film about the compound struggles we are all facing to achieve the ‘American Dream.’ We are...
- 9/17/2020
- by Patrick Hipes and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The Match Factory handles international sales.
Zeitgeist Films in association with Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to Swiss director Bettina Oberli’s comedy My Wonderful Wanda.
The film is scheduled to open in early spring 2021 and stars Agnieszka Grochowska as a Polish home care attendant to the patriarch of a wealthy family as old family secrets surface.
My Wonderful Wanda premiered at the virtual Tribeca Film Festival this year, where it received a special jury mention in the Nora Ephron Award category.
Zeitgeist Films co-Presidents Nancy Gerstman and Emily Russo negotiated the deal with...
Zeitgeist Films in association with Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to Swiss director Bettina Oberli’s comedy My Wonderful Wanda.
The film is scheduled to open in early spring 2021 and stars Agnieszka Grochowska as a Polish home care attendant to the patriarch of a wealthy family as old family secrets surface.
My Wonderful Wanda premiered at the virtual Tribeca Film Festival this year, where it received a special jury mention in the Nora Ephron Award category.
Zeitgeist Films co-Presidents Nancy Gerstman and Emily Russo negotiated the deal with...
- 9/16/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Malgorzata Szumowska and Michal Englert’s “Never Gonna Snow Again,” one of the buzziest titles out of the Venice Film Festival, has found distribution in the U.K., Italy and Germany.
Following what’s understood to have been a competitive process with wide interest, Picturehouse Entertainment has swooped for U.K./Eire rights. I Wonder has bought the film for Italy, and Real Fiction are on board for Germany. The film is sold internationally by The Match Factory.
“Never Gonna Snow Again” world premiered in Venice on Sept. 7 to critical acclaim. The film tells the story of masseur Zhenia, who hails from the Ukrainian city of Pripyat, which was deeply affected by the nearby Chernobyl blast. Zhenia enters the lives of the rich but troubled residents of a bland, walled-off community in Poland, where he begins to heal them with his hands and companionship, and changes their lives for good.
Following what’s understood to have been a competitive process with wide interest, Picturehouse Entertainment has swooped for U.K./Eire rights. I Wonder has bought the film for Italy, and Real Fiction are on board for Germany. The film is sold internationally by The Match Factory.
“Never Gonna Snow Again” world premiered in Venice on Sept. 7 to critical acclaim. The film tells the story of masseur Zhenia, who hails from the Ukrainian city of Pripyat, which was deeply affected by the nearby Chernobyl blast. Zhenia enters the lives of the rich but troubled residents of a bland, walled-off community in Poland, where he begins to heal them with his hands and companionship, and changes their lives for good.
- 9/9/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The German sales company unveils exclusive teasers for ‘New Order’, ‘Never Gonna Snow Again’ and ‘Assandira’.
Michael Weber’s The Match Factory is preparing for a very busy Venice Film Festival when it kicks off next week, with four features in official selection.
Michel Franco’s New Order, Malgorzata Szumowska’s Never Gonna Snow Again (co-directed with her regular cinematographer Michal Englert) and Gianfranco Rosi’s Notturno are all screening in Competition, while Salvatore Mereu’s Assandira will play out of Competition.
Screen can reveal the exclusive first teasers here for New Order, Never Gonna Snow Again and Assandira. The...
Michael Weber’s The Match Factory is preparing for a very busy Venice Film Festival when it kicks off next week, with four features in official selection.
Michel Franco’s New Order, Malgorzata Szumowska’s Never Gonna Snow Again (co-directed with her regular cinematographer Michal Englert) and Gianfranco Rosi’s Notturno are all screening in Competition, while Salvatore Mereu’s Assandira will play out of Competition.
Screen can reveal the exclusive first teasers here for New Order, Never Gonna Snow Again and Assandira. The...
- 8/24/2020
- by 1100796¦Matt Mueller¦47¦
- ScreenDaily
Plans to screen all three theatrically when UK cinemas reopen.
Curzon Artificial Eye has secured UK rights to three features in a bid to strengthen its Curzon Home Cinema (Chc) offering, as audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The distributor has acquired Atom Egoyan’s Guest Of Honour, in a deal negotiated with Sebastian Beffa at Playtime; Dominik Moll’s Only The Animals, in a deal struck with Thania Dimitrakopoulou at The Match Factory; and Gianni Di Gregorio’s Citizens Of The World, after negotiations with Camille Neel at Le Pacte.
Curzon was forced to close...
Curzon Artificial Eye has secured UK rights to three features in a bid to strengthen its Curzon Home Cinema (Chc) offering, as audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The distributor has acquired Atom Egoyan’s Guest Of Honour, in a deal negotiated with Sebastian Beffa at Playtime; Dominik Moll’s Only The Animals, in a deal struck with Thania Dimitrakopoulou at The Match Factory; and Gianni Di Gregorio’s Citizens Of The World, after negotiations with Camille Neel at Le Pacte.
Curzon was forced to close...
- 4/30/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
The coronavirus crisis may be prompting more festivals to migrate online, but not all filmmakers are on board. Director Alex Winter pulled his documentary “Zappa,” about rock iconoclast and classical composer Frank Zappa from both SXSW and Cph:dox, rather than let the festivals stream his latest work.
“We had to stand down because we’re in the middle of sales discussions, and we can’t have the film leak,” says Winter. “Our main concern was sales. Being online with these festivals would be the equivalent of a streaming distribution deal.”
“Zappa” is the first time the “Panama Papers” director and “Bill & Ted Face The Music” actor had made a film without a distributor already in place. He saw the film festival screening as a way to create buzz and market the doc, attracting buyers and higher returns for his investors.
“Because the film was so big, and it took five years to make,...
“We had to stand down because we’re in the middle of sales discussions, and we can’t have the film leak,” says Winter. “Our main concern was sales. Being online with these festivals would be the equivalent of a streaming distribution deal.”
“Zappa” is the first time the “Panama Papers” director and “Bill & Ted Face The Music” actor had made a film without a distributor already in place. He saw the film festival screening as a way to create buzz and market the doc, attracting buyers and higher returns for his investors.
“Because the film was so big, and it took five years to make,...
- 4/9/2020
- by Kaleem Aftab
- Variety Film + TV
Neon has bought North American rights to Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s “Memoria,” starring Tilda Swinton, Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz.
The drama is produced by Weerasethakul’s Kick the Machine, Burning and Illuminations Films. Weerasethakul won the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2010 for “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.”
The deal was announced Thursday at the American Film Market and negotiated by Jeff Deutchman on behalf of Neon and Thania Dimitrakopoulou of The Match Factory on behalf of the filmmakers. A year ago at Afm, Neon bought domestic rights to Bong Joon Ho’s Palme d’Or winner, “Parasite,” which has gone on to gross over $100 million worldwide.
Variety first reported in August that filming had kicked off in Colombia for “Memoria,” Weerasethakul’s first feature to be shot outside his home country of Thailand. While prepping the script, the filmmaker was particularly...
The drama is produced by Weerasethakul’s Kick the Machine, Burning and Illuminations Films. Weerasethakul won the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2010 for “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.”
The deal was announced Thursday at the American Film Market and negotiated by Jeff Deutchman on behalf of Neon and Thania Dimitrakopoulou of The Match Factory on behalf of the filmmakers. A year ago at Afm, Neon bought domestic rights to Bong Joon Ho’s Palme d’Or winner, “Parasite,” which has gone on to gross over $100 million worldwide.
Variety first reported in August that filming had kicked off in Colombia for “Memoria,” Weerasethakul’s first feature to be shot outside his home country of Thailand. While prepping the script, the filmmaker was particularly...
- 11/7/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Neon has acquired the North American rights to Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s “Memoria,” which is one of the first deals to come out of the American Film Market (Afm).
The drama was written and directed Weerasethakul and stars Tilda Swinton, Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz. Weerasethakul’s production company Kick the Machine is producing, alongside Burning and Illuminations Films.
Weerasethakul previously won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010 for his film “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.”
Also Read: Ben Affleck to Star in Robert Rodriguez Action Thriller 'Hypnotic'
Details for the plot are being kept under wraps. The deal was negotiated by Jeff Deutchman on behalf of Neon and Thania Dimitrakopoulou of The Match Factory on behalf of the filmmakers.
At last year’s Afm, Neon acquired Bong Joon-Ho’s eventual Palme d’Or winner, “Parasite,...
The drama was written and directed Weerasethakul and stars Tilda Swinton, Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz. Weerasethakul’s production company Kick the Machine is producing, alongside Burning and Illuminations Films.
Weerasethakul previously won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010 for his film “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.”
Also Read: Ben Affleck to Star in Robert Rodriguez Action Thriller 'Hypnotic'
Details for the plot are being kept under wraps. The deal was negotiated by Jeff Deutchman on behalf of Neon and Thania Dimitrakopoulou of The Match Factory on behalf of the filmmakers.
At last year’s Afm, Neon acquired Bong Joon-Ho’s eventual Palme d’Or winner, “Parasite,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Neon has nabbed North American rights to Memoria, the Tilda Swinton-starring Colombian drama from Palme d’Or-winning director Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
The secretive project stars Swinton, Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but it is set in Colombia and reports have said it follows an orchid farmer (Swinton) visiting her ill sister in Bogota.
Thai filmmaker Weerasethakul picked up the coveted Palme d’Or in Cannes in 2010 for his Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, which was the country’s entry for that year’s Academy Awards, though it was not nominated.
Memoria was produced by Weerasethakul’s Kick the Machine, Burning and Illuminations Films.
The deal was negotiated by Jeff Deutchman on behalf of Neon and Thania Dimitrakopoulou of German sales agent The Match Factory on behalf of the filmmakers.
At last year’s Afm,...
The secretive project stars Swinton, Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but it is set in Colombia and reports have said it follows an orchid farmer (Swinton) visiting her ill sister in Bogota.
Thai filmmaker Weerasethakul picked up the coveted Palme d’Or in Cannes in 2010 for his Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, which was the country’s entry for that year’s Academy Awards, though it was not nominated.
Memoria was produced by Weerasethakul’s Kick the Machine, Burning and Illuminations Films.
The deal was negotiated by Jeff Deutchman on behalf of Neon and Thania Dimitrakopoulou of German sales agent The Match Factory on behalf of the filmmakers.
At last year’s Afm,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The Colombia-set drama features Swinton as an orchid farmer plagued by loud noises.
In a deal struck on the eve of Afm, Neon has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Memoria starring Tilda Swinton.
The Colombia-set drama also stars Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz. While the distributor said plot details remained under wraps, it has been reported that Swinton plays an orchid farmer who befriends a French archaeologist while visiting her ailing sister in Bogota, where she is plagued by loud noises at night.
Weerasethakul’s Kick The...
In a deal struck on the eve of Afm, Neon has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Memoria starring Tilda Swinton.
The Colombia-set drama also stars Jeanne Balibar, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Juan Pablo Urrego and Elkin Diaz. While the distributor said plot details remained under wraps, it has been reported that Swinton plays an orchid farmer who befriends a French archaeologist while visiting her ailing sister in Bogota, where she is plagued by loud noises at night.
Weerasethakul’s Kick The...
- 11/7/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
A discussion on the sales industry took place at the BFI London Film Festival.
Independent distributors increasingly need to pre-buy films or risk losing out to streaming platforms, according to top international sales agents.
“Platforms are coming on board earlier. This is waking up some distributors that they need to pre-buy to compete,” said Carole Baraton, co-founder of French sales company Charades.
“Specifically, in the Us, independent distributors used to be comfortable enough to not have to pre-buy. They realise now they have to come on board earlier if they don’t want all the exciting films to be swept...
Independent distributors increasingly need to pre-buy films or risk losing out to streaming platforms, according to top international sales agents.
“Platforms are coming on board earlier. This is waking up some distributors that they need to pre-buy to compete,” said Carole Baraton, co-founder of French sales company Charades.
“Specifically, in the Us, independent distributors used to be comfortable enough to not have to pre-buy. They realise now they have to come on board earlier if they don’t want all the exciting films to be swept...
- 10/11/2019
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Plan B’s Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner will also deliver a talk.
The line-up of industry events for the 63rd BFI London Film Festival (Lff) has been unveiled, with names including FilmNation’s Glen Basner, Wild Bunch co-founder Vincent Maraval, Fox Searchlight co-chairmen Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, and Mariette Rissenbeek, who took over as executive director of the Berlinale last year.
Highlights include a series of conversations with leading film executives. Glen Basner will be in London on Oct 3 to talk with BFI deputy chief executive Ben Roberts about FilmNation’s work to date and its expansions into different mediums.
The line-up of industry events for the 63rd BFI London Film Festival (Lff) has been unveiled, with names including FilmNation’s Glen Basner, Wild Bunch co-founder Vincent Maraval, Fox Searchlight co-chairmen Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, and Mariette Rissenbeek, who took over as executive director of the Berlinale last year.
Highlights include a series of conversations with leading film executives. Glen Basner will be in London on Oct 3 to talk with BFI deputy chief executive Ben Roberts about FilmNation’s work to date and its expansions into different mediums.
- 9/9/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Buenos Aires — 1844 Entertainment, an emerging player on the U.S. distribution scene, has acquired North American rights to Argentine writer-director Alejandro Fadel’s “Muere monstruo muere”, sold by The Match Factory. The deal was negotiated by 1844 Entertainment’s Tommaso Cerqueglini, The Match Factory’s Michael Weber and Thania Dimitrakopoulou. As on two other high-profile Latin America 1844 pick-ups, Benjamin Naishtat’s “Rojo” and Paraguay’s Oscar submission “The Heiresses,” the theatrical, non-theatrical and home entertainment releases will be handled by Distrib Films Us, headed by François Scippa-Kohn. The North America deal follows sales to Japan (The Klockworx) and Hong Kong (Edko). UFO will distribute in France, Cdi in Chile. An Argentine theatrical distribution deal will be closed imminently,“Murder Me, Monster” producer Agustina Llambi Campbell said at Ventana Sur. Set in a remote part of Mendoza, backed by stark bleak Andean mountains, “Murder Me, Monster” begins with rural police officer...
- 12/13/2018
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Abramorama has acquired U.S. rights to Carmine Street Guitars, the Ron Mann-directed documentary that takes a snapshot of Rick Kelly’s fabled Greenwich Village shop where he makes guitars out of salvaged wood from historic New York buildings. The instruments have been used by the likes of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Patti Smith.
The film, which shows a a week in the life of the shop alongside Kelly and his apprentice Cindy Hulej, features devotees to the craft including Jim Jarmusch, Wilco’s Nels Cline, The Roots’ Kirk Douglas, Bill Frisell, Dave Hill and Charlie Sexton. The pic premiered at the Venice Film Festival, then hit Toronto and is next up screening Saturday at the New York Film Fetstival.
Abramorama plans a spring theatrical release at New York’s Film Forum.
“I’ve been handling Ron’s films in the U.S. since Comic Book Confidential...
The film, which shows a a week in the life of the shop alongside Kelly and his apprentice Cindy Hulej, features devotees to the craft including Jim Jarmusch, Wilco’s Nels Cline, The Roots’ Kirk Douglas, Bill Frisell, Dave Hill and Charlie Sexton. The pic premiered at the Venice Film Festival, then hit Toronto and is next up screening Saturday at the New York Film Fetstival.
Abramorama plans a spring theatrical release at New York’s Film Forum.
“I’ve been handling Ron’s films in the U.S. since Comic Book Confidential...
- 10/5/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Immigrant drama premiered in Berlin.
Music Box Film has acquired Us rights to Christian Petzold’s immigrant drama Transit ahead of its North American premiere in Toronto in September.
Rising star Franz Rogowski appears opposite Paula Beer in the drama, which premiered at the Berlinale and will screen in the New York Film Festival after its Masters slot in Toronto.
Petzold adapted Transit from Anna Seghers’ Second World War novel of the same name, and relocates the story to an unspecified setting that resembles contemporary France.
The story follows German refugee Georg as he assumes the identity of a recently deceased author,...
Music Box Film has acquired Us rights to Christian Petzold’s immigrant drama Transit ahead of its North American premiere in Toronto in September.
Rising star Franz Rogowski appears opposite Paula Beer in the drama, which premiered at the Berlinale and will screen in the New York Film Festival after its Masters slot in Toronto.
Petzold adapted Transit from Anna Seghers’ Second World War novel of the same name, and relocates the story to an unspecified setting that resembles contemporary France.
The story follows German refugee Georg as he assumes the identity of a recently deceased author,...
- 8/15/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Music Box Films has obtained the U.S. rights to Transit, a Christian Petzold directed feature which has its world premiere at this year’s Berlin Film Festival and will head to Tiff next month before it’s theatrical and home releases in 2019. Starring Franz Rogowsk and Paula Beer, the pic is based on Anna Seghers’ WWII novel of the same title. Set in Marseille just after Germany’s invasion, the story follows Georg (Rogowski), a German refugee who takes on the identity of a recently deceased author, Weidel, whose papers he was carrying as he fled Paris. The deal was negotiated by Music Box Films’ William Schopf and Match Factory’s Thania Dimitrakopoulou.
Grasshopper Film has picked up the rights to Independent Spirit Award-nominated documentary film, Distant Constellation, which will bow at the Metrograph in New York City on November 2 before its digital release early 2019. Directed by Boston native Shevaun Mizrahi,...
Grasshopper Film has picked up the rights to Independent Spirit Award-nominated documentary film, Distant Constellation, which will bow at the Metrograph in New York City on November 2 before its digital release early 2019. Directed by Boston native Shevaun Mizrahi,...
- 8/15/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Music Box Films has acquired U.S. rights to Christian Petzold’s “Transit,” which world-premiered in competition at Berlin and is set to play at the Toronto and New York film festivals.
“Transit,” which stars Franz Rogowski (“In the Aisles”) and Paula Beer (“Frantz”), was adapted from Anna Seghers’ World War II novel of the same name. An examination of modern France, it takes place in Marseilles just after the German invasion and follows Georg, a German refugee who takes on the identity of a recently deceased author, Weidel. Variety called it a film of “piercing emotional acuity.”
A well-established German filmmaker, Petzold also directed “Barbara,” which won the Berlinale’s Silver Bear in 2012; “Phoenix,” which won the Fipresci Prize at San Sebastian; and “Yella.”
“We are great admirers of Christian’s films, and are thrilled to finally be working with him,” said Music Box Films President William Schopf, who...
“Transit,” which stars Franz Rogowski (“In the Aisles”) and Paula Beer (“Frantz”), was adapted from Anna Seghers’ World War II novel of the same name. An examination of modern France, it takes place in Marseilles just after the German invasion and follows Georg, a German refugee who takes on the identity of a recently deceased author, Weidel. Variety called it a film of “piercing emotional acuity.”
A well-established German filmmaker, Petzold also directed “Barbara,” which won the Berlinale’s Silver Bear in 2012; “Phoenix,” which won the Fipresci Prize at San Sebastian; and “Yella.”
“We are great admirers of Christian’s films, and are thrilled to finally be working with him,” said Music Box Films President William Schopf, who...
- 8/15/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Distrib Films Us has acquired U.S. rights to Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó’s “Jupiter’s Moon,” which world premiered in competition at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
“Jupiter’s Moon” follows a young immigrant who mysteriously develops superpowers that enable him to levitate at will after being shot down while illegally crossing the border. Thrown into a refugee camp, he is smuggled out by a cynical doctor who tries to exploit his extraordinary secret.
“Jupiter’s Moon” marks the fifth film of Mundruczó, a well-established Hungarian screenwriter, film and theater director. His credits include “White God,” which won Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2014, as well as “Tender Son: The Frankenstein Project” and “Delta,” which competed at Cannes in 2010 and 2008, respectively. Mundruczó’s 2005 film “Johanna” played at Un Certain Regard.
“‘Jupiter’s Moon’ is an amazing second feature…a very unique mix of genres and an out-of-this-world artistic direction,...
“Jupiter’s Moon” follows a young immigrant who mysteriously develops superpowers that enable him to levitate at will after being shot down while illegally crossing the border. Thrown into a refugee camp, he is smuggled out by a cynical doctor who tries to exploit his extraordinary secret.
“Jupiter’s Moon” marks the fifth film of Mundruczó, a well-established Hungarian screenwriter, film and theater director. His credits include “White God,” which won Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2014, as well as “Tender Son: The Frankenstein Project” and “Delta,” which competed at Cannes in 2010 and 2008, respectively. Mundruczó’s 2005 film “Johanna” played at Un Certain Regard.
“‘Jupiter’s Moon’ is an amazing second feature…a very unique mix of genres and an out-of-this-world artistic direction,...
- 5/24/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Modern Films takes UK rights to Cannes Competition title.
Alice Rohrwacher’s 2018 Cannes Competition title Happy As Lazzaro has scored a UK distribution deal with Eve Gabereau’s Modern Films.
The film won Cannes’ screenplay prize for writer-director Rohrwacher (in a tie with Jafar Panahi and Nader Saeivar for 3 Faces).
Starring Adriano Tardiolo, Luca Chikovani, Alba Rohrwacher and Agnese Graziani, the Italian-language drama is about a young peasant assumed, in his isolated village, to be simple-minded, and a young nobleman cursed by his imagination. Screen’s review described it as ”a delirious brew of modernism, folktale and fabulist invention”.
Netflix...
Alice Rohrwacher’s 2018 Cannes Competition title Happy As Lazzaro has scored a UK distribution deal with Eve Gabereau’s Modern Films.
The film won Cannes’ screenplay prize for writer-director Rohrwacher (in a tie with Jafar Panahi and Nader Saeivar for 3 Faces).
Starring Adriano Tardiolo, Luca Chikovani, Alba Rohrwacher and Agnese Graziani, the Italian-language drama is about a young peasant assumed, in his isolated village, to be simple-minded, and a young nobleman cursed by his imagination. Screen’s review described it as ”a delirious brew of modernism, folktale and fabulist invention”.
Netflix...
- 5/24/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
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