French producer Dimitri Rassam is enjoying a high-profile Cannes Film Festival as producer of Competition title Limonov: The Ballad and The Count Of Monte Cristo, which scored a rousing 12-minute ovation at its Out of Competition debut.
“It’s my first film in Competition, it has been a tremendous ride,” says Rassam, who is a producer on Limonov under his Paris-based Chapter 2 banner, alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Gangarossa and Mario Gianani as well as director Kirill Serebrennikov’s long-time collaborator Ilya Stewart.
Rassam is no stranger to the Cannes red carpet having regularly accompanied his actress mother Carole Bouquet in his early 20s, before mounting the festival’s famed steps in his own right as the producer of The Little Prince and co-producer of L’Immensità.
Cinema is also in his blood on his paternal side through late producer father Jean-Pierre Rassam, and uncle Paul Rassam, the long-time friend and collaborator...
“It’s my first film in Competition, it has been a tremendous ride,” says Rassam, who is a producer on Limonov under his Paris-based Chapter 2 banner, alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Gangarossa and Mario Gianani as well as director Kirill Serebrennikov’s long-time collaborator Ilya Stewart.
Rassam is no stranger to the Cannes red carpet having regularly accompanied his actress mother Carole Bouquet in his early 20s, before mounting the festival’s famed steps in his own right as the producer of The Little Prince and co-producer of L’Immensità.
Cinema is also in his blood on his paternal side through late producer father Jean-Pierre Rassam, and uncle Paul Rassam, the long-time friend and collaborator...
- 5/24/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov returns to Cannes once again this year with Limonov: The Ballad starring Ben Whishaw, for which we can share a first-look image from above.
The film’s synopsis reads: A revolutionary militant, a thug, an underground writer, a butler to a millionaire in Manhattan. But also a switchblade-waving poet, a lover of beautiful women, a warmonger, a political agitator, and a novelist who wrote of his greatness. Eduard Limonov’s life story is a journey through Russia, America, and Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
The film was written by Pawel Pawlikowski, Ben Hopkins, and Serebrennikov, based on the novel ‘Limonov’ by Emmanuel Carrère, published in the US by Macmillan Publishers and in France by Pol.
Producers are Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Gangarossa for Wildside, a Fremantle Company, Dimitri Rassam for Chapter 2, a Mediawan Company, Ilya Stewart for Hype Studios and coproduced by...
The film’s synopsis reads: A revolutionary militant, a thug, an underground writer, a butler to a millionaire in Manhattan. But also a switchblade-waving poet, a lover of beautiful women, a warmonger, a political agitator, and a novelist who wrote of his greatness. Eduard Limonov’s life story is a journey through Russia, America, and Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
The film was written by Pawel Pawlikowski, Ben Hopkins, and Serebrennikov, based on the novel ‘Limonov’ by Emmanuel Carrère, published in the US by Macmillan Publishers and in France by Pol.
Producers are Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Gangarossa for Wildside, a Fremantle Company, Dimitri Rassam for Chapter 2, a Mediawan Company, Ilya Stewart for Hype Studios and coproduced by...
- 4/11/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Andrey Zvyagintsev, the two-time Oscar-nominated Russian filmmaker of “Loveless” and “Leviathan,” will next direct “Jupiter,” a politically-minded movie set to shoot in Spain and France next spring.
The movie will tell the story of a Russian oligarch’s reckoning with the harsh reality of his family’s future.
Anonymous Content and Lorem Ipsum Entertainment (“War on Everyone”) are producing “Jupiter” alongside Les Films du Losange (“A Silence”) in France and Elastica Films (“Anatomy of a Fall”) in Spain. Zvyagintsev will reteam with his regular crew, including cinemtographer Mikhail Krichman and production designer Andrey Ponkratov, who worked “Loveless” and “Leviathan.”
“Jupiter” is set in the seemingly impenetrable world of the ultra-wealthy and is being described by the producers as an “unrelenting exploration of power and corruption.”
Zvyagintsev said “Jupiter” will be a “very modern story” which “goes beyond today’s political context.” “The nature of absolute power is a universal theme,...
The movie will tell the story of a Russian oligarch’s reckoning with the harsh reality of his family’s future.
Anonymous Content and Lorem Ipsum Entertainment (“War on Everyone”) are producing “Jupiter” alongside Les Films du Losange (“A Silence”) in France and Elastica Films (“Anatomy of a Fall”) in Spain. Zvyagintsev will reteam with his regular crew, including cinemtographer Mikhail Krichman and production designer Andrey Ponkratov, who worked “Loveless” and “Leviathan.”
“Jupiter” is set in the seemingly impenetrable world of the ultra-wealthy and is being described by the producers as an “unrelenting exploration of power and corruption.”
Zvyagintsev said “Jupiter” will be a “very modern story” which “goes beyond today’s political context.” “The nature of absolute power is a universal theme,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Kirill Serebrennikov, the celebrated Russian playwright and director whose last three films competed at Cannes, is set to create and direct a sensual, gothic TV adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera,” Gaston Leroux’s 19th century novel.
Serebrennikov’s TV debut, the subversive six-part miniseries will be shot in English and is being produced by Aude Albano at Pathé, in association with Ilya Stewart at Hype Studios. The latter has collaborated with Serebrennikov on his critically acclaimed movies, including “Leto,” “Petrov’s Flu” and “Tchaikovsky’s Wife,” all of which have played at Cannes.
Described as a “riveting psychological thriller with horrific undertones” by the production team, the story of “The Phantom of the Opera” revolves around an up-and-coming artist, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius, a monster haunting the Paris Opera House. Known as the Phantom of the Opera, the maleficent figure is a controlling,...
Serebrennikov’s TV debut, the subversive six-part miniseries will be shot in English and is being produced by Aude Albano at Pathé, in association with Ilya Stewart at Hype Studios. The latter has collaborated with Serebrennikov on his critically acclaimed movies, including “Leto,” “Petrov’s Flu” and “Tchaikovsky’s Wife,” all of which have played at Cannes.
Described as a “riveting psychological thriller with horrific undertones” by the production team, the story of “The Phantom of the Opera” revolves around an up-and-coming artist, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius, a monster haunting the Paris Opera House. Known as the Phantom of the Opera, the maleficent figure is a controlling,...
- 9/6/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Kinology has come on board the highly anticipated next film of Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov, “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele,” based on Olivier Guez’s bestselling novel. Kinology is at Cannes to present the project to buyers.
Set to start shooting in a few weeks, the film is being produced by Charles Gillibert at CG Cinema (“Annette”) and Ilya Stewart at Hype Studios (“Tchaikovsky’s Wife”), Felix von Boem at Lupa Films, Arte France Cinéma, Mélanie Biessy with Scala Films, Forma Pro Films and Cimarron coproduce the film with Piano. Bac Films does French distribution and Dcm german distribution.
It stars August Diehl as Mengele, the notorious Nazi doctor who found refuge in South America at the end of WWII and was never captured. Mengele died in Brazil in 1979 without having been judged for his crimes. The movie will focus on Mengele’s fugitive years in South America, and will be...
Set to start shooting in a few weeks, the film is being produced by Charles Gillibert at CG Cinema (“Annette”) and Ilya Stewart at Hype Studios (“Tchaikovsky’s Wife”), Felix von Boem at Lupa Films, Arte France Cinéma, Mélanie Biessy with Scala Films, Forma Pro Films and Cimarron coproduce the film with Piano. Bac Films does French distribution and Dcm german distribution.
It stars August Diehl as Mengele, the notorious Nazi doctor who found refuge in South America at the end of WWII and was never captured. Mengele died in Brazil in 1979 without having been judged for his crimes. The movie will focus on Mengele’s fugitive years in South America, and will be...
- 5/18/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Aimee Lou Wood and Matt Dillon have signed on to play Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska’s ‘The Gambler Wife.’
Written by Szumowska and Kasper Bajon adapted from Andrew D. Kaufman’s book The Gambler Wife: A True Story of Love, Risk and the Woman Who Saved Dostoyevsky, is a dark comedy about one of literature’s most towering figures.
The project follows Fyodor, or Fyedya to his intimates, and his much younger, pregnant wife, Anna, as they travel to Switzerland for their honeymoon. Anna tolerates Fyedya’s gambling addiction as this will serve as inspiration for his burgeoning literary career. However, Fyedya’s compulsive roulette playing continues to cause problems for the couple until they are forced to return to a Russia that is not quite as they remember.
Also in news – First look image revealed for Sky original film ‘Arthur’s Whisky’
Szumowska describes the feature as...
Written by Szumowska and Kasper Bajon adapted from Andrew D. Kaufman’s book The Gambler Wife: A True Story of Love, Risk and the Woman Who Saved Dostoyevsky, is a dark comedy about one of literature’s most towering figures.
The project follows Fyodor, or Fyedya to his intimates, and his much younger, pregnant wife, Anna, as they travel to Switzerland for their honeymoon. Anna tolerates Fyedya’s gambling addiction as this will serve as inspiration for his burgeoning literary career. However, Fyedya’s compulsive roulette playing continues to cause problems for the couple until they are forced to return to a Russia that is not quite as they remember.
Also in news – First look image revealed for Sky original film ‘Arthur’s Whisky’
Szumowska describes the feature as...
- 5/18/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
BAFTA-winning “Sex Education” star Aimee Lou Wood and Oscar-nominee Matt Dillon (“Crash”) have been tapped to star as Anna and Fyodor Dostoyevsky in “The Gambler Wife,” a dark comedy about one of world literature’s most towering figures, by two-time Berlinale prize winner Małgorzata Szumowska.
“The Gambler Wife” follows the Russian novelist and his much younger, pregnant wife, Anna, as they travel to Switzerland for their honeymoon. Anna tolerates her husband’s gambling addiction, which will serve as inspiration for his burgeoning literary career. However, Fyodor’s compulsive roulette playing continues to cause problems for the couple until they are forced to return to a Russia that is not quite as they remember.
“This dark comedy explores the patriarchal, nationalistic Russian identity which keeps on waging war between the West and the East, which is as relevant today as it was two hundred years ago,” said Szumowska.
Pic is produced...
“The Gambler Wife” follows the Russian novelist and his much younger, pregnant wife, Anna, as they travel to Switzerland for their honeymoon. Anna tolerates her husband’s gambling addiction, which will serve as inspiration for his burgeoning literary career. However, Fyodor’s compulsive roulette playing continues to cause problems for the couple until they are forced to return to a Russia that is not quite as they remember.
“This dark comedy explores the patriarchal, nationalistic Russian identity which keeps on waging war between the West and the East, which is as relevant today as it was two hundred years ago,” said Szumowska.
Pic is produced...
- 5/18/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Charades handles international sales.
Universal Pictures Content Group has snapped up most of the world from Charades to Zachary Wigon’s dark comedy Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The company picked up the world excluding the US, Canada, Italy, Cis, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Australia and New Zealand.
Neon will distribute theatrically in the US on May 19 and struck a US deal after the world premiere at TIFF last year.
Sanctuary is a Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios and stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught...
Universal Pictures Content Group has snapped up most of the world from Charades to Zachary Wigon’s dark comedy Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The company picked up the world excluding the US, Canada, Italy, Cis, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Australia and New Zealand.
Neon will distribute theatrically in the US on May 19 and struck a US deal after the world premiere at TIFF last year.
Sanctuary is a Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios and stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon will be giving the darkly comedic thriller Sanctuary a limited theatrical release on May 19th, with a wider expansion to follow on June 2nd. And since those dates aren’t very far away at this point, they have unveiled a trailer for the film, which you can check out in the embed above.
Directed by Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg, co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming, Sanctuary has the following synopsis: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal attempts to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca. A battle of wills ensues over the course of one incredibly fraught night, with both Rebecca and Hal struggling...
Directed by Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg, co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming, Sanctuary has the following synopsis: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal attempts to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca. A battle of wills ensues over the course of one incredibly fraught night, with both Rebecca and Hal struggling...
- 4/12/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
‘Sanctuary’ Trailer: Margaret Qualley Holds Christopher Abbott Hostage in Neon’s Dominatrix Thriller
Margaret Qualley sets out to spank, seduce, and scourge Christopher Abbott in the sexy blackmail drama “Sanctuary.”
Qualley stars as dominatrix Rebecca, whose elite client Hal (Abbott) wants to end their psychosexual relationship after inheriting his late father’s empire. However, Rebecca has other things in mind to punish him. The film takes place over one night in a hotel room.
“Sanctuary” is directed by Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”) from a script by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg. The film debuted at 2022 TIFF and will be released by Neon this spring.
IndieWire critic David Ehrlich praised the film for being “such a salaciously enjoyable slice of snack-sized fun” with an unpredictable plot that toys with what it really means to roleplay.
“‘Sanctuary’ unfolds like a kinky cross between ‘Punch-Drunk Love’ and an off-Broadway play,” Ehrlich wrote. “[It’s] a story about identity and control, but it’s also a movie about the...
Qualley stars as dominatrix Rebecca, whose elite client Hal (Abbott) wants to end their psychosexual relationship after inheriting his late father’s empire. However, Rebecca has other things in mind to punish him. The film takes place over one night in a hotel room.
“Sanctuary” is directed by Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”) from a script by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg. The film debuted at 2022 TIFF and will be released by Neon this spring.
IndieWire critic David Ehrlich praised the film for being “such a salaciously enjoyable slice of snack-sized fun” with an unpredictable plot that toys with what it really means to roleplay.
“‘Sanctuary’ unfolds like a kinky cross between ‘Punch-Drunk Love’ and an off-Broadway play,” Ehrlich wrote. “[It’s] a story about identity and control, but it’s also a movie about the...
- 4/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The official trailer has been released for Zachary Wigon’s dark thriller “Sanctuary,” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. The film follows a dominatrix named Rebecca (Qualley) and her rich client Hal (Abbott) as disaster unfolds over the course of a single night in a hotel room.
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022 and will open in theaters in the U.S. on May 25.
In “Sancutary,” Abbott plays the son of luxe hotel chain owner who is the successor of the hotel and the rest of his father’s billion-dollar enterprise. Rebecca sees the opportunity to cash in on Hal’s soon-to-be fortune.
As Amy Nicholson wrote in Variety‘s review of the film, “What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class.”
“But who is he under the bluster?” Nicholson continued. “The dweeb...
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022 and will open in theaters in the U.S. on May 25.
In “Sancutary,” Abbott plays the son of luxe hotel chain owner who is the successor of the hotel and the rest of his father’s billion-dollar enterprise. Rebecca sees the opportunity to cash in on Hal’s soon-to-be fortune.
As Amy Nicholson wrote in Variety‘s review of the film, “What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class.”
“But who is he under the bluster?” Nicholson continued. “The dweeb...
- 4/12/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Margaret Qualley stars as a dominatrix that torments Christopher Abbot’s CEO in the first trailer to “Sanctuary” from Neon.
“This is not a good idea to keep doing this,” Abbot says in the trailer. “Your new job? You wouldn’t be able to do it without what I taught you,” Qualley’s dominatrix answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMahhnZMog
Also Read:
Neon Acquires Anne Hathaway Sundance Thriller ‘Eileen’
The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film festival and will open in select theaters on Friday, May 19, expanding wide on Friday, June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth...
“This is not a good idea to keep doing this,” Abbot says in the trailer. “Your new job? You wouldn’t be able to do it without what I taught you,” Qualley’s dominatrix answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMahhnZMog
Also Read:
Neon Acquires Anne Hathaway Sundance Thriller ‘Eileen’
The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film festival and will open in select theaters on Friday, May 19, expanding wide on Friday, June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth...
- 4/12/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
First-time writer-director Malika Musaeva is set to make history at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, where her female-centered coming-of-age drama “The Cage is Looking for a Bird” is the first Chechen-language film ever selected by the venerable German fest.
Musaeva’s debut, which world premieres Feb. 22 in the festival’s competitive Encounters section, focuses on a group of Chechen women living in a remote rural village, where they must defend their freedom and the right to live their own lives.
At the film’s heart is a friendship between two teenage girls, played by first-time actors Khadizha Bataeva and Madina Akkieva. On the precipice of adulthood, the duo seeks refuge in each other as they navigate difficult decisions about their futures.
“The Cage is Looking for a Bird” is produced by Hype Studios, the recently launched outfit of producer Ilya Stewart, whose upcoming slate includes new features from...
Musaeva’s debut, which world premieres Feb. 22 in the festival’s competitive Encounters section, focuses on a group of Chechen women living in a remote rural village, where they must defend their freedom and the right to live their own lives.
At the film’s heart is a friendship between two teenage girls, played by first-time actors Khadizha Bataeva and Madina Akkieva. On the precipice of adulthood, the duo seeks refuge in each other as they navigate difficult decisions about their futures.
“The Cage is Looking for a Bird” is produced by Hype Studios, the recently launched outfit of producer Ilya Stewart, whose upcoming slate includes new features from...
- 2/21/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
The exiled Russian producer is in Berlin with Encounters title ’The Cage Is Looking For A Bird’.
Berlin-based Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov’s The Disappearance, set to star August Diehl as Josef Mengele, will shoot in South America this summer, confirmed Ilya Stewart, the film’s exiled Russia producer of Hype Studios, at the European Film Market this weekend.
The director will move straight onto it after the completion of his latest feature, Limonov. A sales agent is likely to be announced in time for Cannes. Diehl will play the Nazi war criminal during the years he hid out in Brazil.
Berlin-based Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov’s The Disappearance, set to star August Diehl as Josef Mengele, will shoot in South America this summer, confirmed Ilya Stewart, the film’s exiled Russia producer of Hype Studios, at the European Film Market this weekend.
The director will move straight onto it after the completion of his latest feature, Limonov. A sales agent is likely to be announced in time for Cannes. Diehl will play the Nazi war criminal during the years he hid out in Brazil.
- 2/20/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Paris-based international sales and production company Totem Films have boarded debutant Malika Musaeva’s “The Cage is Looking for a Bird,” which will receive its world premiere in the Encounters strand of the upcoming Berlin Film Festival.
The film focuses on a group of Chechen women living in a remote rural village and their struggles to defend their right for freedom and the choice to live their own lives. At the centre is a friendship between two teenage girls, on the verge of adulthood, who seek refuge in each other as they navigate decisions around their future.
Musaeva was born in Grozny, Chechnya, in 1992. During the Second Chechen War in 1999 her family fled and lived in Ingushetia and Ukraine, before settling in Germany. In 2003 her family returned to Russia and lived in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria. In 2010, she enrolled in the Kabardino-Balkarian State University and studied under the acclaimed film director Aleksandr Sokurov.
The film focuses on a group of Chechen women living in a remote rural village and their struggles to defend their right for freedom and the choice to live their own lives. At the centre is a friendship between two teenage girls, on the verge of adulthood, who seek refuge in each other as they navigate decisions around their future.
Musaeva was born in Grozny, Chechnya, in 1992. During the Second Chechen War in 1999 her family fled and lived in Ingushetia and Ukraine, before settling in Germany. In 2003 her family returned to Russia and lived in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria. In 2010, she enrolled in the Kabardino-Balkarian State University and studied under the acclaimed film director Aleksandr Sokurov.
- 1/30/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie
The critic elite in Cannes might not have been big (we were) on his Tchaikovsky’s Wife, but Kirill Serebrennikov is in beast mode despite having to had to pack up bags mid shoot due to the complications of the war. Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie is in the can and has the great Ben Whishaw toplining. Viktoria Miroshnichenko from Beanpole fame his playing his wife Elena. Co-written by Pawel Pawlikowski (who was originally set to make this his film), production was split into two last year. Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie producers include Ilya Stewart, Wildside’s Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Gangarossa, Chapter 2’s Dimitri Rassam.…...
The critic elite in Cannes might not have been big (we were) on his Tchaikovsky’s Wife, but Kirill Serebrennikov is in beast mode despite having to had to pack up bags mid shoot due to the complications of the war. Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie is in the can and has the great Ben Whishaw toplining. Viktoria Miroshnichenko from Beanpole fame his playing his wife Elena. Co-written by Pawel Pawlikowski (who was originally set to make this his film), production was split into two last year. Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie producers include Ilya Stewart, Wildside’s Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Gangarossa, Chapter 2’s Dimitri Rassam.…...
- 1/18/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
The Owner
A film title that we’ve been tracking, anticipating and have been in wrong for several years now and what we do know is that The Owner is now in the can after what could have been a prolonged edit and some film fests aversion to programming possibly subversive Russian cinema. Yuriy Bykov moved into production around October of ’20 and his films have traveled well in prestige film fests: 2013’s The Major was in Cannes’ Critic’s Week, 2014’s The Fool preemed in Locarno, 2018’s The Factory preemed at TIFF. Ilya Stewart and Pavel Buria produced this project.
Gist: The Menshovs help a man named Rodin to escape from a road accident.…...
A film title that we’ve been tracking, anticipating and have been in wrong for several years now and what we do know is that The Owner is now in the can after what could have been a prolonged edit and some film fests aversion to programming possibly subversive Russian cinema. Yuriy Bykov moved into production around October of ’20 and his films have traveled well in prestige film fests: 2013’s The Major was in Cannes’ Critic’s Week, 2014’s The Fool preemed in Locarno, 2018’s The Factory preemed at TIFF. Ilya Stewart and Pavel Buria produced this project.
Gist: The Menshovs help a man named Rodin to escape from a road accident.…...
- 1/11/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
A long-gestating project that was perhaps put on hold while Kirill Serebrennikov was fighting to not have to rot in a Russian jail, production on The Disappearance will commence right after next year’s Cannes. Variety reports that August Diehl will take on the role of the real-life filth Josef Mengele aka the Angel of Death. CG Cinema’s Charles Gillibert and long-time producer Ilya Stewart from Hype Studios are backing the project.
Tchaikovsky’s Wife (read review) premiered in Cannes this summer and its currently playing on the film fest circuit while the just completed Limonov is expected to drop at next year’s Cannes Film Festival — so Serebrennikov will be part of the world cinema conversation this entire half decade.…...
Tchaikovsky’s Wife (read review) premiered in Cannes this summer and its currently playing on the film fest circuit while the just completed Limonov is expected to drop at next year’s Cannes Film Festival — so Serebrennikov will be part of the world cinema conversation this entire half decade.…...
- 10/18/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
August Diehl (“A Hidden Life”) is set to star in Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov‘s film adaptation of the best-selling French novel “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele” which will start shooting in early June.
Produced by Charles Gillibert at CG Cinema (“Annette”) and Ilya Stewart at Hype Studios (“Tchaikovsky’s Wife”), the film will star Diehl as Mengele, the notorious Nazi doctor who found refuge in South America at the end of WWII and was never captured. He died in Brazil in 1979 without having been judged for his crimes. The novel, penned by Olivier Guez, won the prestigious Renaudot Prize in 2017 in France and was published in more than 30 countries.
The long-gestating project will mark Serebrennikov‘s follow up to his upcoming movie “Limonov,” as well as “Tchaikovsky’s Wife” and “Leto,” both of which competed at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 and 2018.
A popular German actor, Diehl previously worked...
Produced by Charles Gillibert at CG Cinema (“Annette”) and Ilya Stewart at Hype Studios (“Tchaikovsky’s Wife”), the film will star Diehl as Mengele, the notorious Nazi doctor who found refuge in South America at the end of WWII and was never captured. He died in Brazil in 1979 without having been judged for his crimes. The novel, penned by Olivier Guez, won the prestigious Renaudot Prize in 2017 in France and was published in more than 30 countries.
The long-gestating project will mark Serebrennikov‘s follow up to his upcoming movie “Limonov,” as well as “Tchaikovsky’s Wife” and “Leto,” both of which competed at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 and 2018.
A popular German actor, Diehl previously worked...
- 10/18/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The challenge and opportunity of transatlantic production was the subject of a session at the Zurich Summit this morning, with the panel comprising Bert Hamelinck, head of films and global MD at Belgian-u.S. film and TV group Caviar, CAA Media Finance’s Benjamin Kramer, Elysian Film Group CEO Danny Perkins and Hype Studios founder Ilya Stewart.
Russian producer Stewart is riding high with latest production Sanctuary, which this week sold to Neon label Super for the US. The genre film, starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, is an example of a US-European collaboration.
“Sanctuary started out with Rumble Films in the U.S. We came aboard with French sales firm Charades, putting together pre-sales and equity. It was a relatively low-budget and a great festival premiere was essential.”
The movie world-premiered at Toronto, where it earned strong reviews (it currently holds a 93 “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes).
Stewart acknowledged...
Russian producer Stewart is riding high with latest production Sanctuary, which this week sold to Neon label Super for the US. The genre film, starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, is an example of a US-European collaboration.
“Sanctuary started out with Rumble Films in the U.S. We came aboard with French sales firm Charades, putting together pre-sales and equity. It was a relatively low-budget and a great festival premiere was essential.”
The movie world-premiered at Toronto, where it earned strong reviews (it currently holds a 93 “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes).
Stewart acknowledged...
- 9/24/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Charades handles international sales.
Neon’s boutique label Super has acquired US rights to Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. following the world premiere in TIFF.
The Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught up in a battle of wills with w wealthy client over the course of one night.
Rumble’s David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox produced with Ilya Stewart of Hype Studios and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films. Sanctuary screenwriter Micah Bloomberg served as executive producer with Carole Baraton,...
Neon’s boutique label Super has acquired US rights to Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. following the world premiere in TIFF.
The Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught up in a battle of wills with w wealthy client over the course of one night.
Rumble’s David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox produced with Ilya Stewart of Hype Studios and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films. Sanctuary screenwriter Micah Bloomberg served as executive producer with Carole Baraton,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon is getting in bed with “Sanctuary.”
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has officially whipped up the distribution rights to dominatrix drama “Sanctuary” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts to terminate his relationship with Rebecca, as he is poised to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
Super beat out three other distribution banners for “Sanctuary” after its critically acclaimed premiere at 2022 TIFF.
“Sanctuary” is a Rumble Films Production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios. The film...
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has officially whipped up the distribution rights to dominatrix drama “Sanctuary” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts to terminate his relationship with Rebecca, as he is poised to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
Super beat out three other distribution banners for “Sanctuary” after its critically acclaimed premiere at 2022 TIFF.
“Sanctuary” is a Rumble Films Production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios. The film...
- 9/23/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has acquired the U.S. rights to “Sanctuary,” a thriller about a dominatrix starring Margaret Qualley that made its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Zachary Wigon directs the film that also stars Christopher Abbott; it is Super’s second acquisition out of TIFF after it also picked up Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer,” which first premiered at Venice.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game? Micah Bloomberg wrote the script.
Also Read:
Venice Prizewinner ‘Saint Omer’ Acquired...
Zachary Wigon directs the film that also stars Christopher Abbott; it is Super’s second acquisition out of TIFF after it also picked up Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer,” which first premiered at Venice.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game? Micah Bloomberg wrote the script.
Also Read:
Venice Prizewinner ‘Saint Omer’ Acquired...
- 9/23/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has bought U.S. rights to “Sanctuary,” Zachary Wigon’s much-buzzed-about thriller starring Margaret Qualley as a dominatrix who becomes entangled with a wealthy client, played by Christopher Abbott.
The movie world premiered at Toronto, where it earned strong reviews (it currently holds a 93 “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes). The acquisition of “Sanctuary” underscores Neon’s ambition to scale up its Super label with higher-profile titles. The company beat out three other distribution banners that bid for the movie, according to a source close to the production.
The film unfolds over the course of one night in a luxury hotel suite. “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her client, Hal, who is about to inherit his late father’s position and fortune. When Hal’s attempt to cut ties backfires, the two find themselves in a struggle for control as each seeks to gain the upper hand.
The movie world premiered at Toronto, where it earned strong reviews (it currently holds a 93 “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes). The acquisition of “Sanctuary” underscores Neon’s ambition to scale up its Super label with higher-profile titles. The company beat out three other distribution banners that bid for the movie, according to a source close to the production.
The film unfolds over the course of one night in a luxury hotel suite. “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her client, Hal, who is about to inherit his late father’s position and fortune. When Hal’s attempt to cut ties backfires, the two find themselves in a struggle for control as each seeks to gain the upper hand.
- 9/23/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Former Lionsgate film chief Patrick Wachsberger, Carol producer Christine Vachon, Neon CEO Tom Quinn and SPC bosses Michael Barker and Tom Bernard will be among industry executives taking part in the Zurich Summit on Saturday in Switzerland.
The Zurich Film Festival’s flagship industry event, an all-day confab about the state of the independent film business, will gather around 100 top film professionals. Scroll down for the lineup and schedule in full.
For a full rundown of the day’s schedule click here.
As the Zurich Summit’s official media partner, Deadline will be on the ground covering and moderating panels, as well as providing exclusive interviews with key executives via the Deadline Studio. We’ll also have video from key panels.
The conference kicks off with the discussion “How to Finance Independent Films in the Age of Streamers” and a panel comprising UTA agent Alex Brunner, Memento International/Paradise City CEO Emilie Georges,...
The Zurich Film Festival’s flagship industry event, an all-day confab about the state of the independent film business, will gather around 100 top film professionals. Scroll down for the lineup and schedule in full.
For a full rundown of the day’s schedule click here.
As the Zurich Summit’s official media partner, Deadline will be on the ground covering and moderating panels, as well as providing exclusive interviews with key executives via the Deadline Studio. We’ll also have video from key panels.
The conference kicks off with the discussion “How to Finance Independent Films in the Age of Streamers” and a panel comprising UTA agent Alex Brunner, Memento International/Paradise City CEO Emilie Georges,...
- 9/23/2022
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott are the leads of the Zachary Wigon film Sanctuary set to premiere on September 11 at the Toronto Film Festival. Ahead of the film’s release, Deadline has an exclusive first look where the main characters are seen engaging in a “battle of wills.” Watch the clip below!
Sanctuary revolves around a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engaging in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game?
Toronto Film Festival 2022 Photo Gallery: Taylor Swift And Viola Davis; ‘Woman King’, ‘Butcher’s Crossing’, More
The film was directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Wigon (The Heart Machine) and written by Micah Bloomberg.
Sanctuary revolves around a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engaging in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game?
Toronto Film Festival 2022 Photo Gallery: Taylor Swift And Viola Davis; ‘Woman King’, ‘Butcher’s Crossing’, More
The film was directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Wigon (The Heart Machine) and written by Micah Bloomberg.
- 9/10/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Ilya Stewart has launched an independent studio based in Europe that will operate on a global scale, working with international talent and focusing on English-language feature films and television series, Variety can exclusively reveal.
Hype Studios is the new venture from Stewart, the formerly Moscow-based producer who in recent years has been a fixture at the Cannes Film Festival, where his collaborations with Russian auteur Kirill Serebrennikov, including “Petrov’s Flu” and “Tchaikovsky’s Wife,” have premiered in competition.
Among the co-productions with American and European partners currently on Hype Studios’ slate is Zach Wigon’s “Sanctuary,” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, which premieres as a Special Presentation next month at the Toronto International Film Festival and was produced with Rumble Films and Mosaic Films, along with Charades. Also on the slate is Pietro Marcello’s French-language “Scarlet,” produced in partnership with CG Cinéma’s Charles Gillibert, which opened this...
Hype Studios is the new venture from Stewart, the formerly Moscow-based producer who in recent years has been a fixture at the Cannes Film Festival, where his collaborations with Russian auteur Kirill Serebrennikov, including “Petrov’s Flu” and “Tchaikovsky’s Wife,” have premiered in competition.
Among the co-productions with American and European partners currently on Hype Studios’ slate is Zach Wigon’s “Sanctuary,” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, which premieres as a Special Presentation next month at the Toronto International Film Festival and was produced with Rumble Films and Mosaic Films, along with Charades. Also on the slate is Pietro Marcello’s French-language “Scarlet,” produced in partnership with CG Cinéma’s Charles Gillibert, which opened this...
- 8/25/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Next festival stop is NYFF.
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights from Orange Studio to Scarlet, which opened this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
Pietro Marcello’s French-language drama is based loosely on Alexander Grin’s novel Scarlet Sails and centres on a girl growing up with her widower father in Normandy between the two world wars at a time of dramatic innovation.
Raphaël Thiery and Juliette Jouan star alongside Louis Garrel, Noémie Lvovsky, and Yolande Moreau.
Marcello, who directed Venice and TIFF prize-winning narrative Martin Eden, co-wrote the screenplay with regular collaborator Maurizio Braucci and Maud Ameline,...
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights from Orange Studio to Scarlet, which opened this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
Pietro Marcello’s French-language drama is based loosely on Alexander Grin’s novel Scarlet Sails and centres on a girl growing up with her widower father in Normandy between the two world wars at a time of dramatic innovation.
Raphaël Thiery and Juliette Jouan star alongside Louis Garrel, Noémie Lvovsky, and Yolande Moreau.
Marcello, who directed Venice and TIFF prize-winning narrative Martin Eden, co-wrote the screenplay with regular collaborator Maurizio Braucci and Maud Ameline,...
- 8/10/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Kino Lorber has acquired North American distribution rights to Pietro Marcello’s sprawling post-wwi film “Scarlet,” which opened Cannes’ Directors Fortnight.
Represented in international markets by Orange Studio, “Scarlet” will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival, before a theatrical release in 2023.
A loose adaptation of Alexander Grin’s novel, “Scarlet” marks Kino’s second collaboration with Marcello. It follows “Martin Eden,” which competed at Venice, won best actor for Luca Marinelli and went on to play at Toronto.
Marcello, who rose to prominence as a documentarian with his film “The Mouth of the Wolf,” penned the script for “Scarlet” with his regular screenwriting partner Maurizio Braucci (“Martin Eden”) and Maud Ameline, with the participation of novelist Geneviève Brisac.
“Scarlet” was produced by Charles Gillibert and Ilya Stewart. The film stars Raphaël Thiery and Juliette Jouan as father and daughter, alongside Louis Garrel, Noémie Lvovsky and Yolande Moreau.
Represented in international markets by Orange Studio, “Scarlet” will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival, before a theatrical release in 2023.
A loose adaptation of Alexander Grin’s novel, “Scarlet” marks Kino’s second collaboration with Marcello. It follows “Martin Eden,” which competed at Venice, won best actor for Luca Marinelli and went on to play at Toronto.
Marcello, who rose to prominence as a documentarian with his film “The Mouth of the Wolf,” penned the script for “Scarlet” with his regular screenwriting partner Maurizio Braucci (“Martin Eden”) and Maud Ameline, with the participation of novelist Geneviève Brisac.
“Scarlet” was produced by Charles Gillibert and Ilya Stewart. The film stars Raphaël Thiery and Juliette Jouan as father and daughter, alongside Louis Garrel, Noémie Lvovsky and Yolande Moreau.
- 8/10/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Once upon a time in a sugar daddy’s bed, Margaret Qualley whipped a wealthy man into shape.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” breakout Qualley stars as a dominatrix sex worker in the TIFF 2022-selected thriller “Sanctuary.” Filming recently wrapped in New York City with first look images available on the heels of the TIFF premiere announcement for this fall.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Christopher Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts at terminating his relationship with Rebecca as he is about to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
“Sanctuary” is...
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” breakout Qualley stars as a dominatrix sex worker in the TIFF 2022-selected thriller “Sanctuary.” Filming recently wrapped in New York City with first look images available on the heels of the TIFF premiere announcement for this fall.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Christopher Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts at terminating his relationship with Rebecca as he is about to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
“Sanctuary” is...
- 7/28/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: As Roman Abramovich-backed Tchaikovsky’s Wife unspools this week at the Cannes Film Festival, the French Ministry of Economy and Finance has clarified its position regarding movies backed by sanctioned oligarchs.
While the ministry said it couldn’t discuss specific cases or investigations, a spokesperson for the department told us: “It’s possible that the royalties brought in by a film can be frozen if the company that produced it is located in France or in a country of the European Union.”
The ministry added: “According to the law, the assets of Russian people under European sanctions are not taken but frozen. It means they still own their assets but can’t dispose freely of them. They can be seized only if they try to break the law.”
Cannes Competition entry Tchaikovsky’s Wife, the drama made by Russian dissident Kirill Serebrennikov before the invasion of Ukraine, is a European co-production whose financiers include Abramovich, as well as French and Swiss entities. The film is produced by arthouse champion Ilya Stewart (Petrov’s Flu), a Russian-Australian producer who now lives in France.
We understand any royalties frozen by the French government on this project — and you have to wonder whether they would consider this worth their while given the large sums and assets they have concentrated on so far — would only relate to the investment made by Abramovich’s Kinoprime fund. Others would likely recoup first.
French sales firm Charades told us the company had not been contacted by the ministry but that it would comply with any governmental orders regarding the Russian funding. The firm had no further comment.
In yesterday’s press conference for Tchaikovsky’s Wife, director Serebrennikov called for sanctions to be lifted against Abramovich whom he described as a patron of the arts.
In recent years, Abramovich has invested in multiple European arthouse films via his 100M Kinoprime fund.
France last month seized the oligarch’s opulent mansion on the French Riviera as part of European sanctions against the billionaire who originally made his money in the oil sector. The Cap d’Antibes home was one of a dozen French properties seized from him by France in recent weeks in a bid to crack down on Vladimir Putin and his enablers following the invasion.
The UK has also drawn up sanctions against Abramovich (and other Russian billionaires), which have forced him into a sale of his beloved Chelsea football club. The U.S. has also frozen Abramovich’s bank accounts.
Abramovich has been involved in Ukrainian peace talks and was allegedly poisoned earlier this year amid negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Tchaikovsky’s Wife follows the tumultuous relationship between Pyotr Tchaikovsky, one of the most famous Russian composers of all time, and his wife Antonina Miliukova.
The Cannes Film Festival has imposed a ban on official Russian delegates this year as well as journalists from pro-Putin publications. It decided to include Tchaikovsky’s Wife in its lineup because the film was shot at a time when widespread EU sanctions didn’t exist against Abramovich.
While the ministry said it couldn’t discuss specific cases or investigations, a spokesperson for the department told us: “It’s possible that the royalties brought in by a film can be frozen if the company that produced it is located in France or in a country of the European Union.”
The ministry added: “According to the law, the assets of Russian people under European sanctions are not taken but frozen. It means they still own their assets but can’t dispose freely of them. They can be seized only if they try to break the law.”
Cannes Competition entry Tchaikovsky’s Wife, the drama made by Russian dissident Kirill Serebrennikov before the invasion of Ukraine, is a European co-production whose financiers include Abramovich, as well as French and Swiss entities. The film is produced by arthouse champion Ilya Stewart (Petrov’s Flu), a Russian-Australian producer who now lives in France.
We understand any royalties frozen by the French government on this project — and you have to wonder whether they would consider this worth their while given the large sums and assets they have concentrated on so far — would only relate to the investment made by Abramovich’s Kinoprime fund. Others would likely recoup first.
French sales firm Charades told us the company had not been contacted by the ministry but that it would comply with any governmental orders regarding the Russian funding. The firm had no further comment.
In yesterday’s press conference for Tchaikovsky’s Wife, director Serebrennikov called for sanctions to be lifted against Abramovich whom he described as a patron of the arts.
In recent years, Abramovich has invested in multiple European arthouse films via his 100M Kinoprime fund.
France last month seized the oligarch’s opulent mansion on the French Riviera as part of European sanctions against the billionaire who originally made his money in the oil sector. The Cap d’Antibes home was one of a dozen French properties seized from him by France in recent weeks in a bid to crack down on Vladimir Putin and his enablers following the invasion.
The UK has also drawn up sanctions against Abramovich (and other Russian billionaires), which have forced him into a sale of his beloved Chelsea football club. The U.S. has also frozen Abramovich’s bank accounts.
Abramovich has been involved in Ukrainian peace talks and was allegedly poisoned earlier this year amid negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Tchaikovsky’s Wife follows the tumultuous relationship between Pyotr Tchaikovsky, one of the most famous Russian composers of all time, and his wife Antonina Miliukova.
The Cannes Film Festival has imposed a ban on official Russian delegates this year as well as journalists from pro-Putin publications. It decided to include Tchaikovsky’s Wife in its lineup because the film was shot at a time when widespread EU sanctions didn’t exist against Abramovich.
- 5/20/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Tchaikovsky’s Wife filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov, a Russian dissident, was grilled, by the global press at Cannes over the pic being bankrolled by oligarch financing in particular Roman Abramovich, as well as the notion of the world’s boycott against all things Russia.
Abramovich recently said he was donating monies from the sale of England’s Chelsea Fc to a foundation that would benefit the war victims of Ukraine. Did the financier have similar plans to donate any future monies earned from Tchaikovsky’s Wife?
Serebrennikov fielded the question by saying Abramovich is one of the good guys.
“He helps modern art, and he has for a long time now. He’s a real patron of Russia and that’s been deeply appreciated. Thanks to him, we have arthouse cinema,” said the filmmaker.
The oligarch’s Kinoprime foundation is all for the greater glory of art per Serebrennikov: “These aren’t propaganda films,...
Abramovich recently said he was donating monies from the sale of England’s Chelsea Fc to a foundation that would benefit the war victims of Ukraine. Did the financier have similar plans to donate any future monies earned from Tchaikovsky’s Wife?
Serebrennikov fielded the question by saying Abramovich is one of the good guys.
“He helps modern art, and he has for a long time now. He’s a real patron of Russia and that’s been deeply appreciated. Thanks to him, we have arthouse cinema,” said the filmmaker.
The oligarch’s Kinoprime foundation is all for the greater glory of art per Serebrennikov: “These aren’t propaganda films,...
- 5/19/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Since co-founding Moscow-based production house Hype Film in 2011, Ilya Stewart and partner Murad Osmann – Variety Producers to Watch in 2018 – have grown the company from an award-winning commercial and music video producer into one of the most successful film production outfits in the country, thanks in no small part to their partnership with arthouse director and provocateur Kirill Serebrennikov.
After collaborating on his 2016 Un Certain Regard prize winner “The Student,” Serebrennikov and Stewart teamed up again on “Leto,” a rock drama which played in competition on the Croisette in 2018. Last year they competed again with “Petrov’s Flu,” a hallucinatory romp through a post-Soviet Russia in the grips of a mysterious flu pandemic.
Serebrennikov, however, was forced to sit out both premieres in the wake of his house arrest – and a subsequent travel ban – stemming from a 2017 charge of embezzlement that his supporters say was fabricated. Walking the red carpet ahead of the “Petrov’s Flu” debut,...
After collaborating on his 2016 Un Certain Regard prize winner “The Student,” Serebrennikov and Stewart teamed up again on “Leto,” a rock drama which played in competition on the Croisette in 2018. Last year they competed again with “Petrov’s Flu,” a hallucinatory romp through a post-Soviet Russia in the grips of a mysterious flu pandemic.
Serebrennikov, however, was forced to sit out both premieres in the wake of his house arrest – and a subsequent travel ban – stemming from a 2017 charge of embezzlement that his supporters say was fabricated. Walking the red carpet ahead of the “Petrov’s Flu” debut,...
- 5/18/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
As the war in Ukraine approaches a grim, three-month mile marker, and the Russian military continues its relentless onslaught, the harsh crackdown on domestic opposition by the Putin regime has left a beleaguered film industry pondering its next steps. Many Russian filmmakers fear they’ll have no choice but to toe the party line, or to flee a country that is increasingly being shut out of the international community.
Two-time Oscar nominee Alexander Rodnyansky, the Kyiv-born producer who has called Russia home for nearly three decades, left Moscow on March 1 after being tipped off that his opposition to the war had landed him in the government’s crosshairs. “I cut off my business ties with Russia,” the producer tells Variety. “I left behind everything.”
While a full-fledged exodus is not yet underway, many filmmakers are rethinking their futures. “I can’t see how I can be part of a [Russian film] community...
Two-time Oscar nominee Alexander Rodnyansky, the Kyiv-born producer who has called Russia home for nearly three decades, left Moscow on March 1 after being tipped off that his opposition to the war had landed him in the government’s crosshairs. “I cut off my business ties with Russia,” the producer tells Variety. “I left behind everything.”
While a full-fledged exodus is not yet underway, many filmmakers are rethinking their futures. “I can’t see how I can be part of a [Russian film] community...
- 5/17/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Iconoclastic Russian auteur Kirill Serebrennikov will be unveiling footage in Cannes from his new work-in-progress film “Limonov, the Ballad of Eddie,” starring Ben Whishaw as radical Russian poet and dissident Eduard Limonov and Viktoria Miroshnichenko (“Beanpole”) as his wife Elena.
Serebrennikov, who will coming to Cannes with his latest completed work “Tchaikovsky’s Wife,” premiering in competition, was shooting “Limonov” in Russia when the war broke out. The director has since been able to leave the country and will complete the rest of the shoot in Europe.
A “Limonov” promo reel will be unspooled for buyers in Cannes on May 17.
Based on the best-selling book by Emmanuelle Carrere, “Limonov” depicts the adventures of non-conformist poet and provocateur Eduard Limonov, who grew up in what today is the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He escaped from what was then the Soviet Union for the U.S., where he became a switchblade-waving punk poet,...
Serebrennikov, who will coming to Cannes with his latest completed work “Tchaikovsky’s Wife,” premiering in competition, was shooting “Limonov” in Russia when the war broke out. The director has since been able to leave the country and will complete the rest of the shoot in Europe.
A “Limonov” promo reel will be unspooled for buyers in Cannes on May 17.
Based on the best-selling book by Emmanuelle Carrere, “Limonov” depicts the adventures of non-conformist poet and provocateur Eduard Limonov, who grew up in what today is the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He escaped from what was then the Soviet Union for the U.S., where he became a switchblade-waving punk poet,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Versatile British actor Ben Whishaw, best known globally for playing Q in five James Bond films, has been cast in what’s bound to be the one of the most complex roles of his career.
The actor will play the titular character in “Limonov, The Ballad of Eddie,” a new English-language film by revered Russian auteur Kirill Serebrennikov, about radical Russian poet and political dissident Eduard Limonov.
The film, which will be presented as a promo reel to buyers in Cannes on May 17, is inspired by the best-selling novel “Limonov” by French writer and director Emmanuelle Carrère, which was translated in 35 countries. See interview with Serebrennikov.
“Limonov” delves into the story of Eduard Limonov, who lived many lives. He was an underground writer in the Soviet Union who escaped to the U.S. where he became a punk-poet and also a butler to a millionaire in Manhattan. “Eddie” then became...
The actor will play the titular character in “Limonov, The Ballad of Eddie,” a new English-language film by revered Russian auteur Kirill Serebrennikov, about radical Russian poet and political dissident Eduard Limonov.
The film, which will be presented as a promo reel to buyers in Cannes on May 17, is inspired by the best-selling novel “Limonov” by French writer and director Emmanuelle Carrère, which was translated in 35 countries. See interview with Serebrennikov.
“Limonov” delves into the story of Eduard Limonov, who lived many lives. He was an underground writer in the Soviet Union who escaped to the U.S. where he became a punk-poet and also a butler to a millionaire in Manhattan. “Eddie” then became...
- 5/11/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Pietro Marcello’s French-language period drama “Scarlet” is set to open the 54th edition of Cannes’ Directors Fortnight on May 18.
Weaving musical and fantasy elements, the film is set in Northern Normandy, between the two world wars, a time of great inventions, and follows the journey of a young woman who was raised by her father, a widowed war veteran, and strives to find her own path in life.
Marcello, a critically acclaimed Italian filmmaker whose credits include the Venice prize-winning “Martin Eden,” penned the script with his regular screenwriting partner Maurizio Braucci (“Gomorra”), as well as Maud Ameline (“Amanda”), with the participation of the novelist Geneviève Brisac.
“Scarlet” is produced by Charles Gillibert at CG Cinema with Avventurosa and Rai Cinema in Italy, in collaboration with Ilya Stewart (Hype Film) and Antonio Miyakawa (Wise Pictures). Orange Studio is handling international sales while Le Pacte will distribute it in France.
Weaving musical and fantasy elements, the film is set in Northern Normandy, between the two world wars, a time of great inventions, and follows the journey of a young woman who was raised by her father, a widowed war veteran, and strives to find her own path in life.
Marcello, a critically acclaimed Italian filmmaker whose credits include the Venice prize-winning “Martin Eden,” penned the script with his regular screenwriting partner Maurizio Braucci (“Gomorra”), as well as Maud Ameline (“Amanda”), with the participation of the novelist Geneviève Brisac.
“Scarlet” is produced by Charles Gillibert at CG Cinema with Avventurosa and Rai Cinema in Italy, in collaboration with Ilya Stewart (Hype Film) and Antonio Miyakawa (Wise Pictures). Orange Studio is handling international sales while Le Pacte will distribute it in France.
- 4/15/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The Russian theatre and film director was first spotted in Paris.
Russian film and theatre director Kirill Serebrennikov has left Russia following the lifting of a travel ban and suspended prison sentence linked to a contested embezzlement case.
News of his departure from Russia emerged on social networks on Tuesday evening (March 29) after Joël Chapron, who oversees Central and Eastern Europe for promotional body Unifrance, posted a picture on his Facebook account of Serebrennikov in Paris, with its historic Place de la Bastille in the background.
The move was confirmed by Ilya Stewart, Serebrennikov’s long-time film producer, of Moscow-based film company Hype.
Russian film and theatre director Kirill Serebrennikov has left Russia following the lifting of a travel ban and suspended prison sentence linked to a contested embezzlement case.
News of his departure from Russia emerged on social networks on Tuesday evening (March 29) after Joël Chapron, who oversees Central and Eastern Europe for promotional body Unifrance, posted a picture on his Facebook account of Serebrennikov in Paris, with its historic Place de la Bastille in the background.
The move was confirmed by Ilya Stewart, Serebrennikov’s long-time film producer, of Moscow-based film company Hype.
- 3/30/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Charades has unveiled a sexy first pic of Margaret Qualley playing a dominatrix in Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”)’s buzzy film “Sanctuary.” The “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” actor stars in the film opposite Christopher Abbott.
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her wealthy client, Hal. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues. “Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg.
The movie is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Wilcox...
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her wealthy client, Hal. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues. “Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg.
The movie is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Wilcox...
- 2/13/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
In the early days of what we used to call “coronavirus” in March 2020, before we all became budding epidemiologists, people flocked to Steven Soderbergh’s eerily prophetic 2011 drama “Contagion” on streaming services. Within a month or so, the movie was propelled from the 270th slot to the second most watched film in the Warner Bros. library, according to numbers from iTunes.
Two years down the line, Covid-19, which shut down the world and altered our way of life, hasn’t yet made its way into many series and movies, apart from a handful of fleeting acknowledgements. (Berlin competition contender “Both Sides of the Blade” from Claire Denis and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Oscar-nominated “Drive My Car” are examples.) For comparison, the Spanish Flu, which killed more than 50 million people worldwide over roughly two years following World War I, is still nearly invisible in popular culture to this day.
“There have been...
Two years down the line, Covid-19, which shut down the world and altered our way of life, hasn’t yet made its way into many series and movies, apart from a handful of fleeting acknowledgements. (Berlin competition contender “Both Sides of the Blade” from Claire Denis and Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Oscar-nominated “Drive My Car” are examples.) For comparison, the Spanish Flu, which killed more than 50 million people worldwide over roughly two years following World War I, is still nearly invisible in popular culture to this day.
“There have been...
- 2/12/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Two-time Berlinale prize winner Małgorzata Szumowska will write and direct “The Gambler Wife,” a revelatory portrait of novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s wife Anna Snitkina, to be produced by Russia’s Hype Film, Variety can reveal.
Adapted from Andrew D. Kaufman’s book “The Gambler Wife: A True Story of Love, Risk, and the Woman Who Saved Dostoyevsky,” the film tells the story of the courageous woman who saved the life of the Russian literary icon and, as the first Russian woman to found her own publishing house, became a pioneer in the country’s literary history.
Ilya Stewart of Hype Film will produce in collaboration with Polish production company Nowhere. Nick Shumaker of Anonymous Content will executive produce along with Hype Film’s Elizaveta Chalenko.
“As a young, troublemaking Polish girl, I became obsessed with the world of Dostoyevsky, his books, and his imprint on society,” said Szumowska, who’s...
Adapted from Andrew D. Kaufman’s book “The Gambler Wife: A True Story of Love, Risk, and the Woman Who Saved Dostoyevsky,” the film tells the story of the courageous woman who saved the life of the Russian literary icon and, as the first Russian woman to found her own publishing house, became a pioneer in the country’s literary history.
Ilya Stewart of Hype Film will produce in collaboration with Polish production company Nowhere. Nick Shumaker of Anonymous Content will executive produce along with Hype Film’s Elizaveta Chalenko.
“As a young, troublemaking Polish girl, I became obsessed with the world of Dostoyevsky, his books, and his imprint on society,” said Szumowska, who’s...
- 2/10/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott will star in the Zachary Wigon-directed thriller “Sanctuary,” which just finished shooting in New York, Variety reports.
Set in a hotel room over the course of a single night, “Sanctuary” centers on a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client Hal (Abbott), who is on the cusp of inheriting his father’s fortune and position. When he tries to cut ties with Qualley’s character, “disaster ensues.”
Read More: ‘Black Bear’: Sarah Gadon & Christopher Abbott Talk Working With Aubrey Plaza, Balancing Tension, Filmmaking & More [Interview]
“Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films, while Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films are co-producing along with Charades, which is handling international sales rights.
Continue reading Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott to Star in Zachary Wigon Dominatrix Thriller ‘Sanctuary’ at The Playlist.
Set in a hotel room over the course of a single night, “Sanctuary” centers on a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client Hal (Abbott), who is on the cusp of inheriting his father’s fortune and position. When he tries to cut ties with Qualley’s character, “disaster ensues.”
Read More: ‘Black Bear’: Sarah Gadon & Christopher Abbott Talk Working With Aubrey Plaza, Balancing Tension, Filmmaking & More [Interview]
“Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films, while Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films are co-producing along with Charades, which is handling international sales rights.
Continue reading Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott to Star in Zachary Wigon Dominatrix Thriller ‘Sanctuary’ at The Playlist.
- 9/4/2021
- by Chris Eggertsen
- The Playlist
Margaret Qualley will star as a dominatrix opposite Christopher Abbott in the thriller “Sanctuary,” directed by Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”). Shooting just wrapped in New York.
Written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg, the film is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of a dominatrix and Hal, her wealthy client. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues.
The feature film marks Wigon’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed first feature,...
Written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg, the film is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of a dominatrix and Hal, her wealthy client. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues.
The feature film marks Wigon’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed first feature,...
- 9/4/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Pietro Marcello, the critically acclaimed Italian filmmaker of the Venice prize-winning “Martin Eden,” has just started shooting “Scarlet” (“L’envol”), a French-language drama set in Northern Normandy. Orange Studio has acquired international sales rights to the film which will be distributed in France by Le Pacte.
Charles Gillibert, whose Paris-based outfit CG Cinema previously delivered award-winning films such as Deniz Erguven’s “Mustang” and Leos Carax’s “Annette,” is producing “Scarlet” with Avventurosa and Rai Cinema in Italy, in collaboration with Ilya Stewart (Hype Film) and Antonio Miyakawa (Wise Pictures).
Marcello penned the script with his regular screenwriting partner Maurizio Braucci (“Gomorra”), as well as Maud Ameline (“Amanda”), with the participation of the novelist Geneviève Brisac.
The film is set between the two world wars, a time of great inventions, and follows the journey of a young woman who was raised by her father, a widowed war veteran, and strives...
Charles Gillibert, whose Paris-based outfit CG Cinema previously delivered award-winning films such as Deniz Erguven’s “Mustang” and Leos Carax’s “Annette,” is producing “Scarlet” with Avventurosa and Rai Cinema in Italy, in collaboration with Ilya Stewart (Hype Film) and Antonio Miyakawa (Wise Pictures).
Marcello penned the script with his regular screenwriting partner Maurizio Braucci (“Gomorra”), as well as Maud Ameline (“Amanda”), with the participation of the novelist Geneviève Brisac.
The film is set between the two world wars, a time of great inventions, and follows the journey of a young woman who was raised by her father, a widowed war veteran, and strives...
- 8/19/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
This is despite a strong showing in the festival selection.
The Russian film industry has a much more muted presence at the Cannes Film Festival this year, due to travel restrictions, a low vaccine take-up rate at home, rising Covid cases and the European Union’s failure to yet recognise the Sputnik vaccine for those who are vaccinated.
The official delegation is comprised of around 50 people, compared to the 300-strong contingent that usually attends.
Those on the Croisette include filmmakers with titles in the festival for whom quarantine rules have been relaxed, promotional agency Roskino and a handful of producers and journalists,...
The Russian film industry has a much more muted presence at the Cannes Film Festival this year, due to travel restrictions, a low vaccine take-up rate at home, rising Covid cases and the European Union’s failure to yet recognise the Sputnik vaccine for those who are vaccinated.
The official delegation is comprised of around 50 people, compared to the 300-strong contingent that usually attends.
Those on the Croisette include filmmakers with titles in the festival for whom quarantine rules have been relaxed, promotional agency Roskino and a handful of producers and journalists,...
- 7/10/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
He may be barred from leaving Russia and thus unable to travel to Cannes, but arthouse cinema favorite Kirill Serebrennikov is refusing to let that dampen his spirit ahead of the premiere of his latest movie, Petrov’s Flu, in the French fest’s Competition.
The filmmaker has been battling fraud charges in his home country for a number of years – charges which have been condemned by human rights organizations – but when Deadline catches up with him via video link to Moscow, he is relaxed, telling us he is happy that his new picture is getting out into the world after a long delay (it was due to screen at Cannes 2020), and to already be hard at work on his next feature.
Petrov’s Flu is a surreal journey through one man’s battle with the titular illness, and the irony of the film depicting such themes (the main character has a...
The filmmaker has been battling fraud charges in his home country for a number of years – charges which have been condemned by human rights organizations – but when Deadline catches up with him via video link to Moscow, he is relaxed, telling us he is happy that his new picture is getting out into the world after a long delay (it was due to screen at Cannes 2020), and to already be hard at work on his next feature.
Petrov’s Flu is a surreal journey through one man’s battle with the titular illness, and the irony of the film depicting such themes (the main character has a...
- 7/9/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Moscow-based Ilya Stewart is one of the international film industry’s rising stars. After founding production co Hype in 2011 with Murad Osmann, the pair have rapidly grown the outfit into one of the hottest names in Russia across commercials, music videos, and feature films. Unsurprisingly, TV is also now in the company’s sights.
Hype has amassed an impressive number of credits over its first decade of operation, but Stewart is largely recognized for his work with Kirill Serebrennikov. Their first film together, 2016’s The Student, won the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes, and they returned two years later with Leto, which was selected to screen in Competition.
Their latest collaboration is Petrov’s Flu, the surreal and engaging story tracking a day in the life of a comic book artist suffering from the flu, which causes him to drift between fantasy and reality. The film, which is adapted...
Hype has amassed an impressive number of credits over its first decade of operation, but Stewart is largely recognized for his work with Kirill Serebrennikov. Their first film together, 2016’s The Student, won the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes, and they returned two years later with Leto, which was selected to screen in Competition.
Their latest collaboration is Petrov’s Flu, the surreal and engaging story tracking a day in the life of a comic book artist suffering from the flu, which causes him to drift between fantasy and reality. The film, which is adapted...
- 7/8/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Hype Film, the production company behind Kirill Serebrennikov’s Cannes competition title “Petrov’s Flu,” has signed a first-look deal with Ivi, the largest Russian VOD platform.
As part of the two-year deal, Hype Film will develop 10 and produce at least two Russian-language scripted shows exclusively for Ivi, which boasts more than 59 million unique visitors per month.
Vadim Sokolovsky, head of Ivi Originals, said: “Hype Film is a recognizable brand name in the Russian and international film industry. For the last 10 years the company has been producing such critically acclaimed projects as Vadim Perelman’s ‘Persian Lessons’ and Kirill Serebrennikov’s ‘Leto,’ to name a few. Ivi Originals’ strategy is to give emerging and established artists an opportunity to realize their most ambitious projects with Ivi. We are happy that Hype Film shares this vision with us.”
“Content is king right now. We hope that with Hype Film’s projects we...
As part of the two-year deal, Hype Film will develop 10 and produce at least two Russian-language scripted shows exclusively for Ivi, which boasts more than 59 million unique visitors per month.
Vadim Sokolovsky, head of Ivi Originals, said: “Hype Film is a recognizable brand name in the Russian and international film industry. For the last 10 years the company has been producing such critically acclaimed projects as Vadim Perelman’s ‘Persian Lessons’ and Kirill Serebrennikov’s ‘Leto,’ to name a few. Ivi Originals’ strategy is to give emerging and established artists an opportunity to realize their most ambitious projects with Ivi. We are happy that Hype Film shares this vision with us.”
“Content is king right now. We hope that with Hype Film’s projects we...
- 7/1/2021
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
The coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc on cinema chains across the globe, with protracted lockdowns, limited seating capacity, and delayed releases of Hollywood blockbusters sending the likes of Alamo Drafthouse into—and out of—bankruptcy and pushing giants like Cineworld and AMC to the brink.
Yet for Russia’s Karo Cinemas, the past year has hardly slowed pre-pandemic growth; at the rapidly expanding cinema chain, which is among the country’s largest, it’s currently full speed ahead. “We still have quite an aggressive expansion program,” says CEO Olga Zinkayova, who recently presided over the opening of Karo’s 33rd multiplex. “Our [plan] for the next few years is to almost double the amount of locations we have right now.”
The past year has underscored the strength and resilience of the box office in Russia, where despite a nearly 60% drop in total B.O., to $341 million, during a pandemic-impacted 2020, industry observers are...
Yet for Russia’s Karo Cinemas, the past year has hardly slowed pre-pandemic growth; at the rapidly expanding cinema chain, which is among the country’s largest, it’s currently full speed ahead. “We still have quite an aggressive expansion program,” says CEO Olga Zinkayova, who recently presided over the opening of Karo’s 33rd multiplex. “Our [plan] for the next few years is to almost double the amount of locations we have right now.”
The past year has underscored the strength and resilience of the box office in Russia, where despite a nearly 60% drop in total B.O., to $341 million, during a pandemic-impacted 2020, industry observers are...
- 6/8/2021
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Matrix and Joker co-producer Village Roadshow Pictures is teaming with Matt Reeves’ 6th & Idaho (The Batman) and XYZ Films (Mandy) for the English-language remake of recently-released Russian sci-fi-thriller Sputnik.
Set in the Soviet Union in the 1980s during the Cold War, the film follows a young female doctor who is recruited by the military to assess a cosmonaut who survived a mysterious space accident and returned to Earth with a dangerous organism living inside him. The English-language remake is currently in development.
Producers for the remake include Matt Reeves, Adam Kassan and Rafi Crohn for 6th & Idaho, Mikhail Vrubel and Alexander Andryushenko for Vodorod Pictures, Fedor Bondarchuk for Art Pictures and Ilya Stewart for Hype Film.
Egor Abramenko, Murad Osmann, Pavel Burya, Alina Tyazhlova and Mila Rozanova are executive producers. XYZ Films also serves as executive producers. Jillian Apfelbaum (Late Night) will oversee for Village Roadshow Pictures.
The...
Set in the Soviet Union in the 1980s during the Cold War, the film follows a young female doctor who is recruited by the military to assess a cosmonaut who survived a mysterious space accident and returned to Earth with a dangerous organism living inside him. The English-language remake is currently in development.
Producers for the remake include Matt Reeves, Adam Kassan and Rafi Crohn for 6th & Idaho, Mikhail Vrubel and Alexander Andryushenko for Vodorod Pictures, Fedor Bondarchuk for Art Pictures and Ilya Stewart for Hype Film.
Egor Abramenko, Murad Osmann, Pavel Burya, Alina Tyazhlova and Mila Rozanova are executive producers. XYZ Films also serves as executive producers. Jillian Apfelbaum (Late Night) will oversee for Village Roadshow Pictures.
The...
- 3/29/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
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