Zdf Latest To ‘Race Across The World’
A six-part series based on Studio Lambert’s Race Across the World is set to air on German pubcaster Zdf in spring 2025. Planning is underway for casting and filming is set for the fall, with All3Media’s German producer, Tower, attached to make the show. Kirstin Benthaus-Gebauer will be the producer with Friederike Haedecke, Johannes Geiger, Thorsten Haas and Daniel Nemetschek the editors. The original BBC show has run to strong ratings in the UK for three seasons and one celebrity series. New seasons of both versions have been commissioned after the the first ep of the celebrity run drew 6.2 million viewers, consolidating the format’s position among the BBC’s top factual programs. The German deal, struck with distributor All3Media International, marks the fifth international version of the show, coming after three seasons on TV2 in Denmark, an upcoming production on MTV Katsomo and MTV3 in Finland,...
A six-part series based on Studio Lambert’s Race Across the World is set to air on German pubcaster Zdf in spring 2025. Planning is underway for casting and filming is set for the fall, with All3Media’s German producer, Tower, attached to make the show. Kirstin Benthaus-Gebauer will be the producer with Friederike Haedecke, Johannes Geiger, Thorsten Haas and Daniel Nemetschek the editors. The original BBC show has run to strong ratings in the UK for three seasons and one celebrity series. New seasons of both versions have been commissioned after the the first ep of the celebrity run drew 6.2 million viewers, consolidating the format’s position among the BBC’s top factual programs. The German deal, struck with distributor All3Media International, marks the fifth international version of the show, coming after three seasons on TV2 in Denmark, an upcoming production on MTV Katsomo and MTV3 in Finland,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Indonesian superhero outing is the second entry in the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe.
Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) has licensed Indonesian superhero feature Sri Asih to Shout! Studios for North America.
Shout! is planning a release on multiple platforms later this year. The film was released theatrically in Indonesia on 1,270 screens in November and later premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia and selected Asian territories.
Produced by Screenplay Bumilangit in association with Sk Global, Sri Asih is the second installment of the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe, a series of superhero films based on the more 500 comic book characters in the library of Indonesian publishing company Bumilangit.
Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) has licensed Indonesian superhero feature Sri Asih to Shout! Studios for North America.
Shout! is planning a release on multiple platforms later this year. The film was released theatrically in Indonesia on 1,270 screens in November and later premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia and selected Asian territories.
Produced by Screenplay Bumilangit in association with Sk Global, Sri Asih is the second installment of the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe, a series of superhero films based on the more 500 comic book characters in the library of Indonesian publishing company Bumilangit.
- 5/23/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Premiere Entertainment Group has acquired world sales rights to the Indonesian superhero action film Sri Asih, starring Pevita Pearce, and will launch sales at EFM.
The film, produced by Indonesian production company Screenplay Bumilangit in association with Sk Global, was released theatrically in Indonesia on 1,270 screens in November and is set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia and select Asian territories.
Sri Asih is the second installment from the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (Bcu), a series of superhero films drawing on a library of more than 500 comic book characters published by Indonesian content company Bumilangit, following Gundala (2019).
The film follows Alana (Pearce), a young woman trying to find her own identity amidst a world of crime and corruption. She also happens to be the reincarnated Goddess Asih, protector of the masses and is tasked with preventing a demon spirit commander from releasing the Fire Goddess from captivity inside a volcano.
The film, produced by Indonesian production company Screenplay Bumilangit in association with Sk Global, was released theatrically in Indonesia on 1,270 screens in November and is set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia and select Asian territories.
Sri Asih is the second installment from the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (Bcu), a series of superhero films drawing on a library of more than 500 comic book characters published by Indonesian content company Bumilangit, following Gundala (2019).
The film follows Alana (Pearce), a young woman trying to find her own identity amidst a world of crime and corruption. She also happens to be the reincarnated Goddess Asih, protector of the masses and is tasked with preventing a demon spirit commander from releasing the Fire Goddess from captivity inside a volcano.
- 2/16/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Seafic Award went to Malaysian filmmaker Chia Chee Sum, while Singapore’s Siyou Tan took the Open Sea Fund Award.
Malaysian filmmaker Chia Chee Sum’s Oasis Of Now won the Seafic Award at the fourth edition of the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (Seafic) Open House (January 8-11), while Amoeba, from Singapore’s Siyou Tan, took the Open Sea Fund Award.
The prizes follow nine months of intense script and project development for the five selected projects, through the guidance of international experts. The winners were selected after live pitching sessions in front of international juries.
Seafic organisers described...
Malaysian filmmaker Chia Chee Sum’s Oasis Of Now won the Seafic Award at the fourth edition of the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (Seafic) Open House (January 8-11), while Amoeba, from Singapore’s Siyou Tan, took the Open Sea Fund Award.
The prizes follow nine months of intense script and project development for the five selected projects, through the guidance of international experts. The winners were selected after live pitching sessions in front of international juries.
Seafic organisers described...
- 1/12/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Malaysian film project “Oasis of Now” was named as the winner of the $15,000 Seafic award at the end of the fourth edition of the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab on Monday.
The project, to be directed by Chia Chee Sum and produced by Lee Yve Vonn, is the story of a Vietnamese housekeeper living a secret life in Kuala Lumpur.
“Our choice finally fell on a project with a strong subject against a background of social reality, and with its heart, the bonds of affection that are the basis of human relations and family. More than a script, it’s a project inhabited by a true cinematographic vision due to the treatment of the space and its visual and sound mise en scene,” said a three-person jury that included festival selectors Charles Tesson and Violeta Bava, and executive Winnie Lau.
The Open Sea Fund Award, which provides $25,000 of equipment rentals and post-production services,...
The project, to be directed by Chia Chee Sum and produced by Lee Yve Vonn, is the story of a Vietnamese housekeeper living a secret life in Kuala Lumpur.
“Our choice finally fell on a project with a strong subject against a background of social reality, and with its heart, the bonds of affection that are the basis of human relations and family. More than a script, it’s a project inhabited by a true cinematographic vision due to the treatment of the space and its visual and sound mise en scene,” said a three-person jury that included festival selectors Charles Tesson and Violeta Bava, and executive Winnie Lau.
The Open Sea Fund Award, which provides $25,000 of equipment rentals and post-production services,...
- 1/12/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Sk Global and Indonesia-based production entity Screenplay Bumilangit are partnering to co-finance and co-produce multiple feature films based on Indonesia’s Bumilangit cinematic universe.
Screenplay Bumilangit is a joint venture between Screenplay Films and Bumilangit Entertainment. The joint company develops, finances, and produces superhero action films from the Bumilangit cinematic universe, a set of intertwining storylines based on characters created by comic artists and which embrace and elevate Indonesian comic and pop culture
The first film in the universe was 2019 effort “Gundala,” directed by Joko Anwar, which played at the 2019 Toronto, 2020 Udine and 2020 Bucheon festivals. North America distribution is through WellGoUSA and it opened theatrically last week in Japan.
Anwar is a partner in the Screenplay Bumilangit venture and serves as the creative architect to the Bumilangit cinematic universe. Executives Winnie Lau and Michael Hogan will oversee the Bumilangit cinematic universe films on behalf of Sk Global. Bumilangit Entertainment, which...
Screenplay Bumilangit is a joint venture between Screenplay Films and Bumilangit Entertainment. The joint company develops, finances, and produces superhero action films from the Bumilangit cinematic universe, a set of intertwining storylines based on characters created by comic artists and which embrace and elevate Indonesian comic and pop culture
The first film in the universe was 2019 effort “Gundala,” directed by Joko Anwar, which played at the 2019 Toronto, 2020 Udine and 2020 Bucheon festivals. North America distribution is through WellGoUSA and it opened theatrically last week in Japan.
Anwar is a partner in the Screenplay Bumilangit venture and serves as the creative architect to the Bumilangit cinematic universe. Executives Winnie Lau and Michael Hogan will oversee the Bumilangit cinematic universe films on behalf of Sk Global. Bumilangit Entertainment, which...
- 11/20/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Sk Global is teaming up with Indonesia-based production entity Screenplay Bumilangit to co-finance and co-produce a slate of films based on popular local superhero IP the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (Bcu).
Joko Anwar, whose credits include local hits such as 2019 Bcu superhero pic Gundala, is on board as creative producer for the project and is a partner in Screenplay Bumilangit. It is launching with two initial films based on Bcu properties: Virgo and the Sparklings, with director Ody C. Harahap, which is currently filming in the Jakarta area; and Sri Asih, which will be directed by Upi and will begin filming later this November.
Screenplay Bumilangit previously struck a deal with Disney+ Hotstar to make all Bcu Films exclusively available on the Disney+ Hotstar platform in Indonesia after their theatrical releases.
Executives Winnie Lau and Michael Hogan will oversee the Bcu films on behalf of Sk Global.
Sk Global Co-CEO John Penotti said,...
Joko Anwar, whose credits include local hits such as 2019 Bcu superhero pic Gundala, is on board as creative producer for the project and is a partner in Screenplay Bumilangit. It is launching with two initial films based on Bcu properties: Virgo and the Sparklings, with director Ody C. Harahap, which is currently filming in the Jakarta area; and Sri Asih, which will be directed by Upi and will begin filming later this November.
Screenplay Bumilangit previously struck a deal with Disney+ Hotstar to make all Bcu Films exclusively available on the Disney+ Hotstar platform in Indonesia after their theatrical releases.
Executives Winnie Lau and Michael Hogan will oversee the Bcu films on behalf of Sk Global.
Sk Global Co-CEO John Penotti said,...
- 11/20/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Virgo And The Sparklings, Sri Asih kick off deal.
Sk Global and Indonesia-based production company Screenplay Bumilangit will co-finance and co-produce multiple features based on Indonesia’s popular Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (Bcu).
The partnership launches with two Bcu films shooting in Indonesia this month. Virgo And The Sparklings directed by Ody C. Harahap is currently filming in the Jakarta area. Upi will direct Sri Asih and filming is set to begin later this November.
Joko Anwar, the Indonesian director behind the Bcu’s first superhero feature Gundala, is a partner in the Screenplay Bumilangit venture and serves as the creative...
Sk Global and Indonesia-based production company Screenplay Bumilangit will co-finance and co-produce multiple features based on Indonesia’s popular Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (Bcu).
The partnership launches with two Bcu films shooting in Indonesia this month. Virgo And The Sparklings directed by Ody C. Harahap is currently filming in the Jakarta area. Upi will direct Sri Asih and filming is set to begin later this November.
Joko Anwar, the Indonesian director behind the Bcu’s first superhero feature Gundala, is a partner in the Screenplay Bumilangit venture and serves as the creative...
- 11/20/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
After weeks of awards campaigning and hundreds of interviews, “Parasite” began Sunday as a successful and well-appreciated movie. Yet its Academy Awards wins for best picture and for Bong Joon Ho as best director were shocks that thrilled the Asian movie industry.
“I’m so happy for all the Asian Film industry. It has now created bigger dreams for Asian filmmakers,” said Korean producer Jonathan Kim. “Now I have a different view on Hollywood. Even Hollywood is becoming more open minded.”
“Game changer!!! So happy for all of us. The Asians have finally arrived in Hollywood!” said Andrew Ooi, president of Echelon Talent Management, a Vancouver-based management firm with a predominantly Asian clientele.
Park Chan Wook, one of South Korea’s top filmmakers and a producer of Bong’s “Snowpiercer,” said in an interview with local media that the Oscar success of “Parasite” is not a surprise.
“[This] means that American...
“I’m so happy for all the Asian Film industry. It has now created bigger dreams for Asian filmmakers,” said Korean producer Jonathan Kim. “Now I have a different view on Hollywood. Even Hollywood is becoming more open minded.”
“Game changer!!! So happy for all of us. The Asians have finally arrived in Hollywood!” said Andrew Ooi, president of Echelon Talent Management, a Vancouver-based management firm with a predominantly Asian clientele.
Park Chan Wook, one of South Korea’s top filmmakers and a producer of Bong’s “Snowpiercer,” said in an interview with local media that the Oscar success of “Parasite” is not a surprise.
“[This] means that American...
- 2/10/2020
- by Patrick Frater and Sonia Kil
- Variety Film + TV
The 2019 edition of the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) closed its industry program last night (December 8), with the event’s Best Project Award going to Dear Wormwood, a supernatural horror from the Philippines.
The project is in advanced development and has secured $85,000 of its planned $525,000 budget to date. It comes from director Dodo Dayao, whose debut feature Violator screened at Karlovy Vary in 2014. The producers are Patti Lapus and Bradley Liew of Manila-based Epicmedia Productions.
An award of $15,000 is presented to the winner of Iffam’s project market, which is a genre-focused event curated by Todd Brown of Xyz Films.
The first film to graduate through the market, complete production and play at international festivals, Mattie Do’s Laos feature The Long Walk, is screening in the Iffam program this year.
Elsewhere, the $10,000 Creative Excellence Award was presented to director-producer Sheetal Magan for the South African feature The Day And Night Of Brahma,...
The project is in advanced development and has secured $85,000 of its planned $525,000 budget to date. It comes from director Dodo Dayao, whose debut feature Violator screened at Karlovy Vary in 2014. The producers are Patti Lapus and Bradley Liew of Manila-based Epicmedia Productions.
An award of $15,000 is presented to the winner of Iffam’s project market, which is a genre-focused event curated by Todd Brown of Xyz Films.
The first film to graduate through the market, complete production and play at international festivals, Mattie Do’s Laos feature The Long Walk, is screening in the Iffam program this year.
Elsewhere, the $10,000 Creative Excellence Award was presented to director-producer Sheetal Magan for the South African feature The Day And Night Of Brahma,...
- 12/9/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
“Cities of Last Things,” an award-winning Taiwanese black drama where the story is told in reverse chronological order, has been acquired for streaming by global online giant Netflix. The film is expected to be available on the platform from July 11.
The film opens with images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, and three nights, compacted into one single night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order.
Directed by Malaysian-born, New York-educated Ho Wi Ding, the film had its premiere at the Toronto festival in September last year. There it won the prize for best film in the experimental Platform section. Toronto festival director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
https://variety.
The film opens with images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, and three nights, compacted into one single night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order.
Directed by Malaysian-born, New York-educated Ho Wi Ding, the film had its premiere at the Toronto festival in September last year. There it won the prize for best film in the experimental Platform section. Toronto festival director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
https://variety.
- 6/13/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Here’s the first-look trailer from intriguing Toronto Film Festival entry Cities Of Last Things. From director Ho Wi Ding, the sci-fi-fi drama is told in reverse-chronological order, revealing one man’s fraught inner world and the circumstances that led to a life-altering decision. A Taiwan/China/France/U.S. co-production, it’s running in the Platform section on September 8.
Filmed in Taiwan, the movie stars Hong-Chi Lee (Long Day’s Journey Into Night), Louise Grinberg, Jack Kao, Lu Huang and Stone (of the Taiwanese band Mayday).
The film, set in the pulse-pounding rhythm of the underbelly of an unnamed city, opens with the image of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-storey apartment building. The story follows Lao Zhang, a depressed, ex-police officer pining for a lost love and fighting with his unfaithful wife about their long-soured relationship. But Lao intends to finally act, with a calculated fury,...
Filmed in Taiwan, the movie stars Hong-Chi Lee (Long Day’s Journey Into Night), Louise Grinberg, Jack Kao, Lu Huang and Stone (of the Taiwanese band Mayday).
The film, set in the pulse-pounding rhythm of the underbelly of an unnamed city, opens with the image of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-storey apartment building. The story follows Lao Zhang, a depressed, ex-police officer pining for a lost love and fighting with his unfaithful wife about their long-soured relationship. But Lao intends to finally act, with a calculated fury,...
- 9/5/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Sales agency, Wild Bunch has boarded “Cities of Last Things,” a mind-bending Asian drama that has its premiere next month at the Toronto Film Festival.
Written and directed by Malaysian-born, Taiwan-based Ho Wi Ding the film opens with the images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, three nights, compacted into one night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order. Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
The film stars Lu Huang (aka Lulu Huang) rising Chinese actor and Golden Horse winner Hong-Chi Lee, seasoned Taiwanese actor Jack Kao and French actress Louise Grinberg.
Taiwan-based Changhe Films co-produced the film with China-based Hymn Pictures, Singapore’s MM2 Entertainment, the U.S.
Written and directed by Malaysian-born, Taiwan-based Ho Wi Ding the film opens with the images of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building. It goes on to reveal the man’s experience of three eras, three seasons, three nights, compacted into one night in the same city, and told in reverse chronological order. Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling described the film as “a very twisting interior tale of a man trying to exorcise his demons.”
The film stars Lu Huang (aka Lulu Huang) rising Chinese actor and Golden Horse winner Hong-Chi Lee, seasoned Taiwanese actor Jack Kao and French actress Louise Grinberg.
Taiwan-based Changhe Films co-produced the film with China-based Hymn Pictures, Singapore’s MM2 Entertainment, the U.S.
- 8/25/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Wild Bunch has come aboard to handle worldwide sales on Cities of Last Things, Ho Wi Ding’s new film that is world premiering next month in the Platform section of the Toronto Film Festival. The international sales outfit will rep sales for North America, Japan and most of Europe. Excluded is France, Taiwan, China and other Asian territories for the co-production that counts partners from Taiwan, China, the U.S. and France.
It bows in Taiwan October 26 with a Chinese release likely to follow in November.
The pic centers on one man’s fraught inner world and the circumstances that led to a life-altering decision. It opens with the image of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building and is told in reverse-chronological order. Hong-Chi Lee (Long Day’s Journey Into Night) stars with Jack Kao, Louise Grinberg, Lu Huang and Stone (of the...
It bows in Taiwan October 26 with a Chinese release likely to follow in November.
The pic centers on one man’s fraught inner world and the circumstances that led to a life-altering decision. It opens with the image of a man hurling himself to his death off a multi-story apartment building and is told in reverse-chronological order. Hong-Chi Lee (Long Day’s Journey Into Night) stars with Jack Kao, Louise Grinberg, Lu Huang and Stone (of the...
- 8/24/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Malaysian director Wi Ding Ho’s non-linear relationship drama to premiere in Platform section.
Wild Bunch has acquired world sales rights to Taiwan-based director Wi Ding Ho’s drama Cities Of Last Things ahead of its premiere in Toronto’s Platform section next month.
The Paris-based international sales powerhouse will handle most territories including North America, Japan and Europe but excluding France, Taiwan, China and additional Asian territories.
The non-linear drama revolves around an ordinary man’s relationships with three women, focusing on one night with each of them which resulted in a life-changing event.
“Only in film and literature,...
Wild Bunch has acquired world sales rights to Taiwan-based director Wi Ding Ho’s drama Cities Of Last Things ahead of its premiere in Toronto’s Platform section next month.
The Paris-based international sales powerhouse will handle most territories including North America, Japan and Europe but excluding France, Taiwan, China and additional Asian territories.
The non-linear drama revolves around an ordinary man’s relationships with three women, focusing on one night with each of them which resulted in a life-changing event.
“Only in film and literature,...
- 8/24/2018
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Other ideas include government-subsidised tickets for youngsters and an ‘online film festival’.
Source: Iffr / Melanie Lemahieu
Four working groups at Rotterdam’s Reality Check conference came up with a list of actions that can improve content and audience diversity and engagement.
The closed working groups, each with up to 9 experts, presented their ideas in a public session that closed Reality Check, Iffr’s new distribution conference.
One especially popular suggested action point was creating a code of conduct for film festivals to have more diverse and inclusive juries, panel speakers and selection committees.
It was noted that festivals can do this immediately, on their own terms, without waiting for a global guideline to be established. Film experts were also encouraged to have their own personal code of conduct as well.
The other suggestions were:
A card for young people to watch arthouse films in cinemas, at specific times of day, for a nearly-free...
Source: Iffr / Melanie Lemahieu
Four working groups at Rotterdam’s Reality Check conference came up with a list of actions that can improve content and audience diversity and engagement.
The closed working groups, each with up to 9 experts, presented their ideas in a public session that closed Reality Check, Iffr’s new distribution conference.
One especially popular suggested action point was creating a code of conduct for film festivals to have more diverse and inclusive juries, panel speakers and selection committees.
It was noted that festivals can do this immediately, on their own terms, without waiting for a global guideline to be established. Film experts were also encouraged to have their own personal code of conduct as well.
The other suggestions were:
A card for young people to watch arthouse films in cinemas, at specific times of day, for a nearly-free...
- 1/30/2018
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
LatinoBuzz: Winners of 33rd Edition CineMart Include Academy Award-Nominee Ciro Guerra's New Project
The CineMart 2016 awards have been announced marking the close of the 33rd edition of the co-production market. German production "Berlin Alexanderplatz" was awarded the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award of €20,000, which is given to a project presented by a European producer. Colombian production "Birds of Passage" was awarded the €6,000 Arte International Prize and the Wouter Barendrecht Award went to Christopher Radcliff’s new project "The Strange Ones." The prize of €5,000 is given by the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation. The jury for the Arte and Eurimages awards is comprised of the Netherlands Film Fund’s Dorien van de Pas, producer Annamaria Lodato and Fabien Westerhoff, head of international licensing, production and finance company Ffwd (formerly with Hanway and WestEnd). The Wouter Barendrecht Award is decided on by representatives of the Wouter Barendrecht Film Foundation, Nelleke and Ellis Driessen.
CineMart selected 25 international projects to participate in the four day event which has been one of the most successful in recent years. Multiple conferences and panels covering topics ranging from “Making the most of a film festival” to “The Micro-Budget Talent Programmes” were held in front of packed audiences who were invited to be involved in the debates and receive advice. Mike S. Ryan (Greyshack Films), Michael Weber (The Match Factory), Winnie Lau (Jettone Films Ltd) and Bero Beyer (Director Iffr) discussing ‘The Creative Thunder of Cinema’ proved one of the highlights of Iffr 2016.
On making the announcement, Head of Industry and CineMart, Marit van den Elshout commented: “This year’s line-up was exceptional and inspiring. I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say that we could not be more proud – we have seen so many great projects, and so many talented teams behind them, the winners really exemplify this. I am also pleased to say that we hosted multiple extremely well attended panels and conversations, discussing the current state and possible future of the cinema that we love and cherish in Rotterdam.”
This year’s Eurimages Co-Production Development Award winner, "Berlin Alexanderplatz" by Burhan Qurbani (Germany) is a Sommerhaus Filmproduktion production. On the jury’s decision, Dorien van de Pas commented: “The project gives us a new and relevant view on a classic piece. The talented director has already made several films about urgent and relevant topics, that currently affect all our countries. Here he will combine elements of genre film with more political and emotional layers, which makes it accessible for a younger audience. The project leads to an ideal co-production scenario and the money of this award will be well employed for casting and further development.”
The Arte International Prize winner is "Birds of Passage" (Colombia) by Ciro Guerra, who is currently nominated for the Best Foreign Language Academy Award for "Embrace of the Serpent," produced by Ciudad Lunar Producciones and Blond Indian Films. On presenting the award, Annemaria Lodato commented: “We decided to give the Arte International Prize to a young South American filmmaker who has already produced a strong and convincing body of work. The project takes us into the heart of an indigenous community, a time and place never explored on screen.”
The Wouter Barendrecht Award winner is "The Strange Ones" (USA), directed by Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein, produced by Sébastien Aubert. "Mysterious events surround the travels of two brothers as they make their way across a remote American landscape. On the surface all seems normal, but what appears to be a simple vacation soon gives way to something more complex, dark, and potentially deadly." On presenting the award Managing Director of Fortissimo Films, Nelleke Driessen commented: “The short film on which this film project is based, convinced the jury of the potential for the feature. We trust that the makers will succeed to translate this apparent simple story into an intriguing, multi layered psychological thriller.”
Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions
Next to these awards, Iffr’s Hubert Bals Fund is proud to announce the first selection of its brand-new distribution scheme: Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions. The scheme is designed to boost the distribution of internationally co-produced films from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe.
The Hbf is pleased to announce that the first Hbf+Europe Distribution grant of 20.000 Euro has been awarded to Heretic Outreach from Greece to support the distribution of "Babai" by Visar Morina (Kosovo, Germany, Macedonia and France) in Greece, Bulgaria and Egypt.
Full selection list for CineMart 2016:
"The Announcement" - Mahmut Fazil Coskun - Turkey/Bulgaria - Filmotto Production/The Chouchkov Brothers "Berlin Alexanderplatz" - Burhan Qurbani - Germany - Sommerhaus Filmproduktion GmbH "Birds of Passage" - Ciro Guerra - Colombia - Ciudad Lunar/Blond Indian Films "Bloody Marie" - Guido van Driel - the Netherlands/Germany - Family Affair Films/Schiwago Film GmbH "Bootlegger" - Caroline Monnet - Canada - Microclimat Films "Dark Room" - Itamar Alcalay - Israel/Germany - Lama Films/Komplizen Film "The Devil Outside" - Andrew Hulme - UK - Ipso Facto Productions "Is this What You Were Born For?" - Radu Jude - Romania - Hi Film Productions "Jessica" - Ninja Thyberg - Sweden - Plattform Produktion "The Last Harem" - Maryam Keshavarz - France/Portugal - Neon Productions/ Ítaca Films/MaraKesh Films (Art:Film) "The Notebooks" - Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige - Lebanon/France - Abbout Productions "Over the City" - Emir Baigazin - Kazakhstan/Germany - Emir Baigazin Production/Augenschein Filmproduktion "Pompei" - John Shank, Anna Falguères - Belgium/Italy - Tarantula/Solaria Film "Rafaël" - Ben Sombogaart - the Netherlands/Italy/Belgium/Tunisia - Rinkel Film/Verdeoro/Entre Chien et Loup/Nomadis Images/Cinetelefilms "Sick, Sick, Sick" - Alice Furtado - Brazil - Estúdio Giz/Oceano "Slam" - Partho Sen-Gupta - Australia - Invisible Republic "Sleep." - Jan-Willem van Ewijk - the Netherlands - Waterland Film/Propellor Film "The Strange Ones" - Christopher Radcliff, Lauren Wolkstein - France/USA - Adastra Films "Teenage Jesus" - Marie Grahtø - Denmark - Beofilm "Under the Sun" - Qiu Yang - France/China - House on Fire/Colorful Age Culture & Media "Der Unschuldige" - Simon Jaquemet - Switzerland - 8Horses "Ursa Major"- Benjamin Crotty - USA/France - AgX/Les Films du Bal "Vikings" - Daniel Hoesl - Austria - Ulrich Seidl Film Produktion GmbH "Wild Princess" - Ester Martin Bergsmark - Sweden - Garagefilm International (Art:Film) "What if Women Ruled the World?" - Yael Bartana - UK - Jacqui Davies Limited...
CineMart selected 25 international projects to participate in the four day event which has been one of the most successful in recent years. Multiple conferences and panels covering topics ranging from “Making the most of a film festival” to “The Micro-Budget Talent Programmes” were held in front of packed audiences who were invited to be involved in the debates and receive advice. Mike S. Ryan (Greyshack Films), Michael Weber (The Match Factory), Winnie Lau (Jettone Films Ltd) and Bero Beyer (Director Iffr) discussing ‘The Creative Thunder of Cinema’ proved one of the highlights of Iffr 2016.
On making the announcement, Head of Industry and CineMart, Marit van den Elshout commented: “This year’s line-up was exceptional and inspiring. I speak on behalf of the entire team when I say that we could not be more proud – we have seen so many great projects, and so many talented teams behind them, the winners really exemplify this. I am also pleased to say that we hosted multiple extremely well attended panels and conversations, discussing the current state and possible future of the cinema that we love and cherish in Rotterdam.”
This year’s Eurimages Co-Production Development Award winner, "Berlin Alexanderplatz" by Burhan Qurbani (Germany) is a Sommerhaus Filmproduktion production. On the jury’s decision, Dorien van de Pas commented: “The project gives us a new and relevant view on a classic piece. The talented director has already made several films about urgent and relevant topics, that currently affect all our countries. Here he will combine elements of genre film with more political and emotional layers, which makes it accessible for a younger audience. The project leads to an ideal co-production scenario and the money of this award will be well employed for casting and further development.”
The Arte International Prize winner is "Birds of Passage" (Colombia) by Ciro Guerra, who is currently nominated for the Best Foreign Language Academy Award for "Embrace of the Serpent," produced by Ciudad Lunar Producciones and Blond Indian Films. On presenting the award, Annemaria Lodato commented: “We decided to give the Arte International Prize to a young South American filmmaker who has already produced a strong and convincing body of work. The project takes us into the heart of an indigenous community, a time and place never explored on screen.”
The Wouter Barendrecht Award winner is "The Strange Ones" (USA), directed by Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein, produced by Sébastien Aubert. "Mysterious events surround the travels of two brothers as they make their way across a remote American landscape. On the surface all seems normal, but what appears to be a simple vacation soon gives way to something more complex, dark, and potentially deadly." On presenting the award Managing Director of Fortissimo Films, Nelleke Driessen commented: “The short film on which this film project is based, convinced the jury of the potential for the feature. We trust that the makers will succeed to translate this apparent simple story into an intriguing, multi layered psychological thriller.”
Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions
Next to these awards, Iffr’s Hubert Bals Fund is proud to announce the first selection of its brand-new distribution scheme: Hbf+Europe Distribution Support for International Co-productions. The scheme is designed to boost the distribution of internationally co-produced films from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe.
The Hbf is pleased to announce that the first Hbf+Europe Distribution grant of 20.000 Euro has been awarded to Heretic Outreach from Greece to support the distribution of "Babai" by Visar Morina (Kosovo, Germany, Macedonia and France) in Greece, Bulgaria and Egypt.
Full selection list for CineMart 2016:
"The Announcement" - Mahmut Fazil Coskun - Turkey/Bulgaria - Filmotto Production/The Chouchkov Brothers "Berlin Alexanderplatz" - Burhan Qurbani - Germany - Sommerhaus Filmproduktion GmbH "Birds of Passage" - Ciro Guerra - Colombia - Ciudad Lunar/Blond Indian Films "Bloody Marie" - Guido van Driel - the Netherlands/Germany - Family Affair Films/Schiwago Film GmbH "Bootlegger" - Caroline Monnet - Canada - Microclimat Films "Dark Room" - Itamar Alcalay - Israel/Germany - Lama Films/Komplizen Film "The Devil Outside" - Andrew Hulme - UK - Ipso Facto Productions "Is this What You Were Born For?" - Radu Jude - Romania - Hi Film Productions "Jessica" - Ninja Thyberg - Sweden - Plattform Produktion "The Last Harem" - Maryam Keshavarz - France/Portugal - Neon Productions/ Ítaca Films/MaraKesh Films (Art:Film) "The Notebooks" - Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige - Lebanon/France - Abbout Productions "Over the City" - Emir Baigazin - Kazakhstan/Germany - Emir Baigazin Production/Augenschein Filmproduktion "Pompei" - John Shank, Anna Falguères - Belgium/Italy - Tarantula/Solaria Film "Rafaël" - Ben Sombogaart - the Netherlands/Italy/Belgium/Tunisia - Rinkel Film/Verdeoro/Entre Chien et Loup/Nomadis Images/Cinetelefilms "Sick, Sick, Sick" - Alice Furtado - Brazil - Estúdio Giz/Oceano "Slam" - Partho Sen-Gupta - Australia - Invisible Republic "Sleep." - Jan-Willem van Ewijk - the Netherlands - Waterland Film/Propellor Film "The Strange Ones" - Christopher Radcliff, Lauren Wolkstein - France/USA - Adastra Films "Teenage Jesus" - Marie Grahtø - Denmark - Beofilm "Under the Sun" - Qiu Yang - France/China - House on Fire/Colorful Age Culture & Media "Der Unschuldige" - Simon Jaquemet - Switzerland - 8Horses "Ursa Major"- Benjamin Crotty - USA/France - AgX/Les Films du Bal "Vikings" - Daniel Hoesl - Austria - Ulrich Seidl Film Produktion GmbH "Wild Princess" - Ester Martin Bergsmark - Sweden - Garagefilm International (Art:Film) "What if Women Ruled the World?" - Yael Bartana - UK - Jacqui Davies Limited...
- 2/4/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Wong Kar Wai’s Hong Kong-based production company Jet Tone Films has appointed former Fortissimo Films executive Winnie Lau as Head of International Co-Production and Distribution.
Based out of Jet Tone’s Beijing and Hong Kong offices, Lau will oversee the company’s strategic partnerships and co-productions with overseas media companies.
Lau was formerly executive vice president of acquisitions and sales at Fortissimo, where she negotiated with international studios, independent distributors and award-winning directors such as Martin Scorsese, John Cameron Mitchell and Wong Kar Wai.
“Jet Tone is delighted to welcome such a seasoned expert to our international team,” said Jet Tone Films CEO Jacky Pang. “Winnie’s proven experience and success in the global markets will allow our company to explore exciting new territory.”
“It is truly an honor to join a production company with such an incredible international track record,” said Lau. “I look forward to working closely with Jacky and Wong Kar Wai to attract...
Based out of Jet Tone’s Beijing and Hong Kong offices, Lau will oversee the company’s strategic partnerships and co-productions with overseas media companies.
Lau was formerly executive vice president of acquisitions and sales at Fortissimo, where she negotiated with international studios, independent distributors and award-winning directors such as Martin Scorsese, John Cameron Mitchell and Wong Kar Wai.
“Jet Tone is delighted to welcome such a seasoned expert to our international team,” said Jet Tone Films CEO Jacky Pang. “Winnie’s proven experience and success in the global markets will allow our company to explore exciting new territory.”
“It is truly an honor to join a production company with such an incredible international track record,” said Lau. “I look forward to working closely with Jacky and Wong Kar Wai to attract...
- 9/23/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Fortissimo Films has announced that Winnie Lau is leaving after 13 years with the company to join a leading production house in a senior capacity.
Lau served in a variety of roles at Fortissimo in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York and most recently Beijing. Her new appointment will be announced in the next few days.
Fortissimo Films chairman Michael J. Werner said: “Winnie has been a member of this special Fortissimo family for such a long time and we will all dearly miss her yet we are proud and thrilled for her that this unique opportunity has presented itself for her to work with an award-winning director and producer in order to pursue a new phase in her career.”
Lau said: “Fortissimo is such a fantastic place for me to have come of age in the industry. I had a great time and a great many years there and worked for and with some incredibly passionate and dedicated...
Lau served in a variety of roles at Fortissimo in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York and most recently Beijing. Her new appointment will be announced in the next few days.
Fortissimo Films chairman Michael J. Werner said: “Winnie has been a member of this special Fortissimo family for such a long time and we will all dearly miss her yet we are proud and thrilled for her that this unique opportunity has presented itself for her to work with an award-winning director and producer in order to pursue a new phase in her career.”
Lau said: “Fortissimo is such a fantastic place for me to have come of age in the industry. I had a great time and a great many years there and worked for and with some incredibly passionate and dedicated...
- 9/17/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Fortissimo Films has struck a deal with China’s Wanda Media to handle worldwide sales (excluding Hk, Taiwan, Se-Asia) on current box office hit The Great Hypnotist.
Directed by Leste Chen, the film was released last weekend in China and has so far grossed an estimated $25m. Fortissimo will handle worldwide sales on the film, excluding Hong Kong, Taiwan and South-East Asia, which will handled by Wanda’s own distribution team.
The mystery thriller, representing a new direction in genre filmmaking in China, tells the story of a renowned therapist, skilled in hypnotherapy who meets a deeply troubled patient he is unable to help. Xu Zheng (Lost In Thailand) and Karen Mok head the cast. The film was produced by Tina Shi and Wanda’s James Li and executive produced by Xu Zheng and Wanda’s Gillian Zhao.
Taiwan-born director Leste Chen scored a hit last year with romantic comedy Say Yes!, and also previously...
Directed by Leste Chen, the film was released last weekend in China and has so far grossed an estimated $25m. Fortissimo will handle worldwide sales on the film, excluding Hong Kong, Taiwan and South-East Asia, which will handled by Wanda’s own distribution team.
The mystery thriller, representing a new direction in genre filmmaking in China, tells the story of a renowned therapist, skilled in hypnotherapy who meets a deeply troubled patient he is unable to help. Xu Zheng (Lost In Thailand) and Karen Mok head the cast. The film was produced by Tina Shi and Wanda’s James Li and executive produced by Xu Zheng and Wanda’s Gillian Zhao.
Taiwan-born director Leste Chen scored a hit last year with romantic comedy Say Yes!, and also previously...
- 5/6/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Fortissimo Films has acquired worldwide rights outside mainland China to Berlin competition title Black Coal, Thin Ice, directed by Diao Yinan.
Starring Liao Fan (Let The Bullets Fly) and Taiwanese actress Gwei Lun-mei, the film revolves around a former detective who, while investigating a series of murders, falls in love with a mysterious woman with a link to all the victims.
An official China-Hong Kong co-production, the film is produced by China’s Omnijoi Media Corp; Boneyard Entertainment China, the local subsidiary of New York-based Boneyard Entertainment, and China Film Company.
Vivian Qu and Wan Juan produced with Shen Yang and Zhang Dajun as co-producers.
Diao previously directed Night Train (2007), which premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, and Uniform, about a man impersonating a police officer.
The deal was brokered by Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner and executive vice president, sales and acquisitions, Winnie Lau together with the film’s producer Wan Juan and co-producer Shen Yang...
Starring Liao Fan (Let The Bullets Fly) and Taiwanese actress Gwei Lun-mei, the film revolves around a former detective who, while investigating a series of murders, falls in love with a mysterious woman with a link to all the victims.
An official China-Hong Kong co-production, the film is produced by China’s Omnijoi Media Corp; Boneyard Entertainment China, the local subsidiary of New York-based Boneyard Entertainment, and China Film Company.
Vivian Qu and Wan Juan produced with Shen Yang and Zhang Dajun as co-producers.
Diao previously directed Night Train (2007), which premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, and Uniform, about a man impersonating a police officer.
The deal was brokered by Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner and executive vice president, sales and acquisitions, Winnie Lau together with the film’s producer Wan Juan and co-producer Shen Yang...
- 1/27/2014
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Ahead of its Toronto world premiere, Fortissimo Films has closed an all rights worldwide deal (excluding North America and South Africa) for iNumber Number by writer/director Donovan Marsh.
Xyz handles North America.
iNumber Number, which is local slang for ‘pulling a number,’ is a heist thriller with an ensemble cast led by S’dumo Mtshali, Presley Chweneyagae, Israel Makoe, Owen Sejake, Brandon Auret and Daniel Hadebe.
Indigenous Films will release in South Africa in the first quarter of 2014.
Producers are Harriet Gavshon, Jp Potgieter, Donovan Marsh, Mariki Van Der Walt and executive producers are Harriet Gavshon, Donovan Marsh, Nim Geva, Owen Kessel.
The film shot in Soweto, Johanesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam.
It premieres in Tiff’s Contemporary World Cinema section.
The deal was negotiated between Fortissimo’s Chairman Michael J. Werner and Winnie Lau, Executive Vice President, Sales and Acquisitions with Harriet Gavshon and Donovan Marsh of Quizzical Pictures.
Lau said: “From...
Xyz handles North America.
iNumber Number, which is local slang for ‘pulling a number,’ is a heist thriller with an ensemble cast led by S’dumo Mtshali, Presley Chweneyagae, Israel Makoe, Owen Sejake, Brandon Auret and Daniel Hadebe.
Indigenous Films will release in South Africa in the first quarter of 2014.
Producers are Harriet Gavshon, Jp Potgieter, Donovan Marsh, Mariki Van Der Walt and executive producers are Harriet Gavshon, Donovan Marsh, Nim Geva, Owen Kessel.
The film shot in Soweto, Johanesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam.
It premieres in Tiff’s Contemporary World Cinema section.
The deal was negotiated between Fortissimo’s Chairman Michael J. Werner and Winnie Lau, Executive Vice President, Sales and Acquisitions with Harriet Gavshon and Donovan Marsh of Quizzical Pictures.
Lau said: “From...
- 9/5/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Fortissimo Films has acquired worldwide rights for South African film iNumber Number, which premieres at Toronto.
Ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), Fortissimo Films has closed an all rights worldwide deal (excluding North America and South Africa) for the South African film iNumber Number,directed by Donovan Marsh.
The heist thriller stars S’dumo Mtshali and Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi), Israel Makoe (Tsotsi), Owen Sejake (Tsotsi), Brandon Auret (District 9) and Daniel Hadebe (District 9).
The film is scheduled for release in South Africa in Q1 of 2014 by Indigenous Films.
It is produced by Harriet Gavshon, Jp Potgieter, Donovan Marsh, Mariki Van Der Walt and executive produced by Harriet Gavshon, Donovan Marsh, Nim Geva, Owen Kessel.
Filmed in Soweto, Johanesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam, cinematography was handled by Tom Marais and production design by Chantel Carter.
The film will have its world premiere at the Contemporary World Cinema section at Tiff.
The deal was...
Ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff), Fortissimo Films has closed an all rights worldwide deal (excluding North America and South Africa) for the South African film iNumber Number,directed by Donovan Marsh.
The heist thriller stars S’dumo Mtshali and Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi), Israel Makoe (Tsotsi), Owen Sejake (Tsotsi), Brandon Auret (District 9) and Daniel Hadebe (District 9).
The film is scheduled for release in South Africa in Q1 of 2014 by Indigenous Films.
It is produced by Harriet Gavshon, Jp Potgieter, Donovan Marsh, Mariki Van Der Walt and executive produced by Harriet Gavshon, Donovan Marsh, Nim Geva, Owen Kessel.
Filmed in Soweto, Johanesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam, cinematography was handled by Tom Marais and production design by Chantel Carter.
The film will have its world premiere at the Contemporary World Cinema section at Tiff.
The deal was...
- 9/5/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Ahead of its world premiere in Venice and its upcoming screenings at Tiff, Well Go USA announced that it has acquired North American distribution rights to Rigor Mortis:
“Amsterdam/Hong Kong, Aug 30th, 2013. In a pre-emptive move prior to it’s World Premiere in Venice, Fortissimo Films has closed an all rights deal for North America with Well Go USA Entertainment, for the upcoming and highly anticipated Rigor Mortis; the debut feature from Hong Kong’s multi-talented celebrity, Juno Mak. A re-imagining of the popular 1970/80′s Chinese Vampire (Geung Si) genre, the filmwill have an early November rollout in Hong Kong followed by the rest of Asia.
Co-produced by Japanese horror icon Takeshi Shimizu (Ju-on, The Grudge), Rigor Mortis will receive its World Premier at the upcoming Venice Film Festival (Venice Days) followed by its presentation at Toronto’s Midnight Madness. Well Go is planning a multi-platform release in...
“Amsterdam/Hong Kong, Aug 30th, 2013. In a pre-emptive move prior to it’s World Premiere in Venice, Fortissimo Films has closed an all rights deal for North America with Well Go USA Entertainment, for the upcoming and highly anticipated Rigor Mortis; the debut feature from Hong Kong’s multi-talented celebrity, Juno Mak. A re-imagining of the popular 1970/80′s Chinese Vampire (Geung Si) genre, the filmwill have an early November rollout in Hong Kong followed by the rest of Asia.
Co-produced by Japanese horror icon Takeshi Shimizu (Ju-on, The Grudge), Rigor Mortis will receive its World Premier at the upcoming Venice Film Festival (Venice Days) followed by its presentation at Toronto’s Midnight Madness. Well Go is planning a multi-platform release in...
- 8/30/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Fortissimo handles sales on Juno Mak’s Venice world premiere.
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired all North American rights to Juno Mak’s Rigor Mortis from Fortissimo Films.
Hong Kong director Juno Mak makes his feature debut with the film, which has its world premiere at Venice in the Venice Days programme. It then goes on to screen in Toronto’s Midnight Madness section.
The thriller is an homage to 1970s/1980s Geung Si (Chinese vampire) films. The contemporary story is about a Hong Kong public housing tower where the living share space with ghosts, vampires and zombies. Chin Siu-ho stars as an actor who made his fame in vampire films but is now washed up; he meets other building occupants including a Taoist master-exorcist (Anthony Chan), a traumatized housewife (Kara Hui), and a seemingly benign elderly woman (Paw Hee-ching).
Rigor Mortis will be releaed in Hong Kong in early November and then roll out across...
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired all North American rights to Juno Mak’s Rigor Mortis from Fortissimo Films.
Hong Kong director Juno Mak makes his feature debut with the film, which has its world premiere at Venice in the Venice Days programme. It then goes on to screen in Toronto’s Midnight Madness section.
The thriller is an homage to 1970s/1980s Geung Si (Chinese vampire) films. The contemporary story is about a Hong Kong public housing tower where the living share space with ghosts, vampires and zombies. Chin Siu-ho stars as an actor who made his fame in vampire films but is now washed up; he meets other building occupants including a Taoist master-exorcist (Anthony Chan), a traumatized housewife (Kara Hui), and a seemingly benign elderly woman (Paw Hee-ching).
Rigor Mortis will be releaed in Hong Kong in early November and then roll out across...
- 8/30/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Fortissimo handles sales on Juno Mak’s Venice world premiere.
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired all North American rights to Juno Mak’s Rigor Mortis from Fortissimo Films.
Hong Kong director Juno Mak makes his feature debut with the film, which has its world premiere at Venice in the Venice Days programme. It then goes on to screen in Toronto’s Midnight Madness section.
The thriller is an homage to 1970s/1980s Geung Si (Chinese vampire) films. The contemporary story is about a Hong Kong public housing tower where the living share space with ghosts, vampires and zombies. Chin Siu-ho stars as an actor who made his fame in vampire films but is now washed up; he meets other building occupants including a Taoist master-exorcist (Anthony Chan), a traumatized housewife (Kara Hui), and a seemingly benign elderly woman (Paw Hee-ching).
Rigor Mortis will be releaed in Hong Kong in early November and then roll out across...
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired all North American rights to Juno Mak’s Rigor Mortis from Fortissimo Films.
Hong Kong director Juno Mak makes his feature debut with the film, which has its world premiere at Venice in the Venice Days programme. It then goes on to screen in Toronto’s Midnight Madness section.
The thriller is an homage to 1970s/1980s Geung Si (Chinese vampire) films. The contemporary story is about a Hong Kong public housing tower where the living share space with ghosts, vampires and zombies. Chin Siu-ho stars as an actor who made his fame in vampire films but is now washed up; he meets other building occupants including a Taoist master-exorcist (Anthony Chan), a traumatized housewife (Kara Hui), and a seemingly benign elderly woman (Paw Hee-ching).
Rigor Mortis will be releaed in Hong Kong in early November and then roll out across...
- 8/30/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
In a pre-emptive move prior to it’s World Premiere in Venice, Fortissimo Films has closed an all rights deal for North America with Well Go USA Entertainment, for the upcoming and highly anticipated Rigor Mortis; the debut feature from Hong Kong’s multi-talented celebrity, Juno Mak. A re-imagining of the popular 1970/80′s Chinese Vampire (Geung Si) genre, the filmwill have an early November rollout in Hong Kong followed by the rest of Asia. Co-produced by Japanese horror icon Takeshi Shimizu (Ju-on, The Grudge), Rigor Mortis will receive its World Premier at the upcoming Venice Film Festival (Venice Days) followed by its presentation at Toronto’s Midnight Madness. Well Go is planning a multi-platform release in early 2014. The deal was negotiated between Fortissimo’s Executive Vice President, Sales and Acquisitions, Winnie Lau, and Well Go’s President, Doris Pfardrescher. The two companies have worked together in the past with Well Go...
- 8/30/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Sales outfit picks up Eric Steel’s Tribeca and Edinburgh documentary Kiss the Water.
Fortissimo Films has picked up rights to Eric Steel’s Tribeca and Edinburgh documentary Kiss the Water.
The deal was done by Fortissimo’s executive vice president sales and acquisitions Winnie Lau with producer/director Steel.
Kiss the Water tells the story of a Scottish woman whose life, livelihood and love were wrapped up in the mysterious fishing flies she created from bits of exotic feather, fur and tinsel.
Steel previously directed 2006 doc The Bridge.
Fortissimo Films has picked up rights to Eric Steel’s Tribeca and Edinburgh documentary Kiss the Water.
The deal was done by Fortissimo’s executive vice president sales and acquisitions Winnie Lau with producer/director Steel.
Kiss the Water tells the story of a Scottish woman whose life, livelihood and love were wrapped up in the mysterious fishing flies she created from bits of exotic feather, fur and tinsel.
Steel previously directed 2006 doc The Bridge.
- 8/12/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Alex van Warmerdam's Borgman slipped in and out of Cannes 2013 under our radar, but Drafthouse Films honed in on the disturbing and apparently utterly unique flick, snapping it for North America and including it in the "Drafthouse Alliance." Read on for more details along with a new still.
From the Press Release:
Drafthouse Films, the film distribution arm of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, announced the acquisition of North American rights to the bizarro domestic thriller Borgman from this year's Cannes Film Festival. Directed by award-winning auteur Alex van Warmerdam (Grimm, Abel), Borgman is the first Dutch film in Cannes competition in almost 40 years. A Us theatrical and VOD/digital release is planned for 2014, and Films We Like in Toronto will handle Canadian distribution. Us fans who enroll in the "Drafthouse Alliance" subscription program can guarantee their pre-order of the film.
Like Yorgos Lanthimos' Dogtooth and Michael Haneke's Funny Games,...
From the Press Release:
Drafthouse Films, the film distribution arm of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, announced the acquisition of North American rights to the bizarro domestic thriller Borgman from this year's Cannes Film Festival. Directed by award-winning auteur Alex van Warmerdam (Grimm, Abel), Borgman is the first Dutch film in Cannes competition in almost 40 years. A Us theatrical and VOD/digital release is planned for 2014, and Films We Like in Toronto will handle Canadian distribution. Us fans who enroll in the "Drafthouse Alliance" subscription program can guarantee their pre-order of the film.
Like Yorgos Lanthimos' Dogtooth and Michael Haneke's Funny Games,...
- 6/1/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
HollywoodNews.com: The 38th Seattle International Film Festival, the largest and most highly-attended event of its kind in the United States concluded today with the announcement of the Siff 2012 Competition Awards and Golden Space Needle Audience Awards. The 25-day Festival, which began May 17, featured over 460 films from more than 70 countries, including 65 feature premieres (24 World, 25 North American, 16 U.S.) and over 700 screenings. Additionally, Siff brought in more than 300 directors, actors and industry professionals.
“A festival’s success is dependent on two basic principles: providing a platform for filmmakers to be celebrated and connecting them to audience members that would not otherwise be aware of their remarkable stories,” said Siff Artistic Director Carl Spence. “This year a record number of filmmakers participated in person and online with virtual Q&A’s successfully expanding the conversation around the best in cinema with passionate audiences, illuminating guests and distinguished industry in attendance.”
Siff Managing Director Deborah Person said,...
“A festival’s success is dependent on two basic principles: providing a platform for filmmakers to be celebrated and connecting them to audience members that would not otherwise be aware of their remarkable stories,” said Siff Artistic Director Carl Spence. “This year a record number of filmmakers participated in person and online with virtual Q&A’s successfully expanding the conversation around the best in cinema with passionate audiences, illuminating guests and distinguished industry in attendance.”
Siff Managing Director Deborah Person said,...
- 6/10/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Just yesterday we announced that Well Go USA had acquired the rights to Takashi Shimizu's latest features, Tormented and The Shock Labyrinth, and today we bring you some eye candy from each.
From the Press Release
Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller Tormented from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films. They have simultaneously also acquired all rights to the 2010 horror classic The Shock Labyrinth. Both films were directed by edgy auteur Takashi Shimizu, best known for the original 2002 Japanese hit The Grudge (Juon) and the 2003 sequel The Grudge 2 (Juon 2) as well as the Us remakes of both films. The original film and the English language remakes grossed over $270 million worldwide.
Tormented will premiere at the upcoming Venice Film Festival in Official Selection Midnight. It also has been selected for Official Competition at the Sitges Film Festival,...
From the Press Release
Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller Tormented from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films. They have simultaneously also acquired all rights to the 2010 horror classic The Shock Labyrinth. Both films were directed by edgy auteur Takashi Shimizu, best known for the original 2002 Japanese hit The Grudge (Juon) and the 2003 sequel The Grudge 2 (Juon 2) as well as the Us remakes of both films. The original film and the English language remakes grossed over $270 million worldwide.
Tormented will premiere at the upcoming Venice Film Festival in Official Selection Midnight. It also has been selected for Official Competition at the Sitges Film Festival,...
- 8/30/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Well Go USA have snapped up the Us rights to two Takashi Shimizu movies, tying up the DVD, Digital, VOD and TV releases. Shimizu, who had enormous success with the Grudge (Juon) flicks, has this time headed into the territory of 3D with Shock Labyrinth and Tormented, and it is these two movies that Well Go USA have picked up. Full press release regarding these two movies below. No release dates have been confirmed as yet, but we will be sure to let you know just as soon as we know.
Well Go Acquires North American Rights To Takashi Shimuzu’S Tormented And The Shock Labyrinth
Tormented Will Premiere In Venice Followed By A Competition Slot In Sitges
Plano, Texas. (August 29, 2011) — Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller Tormented from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films.
Well Go Acquires North American Rights To Takashi Shimuzu’S Tormented And The Shock Labyrinth
Tormented Will Premiere In Venice Followed By A Competition Slot In Sitges
Plano, Texas. (August 29, 2011) — Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller Tormented from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films.
- 8/30/2011
- by Jude
- The Liberal Dead
Well Go USA announced some more terror they have headed our way, and if you're a fan of the great Takashi Shimizu, you had better perk up and pay attention. Read on for all the gruesome details.
From the Press Release
Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller Tormented from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films. They have simultaneously also acquired all rights to the 2010 horror classic The Shock Labyrinth. Both films were directed by edgy auteur Takashi Shimizu, best known for the original 2002 Japanese hit The Grudge (Juon) and the 2003 sequel The Grudge 2 (Juon 2) as well as the Us remakes of both films. The original film and the English language remakes grossed over $270 million worldwide.
Tormented will premiere at the upcoming Venice Film Festival in Official Selection Midnight. It has just been...
From the Press Release
Well Go USA has preemptively acquired all North American distribution rights including theatrical, DVD, Digital, VOD and Television to the upcoming 3D horror thriller Tormented from Hong Kong/Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films. They have simultaneously also acquired all rights to the 2010 horror classic The Shock Labyrinth. Both films were directed by edgy auteur Takashi Shimizu, best known for the original 2002 Japanese hit The Grudge (Juon) and the 2003 sequel The Grudge 2 (Juon 2) as well as the Us remakes of both films. The original film and the English language remakes grossed over $270 million worldwide.
Tormented will premiere at the upcoming Venice Film Festival in Official Selection Midnight. It has just been...
- 8/29/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
New distributor Indomina Releasing has acquired all North American rights to Leon Ford’s debut feature Griff the Invisible.
“This is a funny and moving film that will appeal to a wide audience across North America,” said Winnie Lau, CEO of the film’s sales agent Fortissimo Films.
“Both the Fortissimo team and filmmakers are confident the film is in great hands with such innovative distributor as Indomina and audiences across America will all now have the chance to see a film
we are all proud to be involved with,” added Lau.
According to Indomina Group CEO Singh Mann, lead actor Ryan Kwanten’s fans “packed” the film’s screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Griff the Invisible was produced by Nicole O’Donohue, with executive producers Jan Chapman and Scott Meek. it is the story of Griff, a shy man who is a fearless superhero by night, whose...
“This is a funny and moving film that will appeal to a wide audience across North America,” said Winnie Lau, CEO of the film’s sales agent Fortissimo Films.
“Both the Fortissimo team and filmmakers are confident the film is in great hands with such innovative distributor as Indomina and audiences across America will all now have the chance to see a film
we are all proud to be involved with,” added Lau.
According to Indomina Group CEO Singh Mann, lead actor Ryan Kwanten’s fans “packed” the film’s screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Griff the Invisible was produced by Nicole O’Donohue, with executive producers Jan Chapman and Scott Meek. it is the story of Griff, a shy man who is a fearless superhero by night, whose...
- 9/29/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Craig's speech was cute. But it offers no remedies for the future. As much as I like Craig Emanuel -- and I do very much. He is one of the leading good guy attorneys in the film business, a true film lover, and a real mensch -- this reminder of his 6% of separation from President Kennedy leaves me uninspired. I would rather have read the points of discussion among Liesl Copland (Wme), Micah Green (CAA), Winnie Lau (Fortissimo), Tia Lessin (Documentary Director/producer), Mary Jane Skalski (Producer) and Jonathan Sehring (IFC Entertainment)...Sydney
Craig Emanuel at Sundance Summit: 'Now is the time to act boldly and wisely' - indieWIRE: "For too long, agents have demanded too much money for their clients; financiers have charged egregious interest rates on loans; distributors have charged ridiculous distribution fees and not committed enough money to print and advertising costs; lawyers have bogged down the...
Craig Emanuel at Sundance Summit: 'Now is the time to act boldly and wisely' - indieWIRE: "For too long, agents have demanded too much money for their clients; financiers have charged egregious interest rates on loans; distributors have charged ridiculous distribution fees and not committed enough money to print and advertising costs; lawyers have bogged down the...
- 7/29/2009
- by Sydney@SydneysBuzz.com (Sydney)
- Sydney's Buzz
New York -- Iran's foreign-language feature Oscar entry "The Song of Sparrows" is heading to U.S. theaters this spring from Regent Releasing.
Majid Majidi's drama focuses on an ostrich farmer whose firing leads him to Tehran. His new job as a motorcycle taxi driver and big city life threaten to change his honest nature.
Majidi, whose "Children of Heaven" received a 1997 Oscar nomination for best foreign language feature, produced, directed and co-wrote the film. It was nominated for a Golden Bear award this year after its Berlin fest premiere. Following recent Toronto titles "Tokyo Sonata" and "Serbis," "Sparrows" is Regent's latest pickup outside the mainly gay-themed fare it acquires for sister cable channel Here!
Regent's Mark Reinhart negotiated the deal with Fortissimo Films' Winnie Lau.
Majid Majidi's drama focuses on an ostrich farmer whose firing leads him to Tehran. His new job as a motorcycle taxi driver and big city life threaten to change his honest nature.
Majidi, whose "Children of Heaven" received a 1997 Oscar nomination for best foreign language feature, produced, directed and co-wrote the film. It was nominated for a Golden Bear award this year after its Berlin fest premiere. Following recent Toronto titles "Tokyo Sonata" and "Serbis," "Sparrows" is Regent's latest pickup outside the mainly gay-themed fare it acquires for sister cable channel Here!
Regent's Mark Reinhart negotiated the deal with Fortissimo Films' Winnie Lau.
- 10/13/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York - Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch will be introducing some U.S. moviegoers to a different kind of music: African pop.
Yauch's Oscilloscope Laboratories has nabbed domestic rights to the rockumentary "Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love," a portrait of the influential Senegalese musician.
Chai Vasarhelyi's film, set for an early Summer 2009 theatrical release in conjunction with Ndour's tour, covers two years in the life of the Muslim musician and controversy surrounding his songs about Islam. Oscilloscope's David Fenkel negotiated the deal with Celluloid Dreams' Bobby Allen and Hengameh Panahi.
Additionally, Regent Releasing hopes to sell audiences the the secret to happiness for just "$9.99." The distributor picked up North American rights to Tatia Rosenthal's stop-motion animated comedy. Geoffrey Rush and Anthony Lapaglia are among the voices who'll be heard when "$9.99," based on Etgar Keret's short stories, hits select U.S. theaters next spring. Regent's Mark Reinhart...
Yauch's Oscilloscope Laboratories has nabbed domestic rights to the rockumentary "Youssou Ndour: I Bring What I Love," a portrait of the influential Senegalese musician.
Chai Vasarhelyi's film, set for an early Summer 2009 theatrical release in conjunction with Ndour's tour, covers two years in the life of the Muslim musician and controversy surrounding his songs about Islam. Oscilloscope's David Fenkel negotiated the deal with Celluloid Dreams' Bobby Allen and Hengameh Panahi.
Additionally, Regent Releasing hopes to sell audiences the the secret to happiness for just "$9.99." The distributor picked up North American rights to Tatia Rosenthal's stop-motion animated comedy. Geoffrey Rush and Anthony Lapaglia are among the voices who'll be heard when "$9.99," based on Etgar Keret's short stories, hits select U.S. theaters next spring. Regent's Mark Reinhart...
- 9/26/2008
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CANNES -- Fortissiimo Films will open a new U.S. office in New York City over the summer and has promoted sales executive Winnie Lau to senior vp, sales and acquisitions. In her new role, Lau will relocate to New York to manage the new bureau. Fortissimo is keen to enhance its relationships with North American filmmakers while looking to expand its sales activities. "In her five years with us, Winnie has contributed significantly to the growth of our sales," said Fortissimo co-founder Wouter Barendrecht. "Winnie's camaraderie and business acumen shared with both the U.S. distributors and the filmmaking community are very strong and we will benefit by her closer proximity."...
- 5/25/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SYDNEY -- Australian breakout feature Look Both Ways, has been picked up for U.S. release by Kino International, distributor Fortissimo Films announced Wednesday. The Sarah Watt helmed feature was the recent winner of the Discovery prize at the Toronto Film Festival and was voted audience favorite at the Adelaide and Brisbane International Film (BIFF) Festivals as well as winning the BIFF FIPRESCI prize. "'Look Both Ways' is a film that is both imaginatively crafted and hugely appealing. We believe it has the potential to find a large audience in North America. It establishes Sarah Watt as a director with genuine talent and we look forward to working with her," Kino International's Donald Krim said announcing the deal which was brokered by Krim and Fortissimo Films' co-chairman Wouter Barendrecht and vice president of international sales Winnie Lau.
- 10/13/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Palm Pictures head and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell is expanding his flagship Island Outpost property -- also known as Goldeneye, James Bond creator Ian Fleming's former Jamaican home -- into the site of the newly launched Goldeneye Film Festival. Palm executive David Koh will serve as the fest's artistic director and co-founder, along with Blackwell. The GFF's selection and programming committee will further include Submarine Entertainment's Josh Braun, Arthouse Films' Jose Martinez Jr. and Winnie Lau. An estimated 150 films are slated to screen at the fest -- most via DVD format -- with additional screenings at Oracabessa Bay's Cove Cinemas and an outdoor venue. The fest's list of VIP-only attendees can screen the DVDs privately in their rooms. Organizers describe the GFF as a "film festival, a retreat, a conference and a music event." The GFF is slated to include sections dubbed Music Driven, Midnight Specials and Doc Mix, as well as retrospectives of Jamaican films, James Bond movies, Hong Kong cinema and a special screening of the seminal cult classic The Harder They Come. A full lineup for the festival, which runs Dec. 8-13, is in the works. "It's a perfect time to start the festival as we begin to develop the property, and I love the fact that all the movies are on DVD," Blackwell said. "I don't know if there is a festival like that that I have heard of. I want to do all I can to help promote filmmaking and the arts in Jamaica by providing an environment to enrich creativity."...
- 9/22/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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