Anita Gou is no stranger to the festival circuit. Her L.A.-based Kindred Spirit banner saw a raft of its first projects debut at Sundance but, more recently, her co-production Silent Twins was selected in Un Certain Regard in 2022, while Dominic Savage’s Close To You premiered in Toronto last year. The company’s Mubi-acquired doc The Last Year of Darkness, which explores the lives of alternative Chinese youth, was awarded a Special Mention prize in the Next:Wave section at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival last year.
This year, the producer, who has roots in Taiwan, was back in Cannes with Locust, the debut feature from Taiwanese-American filmmaker Keff, which played in Cannes Critics’ Week. The project is set during the 2019 Hong Kong protests and follows Zhong-Han,...
This year, the producer, who has roots in Taiwan, was back in Cannes with Locust, the debut feature from Taiwanese-American filmmaker Keff, which played in Cannes Critics’ Week. The project is set during the 2019 Hong Kong protests and follows Zhong-Han,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Bowen Yang (SNL) have been tapped to star in a reimagining of Ang Lee’s classic romance The Wedding Banquet from filmmaker Andrew Ahn (Fire Island), Deadline can confirm.
The original film’s co-writer and producer James Schamus will join Joe Pirro in producing for Symbolic Exchange, alongside Anita Gou and Caroline Clark for Kindred Spirit. Jordan Hart will co-produce, with Andrew Karpen, Shivani Rawat, Kent Sanderson, Julie Goldstein, Sam Intili and Daniel Bekerman exec producing. Kelly Marie Tran, Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen will also star in the remake scripted by Ahn and Schamus.
Bleecker Street and ShivHans Pictures have co-acquired North American rights and have slated the film for release in theaters next year. Production kicks off in Vancouver next month.
Marking Lee’s sophomore feature, The Wedding Banquet follows Wai-Tung, a gay Taiwanese-American, who agrees to marry Wei-Wei, an...
The original film’s co-writer and producer James Schamus will join Joe Pirro in producing for Symbolic Exchange, alongside Anita Gou and Caroline Clark for Kindred Spirit. Jordan Hart will co-produce, with Andrew Karpen, Shivani Rawat, Kent Sanderson, Julie Goldstein, Sam Intili and Daniel Bekerman exec producing. Kelly Marie Tran, Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen will also star in the remake scripted by Ahn and Schamus.
Bleecker Street and ShivHans Pictures have co-acquired North American rights and have slated the film for release in theaters next year. Production kicks off in Vancouver next month.
Marking Lee’s sophomore feature, The Wedding Banquet follows Wai-Tung, a gay Taiwanese-American, who agrees to marry Wei-Wei, an...
- 4/25/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang will star in Bleecker Street and Shivhans Pictures’ remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy “The Wedding Banquet” from director Andrew Ahn.
Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar-winner Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen are also attached to star.
The reimagination of Lee’s Oscar-nominated film is based on a screenplay by Ahn and James Schamus. Schamus also co-wrote the original film with Lee and Neil Peng.
The film, which begins filming in May in Vancouver, follows what happens when Min’s boyfriend Chris rejects his marriage proposal. Min convinces his best friend Angela to marry him instead, paying for her partner Liz’s IVF treatments in exchange for his green card. However, things begin to unravel when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul to throw the couple a Korean wedding banquet.
“It warms my heart to see how my film from so many years...
Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar-winner Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen are also attached to star.
The reimagination of Lee’s Oscar-nominated film is based on a screenplay by Ahn and James Schamus. Schamus also co-wrote the original film with Lee and Neil Peng.
The film, which begins filming in May in Vancouver, follows what happens when Min’s boyfriend Chris rejects his marriage proposal. Min convinces his best friend Angela to marry him instead, paying for her partner Liz’s IVF treatments in exchange for his green card. However, things begin to unravel when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul to throw the couple a Korean wedding banquet.
“It warms my heart to see how my film from so many years...
- 4/25/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
“Close to You,” the Elliot Page-starring drama directed by BAFTA winner Dominic Savage, will be introduced to international buyers at the European Film Market by former Charades exec Jean-Félix Dealberto.
The film, which was written by Savage and Page, and also stars Hillary Baack (“Sound of Metal”), had its world premiere in Toronto, where Greenwich Entertainment acquired U.S. distribution rights.
“Close to You” follows Sam (Page), who moved to Toronto from his small town on Lake Ontario, Canada, and finally decides to return home to visit his family for his dad’s birthday. On his journey, he has a chance encounter with a friend from high school (Baack) that sparks old feelings. It is on this trip where Sam can finally confront long-buried feelings, a first love that was never properly resolved, his relationship with his family and a newfound love and confidence in himself.
The film was...
The film, which was written by Savage and Page, and also stars Hillary Baack (“Sound of Metal”), had its world premiere in Toronto, where Greenwich Entertainment acquired U.S. distribution rights.
“Close to You” follows Sam (Page), who moved to Toronto from his small town on Lake Ontario, Canada, and finally decides to return home to visit his family for his dad’s birthday. On his journey, he has a chance encounter with a friend from high school (Baack) that sparks old feelings. It is on this trip where Sam can finally confront long-buried feelings, a first love that was never properly resolved, his relationship with his family and a newfound love and confidence in himself.
The film was...
- 2/15/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Film Festival 2024, beloved by independent film enthusiasts, opens the film festival circuit with a bustling calendar of parties, thought-provoking panels, and red-carpet premieres.
Celebrating its 40th milestone, the lineup boasts diversity across various categories, featuring 53 short films, 35 documentary features, and 83 feature films. The award-winning films for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival were announced today at The Ray Theatre in Park City during a ceremony.
The jury and audience-awarded prizes include Grand Jury Prizes awarded to In The Summers (U.S. Dramatic Competition), Porcelain War (U.S. Documentary Competition), Sujo (World Cinema Dramatic Competition), and A New Kind of Wilderness (World Cinema Documentary Competition). The Next Innovator Award presented by Adobe was awarded to Little Death.
Related: Sundance Film Festival Awards: ‘In The Summers’, ‘Didi’, ‘Daughters’ Top Winners List
Audiences came together in person over the weekend in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance Resort with talent that included June Squibb,...
Celebrating its 40th milestone, the lineup boasts diversity across various categories, featuring 53 short films, 35 documentary features, and 83 feature films. The award-winning films for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival were announced today at The Ray Theatre in Park City during a ceremony.
The jury and audience-awarded prizes include Grand Jury Prizes awarded to In The Summers (U.S. Dramatic Competition), Porcelain War (U.S. Documentary Competition), Sujo (World Cinema Dramatic Competition), and A New Kind of Wilderness (World Cinema Documentary Competition). The Next Innovator Award presented by Adobe was awarded to Little Death.
Related: Sundance Film Festival Awards: ‘In The Summers’, ‘Didi’, ‘Daughters’ Top Winners List
Audiences came together in person over the weekend in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance Resort with talent that included June Squibb,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival has announced its winners, with In the Summers taking the Grand Jury prize for U.S. Dramatic Competition and Porcelain War landing the award for U.S. Documentary Competition.
Sujo won the jury prize for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition section, and A New Kind of Wilderness won for World Cinema Documentary Competition.
Audience awards went to Sean Wang’s Dìdi (弟弟) in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and Daughters in the U.S. Documentary Competition, with the latter also earning the Festival Favorite Award selected by audiences across all new feature films presented at the fest. Girls Will Be Girls landed the audience award for World Cinema Dramatic Competition, and Ibelin won it in the World Cinema Documentary Competition.
Elsewhere, the Next innovator award went to Little Death, with Irish rap biopic Kneecap winning the audience award for the Next section.
Sundance CEO Joana Vicente said,...
Sujo won the jury prize for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition section, and A New Kind of Wilderness won for World Cinema Documentary Competition.
Audience awards went to Sean Wang’s Dìdi (弟弟) in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and Daughters in the U.S. Documentary Competition, with the latter also earning the Festival Favorite Award selected by audiences across all new feature films presented at the fest. Girls Will Be Girls landed the audience award for World Cinema Dramatic Competition, and Ibelin won it in the World Cinema Documentary Competition.
Elsewhere, the Next innovator award went to Little Death, with Irish rap biopic Kneecap winning the audience award for the Next section.
Sundance CEO Joana Vicente said,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival awards ceremony revealed winners Friday honoring the best of this year’s lineup in Park City.
The U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury prize went to Alessandra Lacorazza’s In the Summers, about two sisters who navigate their loving but volatile father during their yearly summer visits to his home in Las Cruces, Nm. Lacorazza also won a special jury prize for directing.
See the full list of winners below.
Other Grand Jury winners unveiled today in the ceremony at the Ray Theatre included Porcelain War in the U.S. Documentary competition, A New Kind of Wilderness in the World Cinema Documentary competition, and Sujo in the World Cinema Dramatic competition.
Angela Patton and Natalie Rae’s documentary Daughters received the Festival Favorite Award, which Park City audiences select across all new feature films presented at the festival, as well as the Audience Award for the U.
The U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury prize went to Alessandra Lacorazza’s In the Summers, about two sisters who navigate their loving but volatile father during their yearly summer visits to his home in Las Cruces, Nm. Lacorazza also won a special jury prize for directing.
See the full list of winners below.
Other Grand Jury winners unveiled today in the ceremony at the Ray Theatre included Porcelain War in the U.S. Documentary competition, A New Kind of Wilderness in the World Cinema Documentary competition, and Sujo in the World Cinema Dramatic competition.
Angela Patton and Natalie Rae’s documentary Daughters received the Festival Favorite Award, which Park City audiences select across all new feature films presented at the festival, as well as the Audience Award for the U.
- 1/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Close to You, the indie drama produced by and starring Elliot Page (The Umbrella Academy), which world premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival, has been acquired for a summer 2024 release in U.S. theaters by Greenwich Entertainment.
Written and directed by 3x BAFTA winner Dominic Savage, the film co-starring Hillary Baack (Sound of Metal) follows Sam (Page), who moved to Toronto from his small town on Lake Ontario, Canada and finally decides to return home to visit his family for his dad’s birthday. On his journey, he has a chance encounter with a friend from high school (Baack) that sparks old feelings. It is on this trip that Sam can finally confront long-buried feelings, a first love that was never properly resolved, his relationship with his family, and a newfound love and confidence in himself.
Close to You was produced by Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee,...
Written and directed by 3x BAFTA winner Dominic Savage, the film co-starring Hillary Baack (Sound of Metal) follows Sam (Page), who moved to Toronto from his small town on Lake Ontario, Canada and finally decides to return home to visit his family for his dad’s birthday. On his journey, he has a chance encounter with a friend from high school (Baack) that sparks old feelings. It is on this trip that Sam can finally confront long-buried feelings, a first love that was never properly resolved, his relationship with his family, and a newfound love and confidence in himself.
Close to You was produced by Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The film will stream on Mubi from February 2024, with select screenings in the US.
Mubi has acquired Ben Mullinkosson’s documentary The Last Year Of Darkness for North America, UK, Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India.
The film will stream on Mubi from February 2024, with select screenings in the US.
The Last Year Of Darkness world premiered at Cph:Dox earlier this year where it was awarded a special mention prize in the Next:Wave section and recently screened at the Camden International Film Festival. The film also played within the highlights section at Visions du Réel.
It is the...
Mubi has acquired Ben Mullinkosson’s documentary The Last Year Of Darkness for North America, UK, Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India.
The film will stream on Mubi from February 2024, with select screenings in the US.
The Last Year Of Darkness world premiered at Cph:Dox earlier this year where it was awarded a special mention prize in the Next:Wave section and recently screened at the Camden International Film Festival. The film also played within the highlights section at Visions du Réel.
It is the...
- 9/20/2023
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
The film will stream on Mubi from February 2024, with select screenings in the US.
Mubi has acquired Ben Mullinkosson’s documentary The Last Year Of Darkness for North America, UK, Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India.
The film will stream on Mubi from February 2024, with select screenings in the US.
The Last Year Of Darkness world premiered at Cph:Dox earlier this year where it was awarded a special mention prize in the Next:Wave section and recently screened at the Camden International Film Festival. The film also played within the highlights section at Visions du Réel.
It is the...
Mubi has acquired Ben Mullinkosson’s documentary The Last Year Of Darkness for North America, UK, Ireland, Latin America, Turkey and India.
The film will stream on Mubi from February 2024, with select screenings in the US.
The Last Year Of Darkness world premiered at Cph:Dox earlier this year where it was awarded a special mention prize in the Next:Wave section and recently screened at the Camden International Film Festival. The film also played within the highlights section at Visions du Réel.
It is the...
- 9/20/2023
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Elliot Page has been cast in "beautiful" new film 'Close To You'.The 'Umbrella Academy' actor will star opposite Hillary Baack in writer and director Dominic Savage's new movie, which has finished production in Canada.The movie will follow Sam (Page) and his chance encounter with an old friend as he returns home for a dreaded family reunion which will force him to confront memories he had tried to bury.In a statement, Page said: “I’m proud to have worked with Dominic and Hillary on this beautiful film."It’s been a pleasure collaborating with them and the incredibly talented cast and crew. I look forward to sharing it with audiences soon.”Savage added that it was an "honour" to work with the 'Juno' star on the film, having conceived and co-authored the story together.He commented: "It has been a remarkable experience to collaborate with...
- 6/13/2023
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
Production wrapped recently in Canada.
Elliot Page and Hillary Baack have been unveiled as the stars of Close To You from Bafta-winning writer and director Dominic Savage.
Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee developed the project under their Me + You Productions label in the UK and produce alongside Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich of Good Question Media in Canada, and Savage and Page, who conceived and co-wrote the story.
Kindred Spirit is co-financing the feature and Anita Gou and Sam Intili (I Saw The TV Glow) serve as executive producers alongside Rolling Dice’s Nia Vazirani (The Trial Of The Chicago 7...
Elliot Page and Hillary Baack have been unveiled as the stars of Close To You from Bafta-winning writer and director Dominic Savage.
Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee developed the project under their Me + You Productions label in the UK and produce alongside Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich of Good Question Media in Canada, and Savage and Page, who conceived and co-wrote the story.
Kindred Spirit is co-financing the feature and Anita Gou and Sam Intili (I Saw The TV Glow) serve as executive producers alongside Rolling Dice’s Nia Vazirani (The Trial Of The Chicago 7...
- 6/12/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Elliot Page (Oscar-nominee for “Juno” and star of Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy”) and Hillary Baack (“Sound of Metal) will star in “Close to You.” The new film from the BAFTA-winning writer/director Dominic Savage (“The Escape” and “I am Ruth”) will be co-financed by Kindred Spirit, with Anita Gou and Sam Intili executive producing alongside Rolling Dice’s Nai Vazirani.
Executive producers include Matt Jordan Smith of Page’s PageBoy Productions. Producers are Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee who developed the project under their Me + You Productions banner in the UK and Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich of Good Question Media in Canada. Savage and Page are also producing after conceiving and co-authoring the story together.
Principal photography was recently completed in Canada. The picture stars Page as Sam, who has a fluke encounter with an old friend (Baack) on his way home to a family reunion which...
Executive producers include Matt Jordan Smith of Page’s PageBoy Productions. Producers are Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee who developed the project under their Me + You Productions banner in the UK and Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich of Good Question Media in Canada. Savage and Page are also producing after conceiving and co-authoring the story together.
Principal photography was recently completed in Canada. The picture stars Page as Sam, who has a fluke encounter with an old friend (Baack) on his way home to a family reunion which...
- 6/12/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Elliot Page is starring in “Close to You,” an independent drama about love, family and identity.
Dominic Savage (“I Am Ruth”) directed the film, which recently wrapped production in Canada. In “Close to You,” Page plays Sam, who has a chance encounter with an old friend (“Sound of Metal” actor Hillary Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.
“I’m proud to have worked with Dominic and Hillary on this beautiful film,” Page said in a statement. “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with them and the incredibly talented cast and crew. I look forward to sharing it with audiences soon.”
Savage called the movie a “very poignant, personal and important story.”
“It has been a remarkable experience to collaborate with Elliot Page on this very special and unique film about love, identity and family,” he said. “I’m so...
Dominic Savage (“I Am Ruth”) directed the film, which recently wrapped production in Canada. In “Close to You,” Page plays Sam, who has a chance encounter with an old friend (“Sound of Metal” actor Hillary Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.
“I’m proud to have worked with Dominic and Hillary on this beautiful film,” Page said in a statement. “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with them and the incredibly talented cast and crew. I look forward to sharing it with audiences soon.”
Savage called the movie a “very poignant, personal and important story.”
“It has been a remarkable experience to collaborate with Elliot Page on this very special and unique film about love, identity and family,” he said. “I’m so...
- 6/12/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award nominee Elliot Page (The Umbrella Academy) is set to star opposite Hillary Baack (Sound of Metal) in Close to You, a new film from BAFTA-winning writer-director Dominic Savage (I Am…), which has wrapped production in Canada.
Pic follows Sam (Page), who has a chance encounter with an old friend (Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.
Producers include Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee, who developed the project under their UK banner, Me + You Productions; Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich of Good Question Media in Canada; and Savage and Page, who together conceived and co-authored the story. Kindred Spirit is co-financing with Anita Gou and Sam Intili (I Saw the TV Glow) exec producing alongside Rolling Dices Nia Vazirani (The Trial of Chicago 7), as well as Matt Jordan Smith of Page’s PageBoy Productions.
Pic follows Sam (Page), who has a chance encounter with an old friend (Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.
Producers include Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee, who developed the project under their UK banner, Me + You Productions; Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich of Good Question Media in Canada; and Savage and Page, who together conceived and co-authored the story. Kindred Spirit is co-financing with Anita Gou and Sam Intili (I Saw the TV Glow) exec producing alongside Rolling Dices Nia Vazirani (The Trial of Chicago 7), as well as Matt Jordan Smith of Page’s PageBoy Productions.
- 6/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Elliot Page is starring in the drama Close to You from BAFTA-winning writer-director Dominic Savage.
Page stars as Sam, who has a chance encounter with an old friend (Hillary Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.
Page and Savage co-wrote the film’s story, and both act as producers. Producers also include Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee, who developed the project under their Me + You Productions banner. Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich are also producing via Good Question Media.
The Farewell producer Anita Gou’s Kindred Spirit is co-financing, with Gou and Sam Intili executive producing alongside Rolling Dice’s Nia Vazirani. Executive Producers also include Matt Jordan Smith of Page’s PageBoy Productions.
Principal photography recently wrapped in Canada; UTA Independent Film Group is representing worldwide rights to the film.
“It has been a remarkable experience to collaborate...
Page stars as Sam, who has a chance encounter with an old friend (Hillary Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.
Page and Savage co-wrote the film’s story, and both act as producers. Producers also include Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee, who developed the project under their Me + You Productions banner. Daniel Bekerman and Chris Yurkovich are also producing via Good Question Media.
The Farewell producer Anita Gou’s Kindred Spirit is co-financing, with Gou and Sam Intili executive producing alongside Rolling Dice’s Nia Vazirani. Executive Producers also include Matt Jordan Smith of Page’s PageBoy Productions.
Principal photography recently wrapped in Canada; UTA Independent Film Group is representing worldwide rights to the film.
“It has been a remarkable experience to collaborate...
- 6/12/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cleopatra Wong, a kick-ass Interpol agent known to have influenced some of Quentin Tarantino’s movies, is to be revived in an upcoming Asian TV series.
The female action hero was created by The Philippines’ Bobby Suarez (aka George Richardson) and featured in three movies – “They Call Her Cleopatra Wong,” “Dynamite Johnson” and “Devil’s Angels” (aka “Mean Business”) – produced in the late 1970s by Bas Film Productions. Her name is a reference to Blaxploitation character Cleopatra Jones, albeit melded with Bruce Lee action and early James Bond cool. Marrie Lee (aka Doris Young) starred in all three movies.
‘Dynamite Johnson’ poster courtesy of Everett Collection.
Tarantino has said that Wong was an inspiration for Uma Thurman’s central character in his “Kill Bill” movies. The “They Call Her…” title was also used for a succession of unrelated exploitation films in the U.S., Europe and The Philippines.
Wong is...
The female action hero was created by The Philippines’ Bobby Suarez (aka George Richardson) and featured in three movies – “They Call Her Cleopatra Wong,” “Dynamite Johnson” and “Devil’s Angels” (aka “Mean Business”) – produced in the late 1970s by Bas Film Productions. Her name is a reference to Blaxploitation character Cleopatra Jones, albeit melded with Bruce Lee action and early James Bond cool. Marrie Lee (aka Doris Young) starred in all three movies.
‘Dynamite Johnson’ poster courtesy of Everett Collection.
Tarantino has said that Wong was an inspiration for Uma Thurman’s central character in his “Kill Bill” movies. The “They Call Her…” title was also used for a succession of unrelated exploitation films in the U.S., Europe and The Philippines.
Wong is...
- 12/1/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Slate includes Korean-language series The Plotters.
The Ink Factory has promoted Michele Wolkoff to creative director and Ian Pence to head of finance and operations.
Wolkoff will oversee the global slate of development and production for the company and is based in the Los Angeles office. Formerly head of film and TV, LA, she takes over from Katherine Butler who stepped down from the role this summer.
Spence reports to The Ink Factory co-ceo and founder Simon Cornwell in London. The company, whose credits include The Night Manager, Fighting With My Family, and The Little Drummer Girl, recently completed a...
The Ink Factory has promoted Michele Wolkoff to creative director and Ian Pence to head of finance and operations.
Wolkoff will oversee the global slate of development and production for the company and is based in the Los Angeles office. Formerly head of film and TV, LA, she takes over from Katherine Butler who stepped down from the role this summer.
Spence reports to The Ink Factory co-ceo and founder Simon Cornwell in London. The company, whose credits include The Night Manager, Fighting With My Family, and The Little Drummer Girl, recently completed a...
- 9/28/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Fighting With My Family and The Night Manager producer Ink Factory has promoted Michele Wolkoff to Creative Director out of LA, leading teams in London, Mumbai and Seoul.
Wolkoff takes over from Katherine Butler, who stepped down over the summer, while Ian Spence has been promoted to Head of Finance and Operations.
Wolkoff has been Head of Film and TV, LA, at Simon and Stephen Cornwell’s company since 2020, while she used to head up Development for Stephen Garrett’s Character 7 outfit.
“Michele’s curatorial flair and drive to champion projects is a fantastic asset to the company, and we’re thrilled to have her stepping up as Creative Director,” said Stephen Cornwell.
The Ink Factory’s current slate includes The Plotters, a Korean language television series adaptation of Un-su Kim’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, with Soo Hugh attached to create and executive produce; a series...
Wolkoff takes over from Katherine Butler, who stepped down over the summer, while Ian Spence has been promoted to Head of Finance and Operations.
Wolkoff has been Head of Film and TV, LA, at Simon and Stephen Cornwell’s company since 2020, while she used to head up Development for Stephen Garrett’s Character 7 outfit.
“Michele’s curatorial flair and drive to champion projects is a fantastic asset to the company, and we’re thrilled to have her stepping up as Creative Director,” said Stephen Cornwell.
The Ink Factory’s current slate includes The Plotters, a Korean language television series adaptation of Un-su Kim’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, with Soo Hugh attached to create and executive produce; a series...
- 9/28/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Anita Gou’s producing career focuses on helping filmmakers and creatives bring their personal passions and visions to the screen. With Focus Features’ Cannes Un Certain Regard entry “The Silent Twins” from director Agniezska Smoczynska, her streak producing singular visions — such as Lula Wang’s “The Farewell” and “Honeyboy,” the collaboration of writer-actor Shia LeBeouf and Alma Har’el — continues.
She started in the business right out of school getting her feet wet in post-production on bigger studio films.
“I kind of quickly realized through that experience — though very fruitful and eye-opening — that my passion was really about more independently driven films, more idiosyncratic storytelling, storytellers and stories. So I quickly navigated how to find my way to towards the kind of filmmakers I want to be working with.”
“The Silent Twins” tells the story of two Black women, June and Jennifer Gibbons, who, growing up in 1970s Wales, only communicated with each other,...
She started in the business right out of school getting her feet wet in post-production on bigger studio films.
“I kind of quickly realized through that experience — though very fruitful and eye-opening — that my passion was really about more independently driven films, more idiosyncratic storytelling, storytellers and stories. So I quickly navigated how to find my way to towards the kind of filmmakers I want to be working with.”
“The Silent Twins” tells the story of two Black women, June and Jennifer Gibbons, who, growing up in 1970s Wales, only communicated with each other,...
- 5/25/2022
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Farewell and Honey Boy producer Kindred Spirit is expanding with the appointment of Sam Intili who joins the company as Head of Creative after departing Animal Kingdom.
Intili will be responsible for “cultivating materials and talent relationships”, with an eye towards strengthening Kindred Spirit’s foothold in the international space. In addition, Caroline Clark has been promoted to Development and Production Executive.
Both roles will report into Kindred Spirit founder Anita Gou as the company gears up on Agnieszka Smoczynska’s English-language debut Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance. The movie is now in post with Focus Features.
At Animal Kingdom, Intili sourced financing and distribution for emerging filmmakers. Exec producer credits include Andrew Cummings’ The Origin and Joaquin del Paso’s The Hole in the Fence. Intili is producing Jane Schoenbrun’s feature I Saw The TV Glow with Fruit Tree, A24, and Sarah Winshall,...
Intili will be responsible for “cultivating materials and talent relationships”, with an eye towards strengthening Kindred Spirit’s foothold in the international space. In addition, Caroline Clark has been promoted to Development and Production Executive.
Both roles will report into Kindred Spirit founder Anita Gou as the company gears up on Agnieszka Smoczynska’s English-language debut Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance. The movie is now in post with Focus Features.
At Animal Kingdom, Intili sourced financing and distribution for emerging filmmakers. Exec producer credits include Andrew Cummings’ The Origin and Joaquin del Paso’s The Hole in the Fence. Intili is producing Jane Schoenbrun’s feature I Saw The TV Glow with Fruit Tree, A24, and Sarah Winshall,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The Ink Factory, the Endeavor Content-backed production company best known for making The Night Manager, has optioned C Pam Zhang’s debut novel How Much Of These Hills Is Gold with a view to developing a TV series.
The Ink Factory has partnered on the project with Anita Gou (The Farewell), who will executive produce through her Kindred Spirit banner. The writer is Hansol Jung, whose credits include Netflix’s Tales Of The City and Apple TV+’s Pachinko.
How Much Of These Hills Is Gold was selected as a Barack Obama Book of the Year in 2020 and tells the story of Chinese-American immigrants arriving in the U.S. during the gold rush. It’s a novel about the conflict between two siblings, carrying the body of their newly deceased father across a harsh landscape.
Zhang said: “It feels quietly revolutionary to think that I might see two Chinese American...
The Ink Factory has partnered on the project with Anita Gou (The Farewell), who will executive produce through her Kindred Spirit banner. The writer is Hansol Jung, whose credits include Netflix’s Tales Of The City and Apple TV+’s Pachinko.
How Much Of These Hills Is Gold was selected as a Barack Obama Book of the Year in 2020 and tells the story of Chinese-American immigrants arriving in the U.S. during the gold rush. It’s a novel about the conflict between two siblings, carrying the body of their newly deceased father across a harsh landscape.
Zhang said: “It feels quietly revolutionary to think that I might see two Chinese American...
- 7/7/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
London and Los Angeles-based independent studio The Ink Factory and Endeavor Content are developing C. Pam Zhang’s acclaimed debut novel “How Much of These Hills is Gold” for television.
A sweeping adventure tale told through a multi-cultural revisionist lens, the book follows Chinese-American siblings, Lucy and Sam, cross the treacherous California hills in the twilight of the Gold Rush with a gun in their hands and a corpse on their backs.
Anita Gou is attached to executive produce under her Kindred Spirit banner. The book was selected as a Barack Obama book of the year for 2020. The series adaptation will be written by playwright and screenwriter Hansol Jung.
Joseph Tsai and Arthur Wang of Hong Kong and London-based media investment firm 127 Wall Productions will executive produce alongside Stephen Cornwell, Simon Cornwell, and Katherine Butler, creative director at The Ink Factory.
Zhang said: “It feels quietly revolutionary to think that...
A sweeping adventure tale told through a multi-cultural revisionist lens, the book follows Chinese-American siblings, Lucy and Sam, cross the treacherous California hills in the twilight of the Gold Rush with a gun in their hands and a corpse on their backs.
Anita Gou is attached to executive produce under her Kindred Spirit banner. The book was selected as a Barack Obama book of the year for 2020. The series adaptation will be written by playwright and screenwriter Hansol Jung.
Joseph Tsai and Arthur Wang of Hong Kong and London-based media investment firm 127 Wall Productions will executive produce alongside Stephen Cornwell, Simon Cornwell, and Katherine Butler, creative director at The Ink Factory.
Zhang said: “It feels quietly revolutionary to think that...
- 7/7/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has landed rights to “Silent Twins,” a thriller starring Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance.
Based on the book by Marjorie Wallace, the film marks the English language debut of director Agnieszka Smoczynska (“The Lure”). Andrea Seigel wrote the screenplay.
Set in the 1970s and ’80s, the story follows June and Jennifer Gibbons (portrayed by Wright and Lawrance), twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales. Feeling isolated from that unwelcoming community, the pair turn inward and reject communication with everyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires. After a spree of vandalism inspired by an American boy they both idolize, the girls, now teenagers, are summarily sentenced to Broadmoor, an infamous psychiatric hospital, where they face the choice to separate and survive or die together.
Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., with Universal Pictures handling international distribution.
Based on the book by Marjorie Wallace, the film marks the English language debut of director Agnieszka Smoczynska (“The Lure”). Andrea Seigel wrote the screenplay.
Set in the 1970s and ’80s, the story follows June and Jennifer Gibbons (portrayed by Wright and Lawrance), twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales. Feeling isolated from that unwelcoming community, the pair turn inward and reject communication with everyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires. After a spree of vandalism inspired by an American boy they both idolize, the girls, now teenagers, are summarily sentenced to Broadmoor, an infamous psychiatric hospital, where they face the choice to separate and survive or die together.
Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., with Universal Pictures handling international distribution.
- 4/8/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has acquired worldwide rights to feature Silent Twins, which marks the English language debut of director Agnieszka Smoczynska (The Lure).
Starring Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Tamara Lawrance (The Long Song) as the title twin sisters, the film is based on the haunting true story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales in the 1970s and ’80s. Feeling isolated from that unwelcoming community, the pair turn inward and reject communication with everyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires. After a spree of vandalism inspired by an American boy they both idolize, the girls, now teenagers, are summarily sentenced to Broadmoor, the infamous UK psychiatric hospital, where they face the choice to separate and survive or die together.
Pic is written by Andrea Seigel and is based on book The Silent Twins by Marjorie Wallace.
Starring Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Tamara Lawrance (The Long Song) as the title twin sisters, the film is based on the haunting true story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales in the 1970s and ’80s. Feeling isolated from that unwelcoming community, the pair turn inward and reject communication with everyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires. After a spree of vandalism inspired by an American boy they both idolize, the girls, now teenagers, are summarily sentenced to Broadmoor, the infamous UK psychiatric hospital, where they face the choice to separate and survive or die together.
Pic is written by Andrea Seigel and is based on book The Silent Twins by Marjorie Wallace.
- 4/8/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to “Silent Twins,” a film starring “Black Panther” actress Letitia Wright.
“Silent Twins” is the English-language debut of “The Lure” director Agnieszka Smoczynska and stars Wright and Tamara Lawrance as twin sisters in Wales who are mute to everyone but themselves.
The film recently wrapped production in Poland. Focus plans to distribute the film in the U.S., while Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
“Silent Twins” is based on the book “The Silent Twins” by Marjorie Wallace. It tells the haunting story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales in the 1970s and ’80s.
Feeling isolated from that unwelcoming community, the pair turn inward and reject communication with everyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires. After a spree of vandalism inspired by an American boy they both idolize,...
“Silent Twins” is the English-language debut of “The Lure” director Agnieszka Smoczynska and stars Wright and Tamara Lawrance as twin sisters in Wales who are mute to everyone but themselves.
The film recently wrapped production in Poland. Focus plans to distribute the film in the U.S., while Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
“Silent Twins” is based on the book “The Silent Twins” by Marjorie Wallace. It tells the haunting story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales in the 1970s and ’80s.
Feeling isolated from that unwelcoming community, the pair turn inward and reject communication with everyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires. After a spree of vandalism inspired by an American boy they both idolize,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Production has wrapped in Poland.
Focus Features has taken worldwide rights to Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska’s (The Lure) English-language debut Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright from Black Panther and Tamara Lawrance from Kindred.
Andrea Seigel adapted the screenplay from Marjorie Wallace’s novel The Silent Twins, about June and Jennifer Gibbons, identical twins from the only Black family in Wales in the 1970s who dealt with a hostile community by only communicating with each other.
The sisters retreated into a fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires, writing fiction and embarking on a vandalism spree inspired by an American boy they idolised,...
Focus Features has taken worldwide rights to Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska’s (The Lure) English-language debut Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright from Black Panther and Tamara Lawrance from Kindred.
Andrea Seigel adapted the screenplay from Marjorie Wallace’s novel The Silent Twins, about June and Jennifer Gibbons, identical twins from the only Black family in Wales in the 1970s who dealt with a hostile community by only communicating with each other.
The sisters retreated into a fantasy world of artistic inspiration and adolescent desires, writing fiction and embarking on a vandalism spree inspired by an American boy they idolised,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has bought all international rights to writer-director Nikole Beckwith’s second feature, Together Together, which debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Starring in the comedy are The Hangover star Ed Helms, A Simple Favor actress and Big Mouth writer Patti Harrison, One Mississippi star Tig Notaro and SNL scribe Julio Torres along with Anna Konkle, Sufe Bradshaw, Rosalind Chao, Nora Dunn and Fred Melamed.
Bleecker Street acquired North American rights ahead of its virtual Sundance world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section.
The film charts how when a young loner named Anna is hired as the surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s, the two strangers come to realize the unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love.
The deal was brokered between Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions with UTA Independent Film Group and Eugene Pikulin of Bruns,...
Starring in the comedy are The Hangover star Ed Helms, A Simple Favor actress and Big Mouth writer Patti Harrison, One Mississippi star Tig Notaro and SNL scribe Julio Torres along with Anna Konkle, Sufe Bradshaw, Rosalind Chao, Nora Dunn and Fred Melamed.
Bleecker Street acquired North American rights ahead of its virtual Sundance world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section.
The film charts how when a young loner named Anna is hired as the surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s, the two strangers come to realize the unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love.
The deal was brokered between Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions with UTA Independent Film Group and Eugene Pikulin of Bruns,...
- 3/3/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Bleecker Street has acquired the North American rights to “Together Together,” the film from Nikole Beckwith that stars Ed Helms and Patti Harrison and is set to premiere in competition at Sundance next month.
“Together Together” is Beckwith’s second feature after “Stockholm, Pennsylvania” and stars “The Office” star Ed Helms alongside Patti Harrison, Tig Notaro, Julio Torres, Anna Konkle, Sufe Bradshaw, Rosalind Chao, Nora Dunn and Fred Melamed.
The film will play in the U.S. Dramatic section of the festival, which just announced its lineup on Tuesday. Bleecker Street has yet to set a release date.
“Together Together” is the story of a young loner named Anna who is hired as a surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s. The two strangers come to realize this unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love.
The film was produced by Tango Entertainment,...
“Together Together” is Beckwith’s second feature after “Stockholm, Pennsylvania” and stars “The Office” star Ed Helms alongside Patti Harrison, Tig Notaro, Julio Torres, Anna Konkle, Sufe Bradshaw, Rosalind Chao, Nora Dunn and Fred Melamed.
The film will play in the U.S. Dramatic section of the festival, which just announced its lineup on Tuesday. Bleecker Street has yet to set a release date.
“Together Together” is the story of a young loner named Anna who is hired as a surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s. The two strangers come to realize this unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love.
The film was produced by Tango Entertainment,...
- 12/16/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Together Together,” a comedy staring Ed Helms and Patti Harrison that’s set to premiere at Sundance Film Festival, has been acquired by Bleecker Street.
Written and directed by Nikole Beckwith, “Together Together” follows the unexpected relationship that unfolds between a young loner named Anna, who is hired as the surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s. The cast also includes comedian and actor Tig Notaro and “Saturday Night Live” alum Julio Torres. It will compete in the U.S. dramatic competition section at the 2021 edition of Sundance.
“I couldn’t be happier to partner with Bleecker Street on the life of this movie,” Beckwith said. “‘Together Together’ has been my heart for a while now and as a long-time admirer of Bleecker’s work and philosophy, it’s exciting to know I get to pin it to the right sleeve.”
Tango Entertainment, Stay Gold Features, Wild Idea...
Written and directed by Nikole Beckwith, “Together Together” follows the unexpected relationship that unfolds between a young loner named Anna, who is hired as the surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s. The cast also includes comedian and actor Tig Notaro and “Saturday Night Live” alum Julio Torres. It will compete in the U.S. dramatic competition section at the 2021 edition of Sundance.
“I couldn’t be happier to partner with Bleecker Street on the life of this movie,” Beckwith said. “‘Together Together’ has been my heart for a while now and as a long-time admirer of Bleecker’s work and philosophy, it’s exciting to know I get to pin it to the right sleeve.”
Tango Entertainment, Stay Gold Features, Wild Idea...
- 12/16/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Ahead of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Together Together in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section, Bleecker Street has acquired North American rights to Nikole Beckwith’s second feature which stars Ed Helms, Patti Harrison, Tig Notaro and Julio Torres.
Pic follows young loner Anna (Harrison) who is hired as the surrogate for Matt (Helms), a single man in his 40s. The two strangers come to realize this unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love. Anna Konkle, Sufe Bradshaw, Rosalind Chao, Nora Dunn and Fred Melamed also star in the movie, which Beckwith also wrote.
The film was produced by Tango Entertainment, Stay Gold Features, Wild Idea and Kindred Spirit. Anthony Brandonisio, Daniela Taplin Lundberg and Tim Headington produced, with Lia Buman, Anita Gou, Rebecca Cammarata, Bill Benenson, Beckwith, evin Mann, Chris Boyd, Toby Louie for Haven Entertainment and Daniel Crown...
Pic follows young loner Anna (Harrison) who is hired as the surrogate for Matt (Helms), a single man in his 40s. The two strangers come to realize this unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries and the particulars of love. Anna Konkle, Sufe Bradshaw, Rosalind Chao, Nora Dunn and Fred Melamed also star in the movie, which Beckwith also wrote.
The film was produced by Tango Entertainment, Stay Gold Features, Wild Idea and Kindred Spirit. Anthony Brandonisio, Daniela Taplin Lundberg and Tim Headington produced, with Lia Buman, Anita Gou, Rebecca Cammarata, Bill Benenson, Beckwith, evin Mann, Chris Boyd, Toby Louie for Haven Entertainment and Daniel Crown...
- 12/16/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rhys Wakefield (The Purge) has been set to star in Australian sci-fi horror Alternate, which is due to get underway in Adelaide, Australia, in early 2021.
Writer-director Anthony Garland’s feature debut will be produced by Lady A Pictures’ Ali Mueller (Challenger) and Sla Films’ Anna Vincent (I Am Mother). Kindred Spirit’s Anita Gou (The Farewell) will executive-produce.
Endeavor Content has come aboard to handle North American rights with Rialto Distribution releasing in Australia and New Zealand. Screen Australia is providing major production support with additional backing from the South Australian Film Corporation.
Set in a high-rise office building, the film will follow an overworked young executive (Wakefield) who goes back in time four hours to save his girlfriend from being killed.
The film is inspired by Garland’s proof of concept short Snake which follows a girl working late one night who gets stuck in a time loop.
Writer-director Anthony Garland’s feature debut will be produced by Lady A Pictures’ Ali Mueller (Challenger) and Sla Films’ Anna Vincent (I Am Mother). Kindred Spirit’s Anita Gou (The Farewell) will executive-produce.
Endeavor Content has come aboard to handle North American rights with Rialto Distribution releasing in Australia and New Zealand. Screen Australia is providing major production support with additional backing from the South Australian Film Corporation.
Set in a high-rise office building, the film will follow an overworked young executive (Wakefield) who goes back in time four hours to save his girlfriend from being killed.
The film is inspired by Garland’s proof of concept short Snake which follows a girl working late one night who gets stuck in a time loop.
- 11/13/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
What | Taiwan Creators Night: Bridging Taiwan and the World
A 2020 Networking Cocktail Party, including 3 panels around creative industry topics
Cannes Cinefondacion nominated director Keff chatting with director John Hsu and actress/ screenwriter Wu Ke Xi
Who | Leehom Wang, Sylvia Chang, Midi Z, Eddie Huang, Janet Hsieh and George Young; and companies including HBO Asia, Line TV, Kakao (Korea), Catchplay, KKBox, and MM2
Hosted By | Kindred Spirit’s Anita Gou
When | August 21st, 2020 from 6pm-10pm
Where | TripMoment VR, Taipei City, Da’an District
Youtube Co-Founder Steve Chen discusses the future of tech and content with international superstar Leehom Wang...
A 2020 Networking Cocktail Party, including 3 panels around creative industry topics
Cannes Cinefondacion nominated director Keff chatting with director John Hsu and actress/ screenwriter Wu Ke Xi
Who | Leehom Wang, Sylvia Chang, Midi Z, Eddie Huang, Janet Hsieh and George Young; and companies including HBO Asia, Line TV, Kakao (Korea), Catchplay, KKBox, and MM2
Hosted By | Kindred Spirit’s Anita Gou
When | August 21st, 2020 from 6pm-10pm
Where | TripMoment VR, Taipei City, Da’an District
Youtube Co-Founder Steve Chen discusses the future of tech and content with international superstar Leehom Wang...
- 8/29/2020
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Film Independent has unveiled their keynotes, conversations and panelists for the 15th annual Film Independent Forum. The Forum, which is traditionally a weekend event, will now be a week-long virtual event that will reach all corners of the globe from July 31 to August 7.
The event has set a roster of banner names in the industry, featuring a U.S. Filmmaker Keynote with Lulu Wang (The Farewell); a U.S. Executive Keynote with Elissa Federoff, President of Distribution at Neon; a Documentary Keynote with Dawn Porter; and a Global Executive Keynote with Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment Group. Traditionally a weekend event, the Forum has expanded to a full week-long event accessible online to global audiences the week of July 31 to August 7.
In addition, panels will cover financing, production and distribution of films to digital content across diverse platforms...
The event has set a roster of banner names in the industry, featuring a U.S. Filmmaker Keynote with Lulu Wang (The Farewell); a U.S. Executive Keynote with Elissa Federoff, President of Distribution at Neon; a Documentary Keynote with Dawn Porter; and a Global Executive Keynote with Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment Group. Traditionally a weekend event, the Forum has expanded to a full week-long event accessible online to global audiences the week of July 31 to August 7.
In addition, panels will cover financing, production and distribution of films to digital content across diverse platforms...
- 6/30/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Here’s a cool-sounding Euro package. Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Smoczyńska, who will helm her English-language debut Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright this fall, has been set to direct dystopian crime drama Hot Spot.
Producers are Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska at Poland’s Madants, who produced Claire Denis’ High Life and Agnieszka Holland’s Mr Jones, alongside Before Midnight producer Christos V. Konstantakopoulos at Greek production outfit Faliro House.
Jan Naszewski’s New Europe Film Sales, which is repping rights on buzzy 2020 Cannes label title Sweat and has also been inking deals this week on Noomi Rapace starrer Lamb, has boarded world rights to the pic.
Poland has been on a roll in recent years, delivering acclaimed features including the Oscar-nominated trio Cold War, Corpus Christi and Loving Vincent. Smoczyńska herself helmed 2016 Sundance World Cinema Dramatic jury prize winner The Lure and 2018 Cannes premiere Fugue.
For Hot Spot, she is re-teaming with The Lure scribe Robert Bolesto.
Producers are Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska at Poland’s Madants, who produced Claire Denis’ High Life and Agnieszka Holland’s Mr Jones, alongside Before Midnight producer Christos V. Konstantakopoulos at Greek production outfit Faliro House.
Jan Naszewski’s New Europe Film Sales, which is repping rights on buzzy 2020 Cannes label title Sweat and has also been inking deals this week on Noomi Rapace starrer Lamb, has boarded world rights to the pic.
Poland has been on a roll in recent years, delivering acclaimed features including the Oscar-nominated trio Cold War, Corpus Christi and Loving Vincent. Smoczyńska herself helmed 2016 Sundance World Cinema Dramatic jury prize winner The Lure and 2018 Cannes premiere Fugue.
For Hot Spot, she is re-teaming with The Lure scribe Robert Bolesto.
- 6/26/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
If its new trailer is any indication, “We Are Little Zombies” will almost certainly be remembered as one of 2020’s most wildly energetic and eclectic films. It’s a psychedelic romp about adolescent nihilism and coping with the loss of family members infused with colorful retro video game aesthetics and a gleeful tone of punky anarchism. Also, those titular zombies are metaphorical.
Per the Japanese-language film’s synopsis: “When four young orphans — Hikari, Ikuko, Ishi, and Takemura — first meet, their parents’ bodies are being turned into dust, like fine Parmesan atop a plate of spaghetti Bolognese, and yet none of them can shed a tear. They are like zombies; devoid of all emotion. With no family, no future, no dreams, and no way to move forward, the young teens decide that the first level of this new existence involves salvaging a gaming console, an old electric bass, and a charred...
Per the Japanese-language film’s synopsis: “When four young orphans — Hikari, Ikuko, Ishi, and Takemura — first meet, their parents’ bodies are being turned into dust, like fine Parmesan atop a plate of spaghetti Bolognese, and yet none of them can shed a tear. They are like zombies; devoid of all emotion. With no family, no future, no dreams, and no way to move forward, the young teens decide that the first level of this new existence involves salvaging a gaming console, an old electric bass, and a charred...
- 4/23/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Julia Garner in ‘The Assistant.’
In a further sign of consolidation among independent distributors, Rialto Distribution has closed its Sydney office while continuing to book films into Australian cinemas via its Auckland headquarters.
However the end of the company’s presence in Oz after more than 20 years does not signal any reduction in acquisitions for multiple-platform release.
“We have gained much-needed economies of scale with Kevin Gordon, our Australia/New Zealand sales and distribution manager, selling in directly,” CEO Kelly Rogers tells If.
“This is going very well and Australian exhibitors are receptive to our strong line-up. We expect to release approximately 30 titles in 2020, mainly digital titles and select strong theatrical films.”
Former Myriad Pictures and Icon Film Distribution marketing executive Lisa Garner, who joined Rialto as Sydney-based head of film in February 2018, expects to soon announce her next venture.
Currently Rialto has a hit with Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson...
In a further sign of consolidation among independent distributors, Rialto Distribution has closed its Sydney office while continuing to book films into Australian cinemas via its Auckland headquarters.
However the end of the company’s presence in Oz after more than 20 years does not signal any reduction in acquisitions for multiple-platform release.
“We have gained much-needed economies of scale with Kevin Gordon, our Australia/New Zealand sales and distribution manager, selling in directly,” CEO Kelly Rogers tells If.
“This is going very well and Australian exhibitors are receptive to our strong line-up. We expect to release approximately 30 titles in 2020, mainly digital titles and select strong theatrical films.”
Former Myriad Pictures and Icon Film Distribution marketing executive Lisa Garner, who joined Rialto as Sydney-based head of film in February 2018, expects to soon announce her next venture.
Currently Rialto has a hit with Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson...
- 3/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War star Letitia Wright is set to lead cast in Agnieszka Smoczynska’s (Fugue) English-language debut The Silent Twins.
Wright will star alongside rising Brit actress Tamara Lawrance (The Long Song) in the movie which is being produced by Kindred Spirit’s Anita Gou (The Farewell), 42’s (Ironbark) Ben Pugh and Joshua Horsfield, and Madant’s Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska (High Life).
Andrea Seigel’s (Laggies) script is based on the well-received book The Silent Twins by investigative journalist Marjorie Wallace. The chilling true story follows twin sisters who were entirely silent, communicating only to each other in a private language. They became obsessed with writing fiction, boys, and crime in their teens but their intense bond ultimately turned into something more dangerous.
The drama, which is due to shoot in April, is being financed by Kindred Spirit and co-financed by the Polish Film Institute and Moderator Inwestycje.
Wright will star alongside rising Brit actress Tamara Lawrance (The Long Song) in the movie which is being produced by Kindred Spirit’s Anita Gou (The Farewell), 42’s (Ironbark) Ben Pugh and Joshua Horsfield, and Madant’s Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska (High Life).
Andrea Seigel’s (Laggies) script is based on the well-received book The Silent Twins by investigative journalist Marjorie Wallace. The chilling true story follows twin sisters who were entirely silent, communicating only to each other in a private language. They became obsessed with writing fiction, boys, and crime in their teens but their intense bond ultimately turned into something more dangerous.
The drama, which is due to shoot in April, is being financed by Kindred Spirit and co-financed by the Polish Film Institute and Moderator Inwestycje.
- 2/26/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Black Panther and Black Mirror breakout Letitia Wright has landed another significant role.
The British star is set to appear in The Silent Twins, the first stand-alone English-language feature from rising Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Anita Gou's Kindred Spirit, which backed Honey Boy and The Farewell, is producing alongside U.K. management and production banner 42 and Poland's Madants, with Protagonist Pictures handling international sales on the film. Rising star Tamara Lawrance (On Chesil Beach, The Long Song) has also joined the cast.
The Silent Twins is based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons,...
The British star is set to appear in The Silent Twins, the first stand-alone English-language feature from rising Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Anita Gou's Kindred Spirit, which backed Honey Boy and The Farewell, is producing alongside U.K. management and production banner 42 and Poland's Madants, with Protagonist Pictures handling international sales on the film. Rising star Tamara Lawrance (On Chesil Beach, The Long Song) has also joined the cast.
The Silent Twins is based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons,...
- 2/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Black Panther and Black Mirror breakout Letitia Wright has landed another significant role.
The British star is set to appear in The Silent Twins, the first stand-alone English-language feature from rising Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Anita Gou's Kindred Spirit, which backed Honey Boy and The Farewell, is producing alongside U.K. management and production banner 42 and Poland's Madants, with Protagonist Pictures handling international sales on the film. Rising star Tamara Lawrance (On Chesil Beach, The Long Song) has also joined the cast.
Written by Andrea Seigel,The Silent Twins is based on the lives of ...
The British star is set to appear in The Silent Twins, the first stand-alone English-language feature from rising Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Anita Gou's Kindred Spirit, which backed Honey Boy and The Farewell, is producing alongside U.K. management and production banner 42 and Poland's Madants, with Protagonist Pictures handling international sales on the film. Rising star Tamara Lawrance (On Chesil Beach, The Long Song) has also joined the cast.
Written by Andrea Seigel,The Silent Twins is based on the lives of ...
- 2/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Saturday in recognition of the best in indie films from 2019.
Willem Dafoe won the first award, Best Supporting Male, for his role in “The Lighthouse.” “Uncut Gems” won Best Editing, while the Best Documentary award went to “American Factory.” Best Cinematography went to Jarin Blaschke for “The Lighthouse.”
Kelly Reichardt was awarded The Bonnie Award, which recognizes a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant. The John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $500,000, was given to “Give Me Liberty.”
Also Read: Independent Spirit Awards 2020: Aubrey Plaza's Best Jokes (So Far)
“Parasite” won Best International Film. Zhao Shuzhen won Best Supporting Female for her role in “The Farewell.” “Marriage Story” won Best Screenplay. Adam Sandler won Best Male Lead for his performance in “Uncut Gems” and Renée Zellweger received the Best Female Lead for her role in “Judy.
Willem Dafoe won the first award, Best Supporting Male, for his role in “The Lighthouse.” “Uncut Gems” won Best Editing, while the Best Documentary award went to “American Factory.” Best Cinematography went to Jarin Blaschke for “The Lighthouse.”
Kelly Reichardt was awarded The Bonnie Award, which recognizes a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant. The John Cassavetes Award, given to the best feature made for under $500,000, was given to “Give Me Liberty.”
Also Read: Independent Spirit Awards 2020: Aubrey Plaza's Best Jokes (So Far)
“Parasite” won Best International Film. Zhao Shuzhen won Best Supporting Female for her role in “The Farewell.” “Marriage Story” won Best Screenplay. Adam Sandler won Best Male Lead for his performance in “Uncut Gems” and Renée Zellweger received the Best Female Lead for her role in “Judy.
- 2/8/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
“Parasite” has emerged at the 18th Annual Gold Derby Film Awards as the big winner, prevailing 6 times out of its 11 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director (Bong Joon Ho), Best Original Screenplay (Bong and Han Jin Won), Best Ensemble Cast and Best Foreign Language Film. Scroll down to see the rest of this year’s winners in all 22 categories, and watch our complete winners announcement above.
These awards were decided by more than 2,400 registered Gold Derby users, and this is the second year in a row that those savvy movie fans — who probably see more movies every year than some Oscar voters — have picked a foreign-language film in the top category. Last year “Roma” won Best Picture along with three other awards. Now “Parasite’s” total now makes it the most honored foreign-language film in the history of our kudos.
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These awards were decided by more than 2,400 registered Gold Derby users, and this is the second year in a row that those savvy movie fans — who probably see more movies every year than some Oscar voters — have picked a foreign-language film in the top category. Last year “Roma” won Best Picture along with three other awards. Now “Parasite’s” total now makes it the most honored foreign-language film in the history of our kudos.
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- 2/4/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery, Chris Beachum, Marcus James Dixon, Joyce Eng, Zach Laws and Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
2020 Gold Derby Film Awards nominations: ‘Parasite’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ lead with 11
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Parasite” are the top movies at the 2020 Gold Derby Film Awards with 11 nominations apiece including Best Picture. But who else made the cut? Watch our nominations announcement above, and scroll down for our complete list of contenders in 22 categories. You can vote for the winners right now here in our predictions center. You have until Midnight Eastern Time on February 1 to cast your votes. Feel free to jump right in because you can keep editing your votes as often as you like. No votes are final until polls close on February 1.
These nominations were decided by more than 2,700 registered Gold Derby users who voted for their favorites on a preferential ballot (you can register here if you’re not signed up already). The winners will now be determined by our users using a simple plurality vote. You’ll no longer rank your favorites...
These nominations were decided by more than 2,700 registered Gold Derby users who voted for their favorites on a preferential ballot (you can register here if you’re not signed up already). The winners will now be determined by our users using a simple plurality vote. You’ll no longer rank your favorites...
- 1/21/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery, Chris Beachum, Marcus James Dixon, Joyce Eng, Zach Laws, Paul Sheehan and Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Oscilloscope Laboratories has partnered with Anita Gou’s Kindred Spirit to acquire the North American rights to the 8-bit inspired We Are Little Zombies. The Japanese-language film, which won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Originality at Sundance in 2019, marks Makoto Nagahisa’s debut feature. Oscilloscope and Kindred Spirit will release the pic later this year.
The film follows four young orphans named Hikari, Ikuko, Ishi, and Takemura. When they first meet, their parents’ bodies are being turned into dust, yet none of them can shed a tear. They are like zombies; devoid of all emotion. With no family, no future, no dreams, and no way to move forward, the young teens decide that the first level of this new existence involves salvaging a gaming console, an old electric bass, and a charred wok from their former homes — just enough to start a band and then conquer the world.
The film follows four young orphans named Hikari, Ikuko, Ishi, and Takemura. When they first meet, their parents’ bodies are being turned into dust, yet none of them can shed a tear. They are like zombies; devoid of all emotion. With no family, no future, no dreams, and no way to move forward, the young teens decide that the first level of this new existence involves salvaging a gaming console, an old electric bass, and a charred wok from their former homes — just enough to start a band and then conquer the world.
- 1/15/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Chicago Indie Critics announced their nominees Saturday for the group’s fourth annual film awards, with Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women leading with eight nominations, including Best Studio Film and Best Director.
Following next with seven nominations each were The Irishman, Marriage Story, 1917, and Parasite.
Winners will be announced on January 4, at the Cards Against Humanity Theater in Chicago. Stand-up comedian and former film critic Katie Baker is set to host the ceremony, which will stream live on YouTube.
Following next with seven nominations each were The Irishman, Marriage Story, 1917, and Parasite.
Winners will be announced on January 4, at the Cards Against Humanity Theater in Chicago. Stand-up comedian and former film critic Katie Baker is set to host the ceremony, which will stream live on YouTube.
- 12/29/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2019-2020 movie awards season got underway on Monday night, December 2, with the presentation of the Gotham Awards for independent film. Presented by the Independent Filmmaker Project (Ifp), these prizes are decided by juries of industry peers and have honored Oscar winners like “Sideways” (2004), “Capote” (2005), “The Hurt Locker” (2009), “Spotlight” (2015) and “Moonlight” (2016). So who took top honors this year? Scroll down for the complete list in all 10 categories, updated live as they were announced.
“Marriage Story,” “The Farewell” and “Uncut Gems” led the nominations with three apiece. Those three films were up for Best Feature along with “Hustlers” and “Waves.”
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“Marriage Story” was the highest-profile Oscar contender among those nominees, but did that mean it was a surefire winner? The jury voting process opens the door for underdogs and left-field choices like last year’s champ “The Rider,” which beat Oscar...
“Marriage Story,” “The Farewell” and “Uncut Gems” led the nominations with three apiece. Those three films were up for Best Feature along with “Hustlers” and “Waves.”
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
“Marriage Story” was the highest-profile Oscar contender among those nominees, but did that mean it was a surefire winner? The jury voting process opens the door for underdogs and left-field choices like last year’s champ “The Rider,” which beat Oscar...
- 12/3/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
A Gift From Bob, the sequel to popular 2016 UK pic A Street Cat Named Bob, has started shooting. Luke Treadaway returns as James Bowen for the film, which follows a homeless man who spends Christmas with a cat, Bob, he adopted while living in sheltered housing. The real-life story is adapted from Bowen’s own memoir and the original film was a success, grossing $16m worldwide including $5.4m in the UK via Sony Pictures Releasing. Charles Martin Smith is directing the sequel, which was written by Garry Jenkins. Producers are Adam Rolston and Parkhouse Pictures with Align and Twickenham Studios.
WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks has unveiled its new Southewast Asia leadership team. The organization, which was announced in August and unites Turner Asia Pacific and HBO Asia, spanning 42 countries in 14 languages, is headed up by Clement Schwebig, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Pacific and China. Reporting into him are: Yasmin Zahid,...
WarnerMedia Entertainment Networks has unveiled its new Southewast Asia leadership team. The organization, which was announced in August and unites Turner Asia Pacific and HBO Asia, spanning 42 countries in 14 languages, is headed up by Clement Schwebig, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Pacific and China. Reporting into him are: Yasmin Zahid,...
- 11/27/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
(L-r) Anthony Garland, Ali Mueller and Anna Vincent. (Photo: Elaine Lee)
After success with shorts Ophelia and They Grow Up, writer-director Anthony Garland will make his feature debut with sci-fi Alternate, due to shoot at Adelaide Studios next year.
Set in a high-rise office building, Alternate follows an overworked young executive who goes back in time four hours to save his girlfriend from being killed.
The film will be produced by Anna Vincent, Ali Mueller and Anita Gou, with executive producer Timothy White for Sla Films and Lady A Pictures. Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation have both provided production investment, with further support from the Adelaide Film Festival Fund.
Both Garland’s Ophelia and They Grow Up played La Shorts Fest, with Ophelia was selected as Best of Fest.
Garland said:“This is a personal film that presents as a suspense thriller. Ali and Anita have been...
After success with shorts Ophelia and They Grow Up, writer-director Anthony Garland will make his feature debut with sci-fi Alternate, due to shoot at Adelaide Studios next year.
Set in a high-rise office building, Alternate follows an overworked young executive who goes back in time four hours to save his girlfriend from being killed.
The film will be produced by Anna Vincent, Ali Mueller and Anita Gou, with executive producer Timothy White for Sla Films and Lady A Pictures. Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation have both provided production investment, with further support from the Adelaide Film Festival Fund.
Both Garland’s Ophelia and They Grow Up played La Shorts Fest, with Ophelia was selected as Best of Fest.
Garland said:“This is a personal film that presents as a suspense thriller. Ali and Anita have been...
- 11/27/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Rialto Distribution to release in Australia and New Zealand.
Screen Australia has made a “major investment” in the sci-fi thriller Alternate from Lady A Pictures and Sla Films.
Writer/director Anthony Garland makes his feature debut on the story, which takes place in a high-rise office block as an overworked executive goes four hours back in time to save his girlfriend from being killed.
Producers are Ali Mueller for Lady A Pictures, and Anita Gou, with Sla’s Anna Vincent and Timothy White.
Production on Alternate is scheduled to commence in Australia in 2020. Garland, who wrote and directed the short...
Screen Australia has made a “major investment” in the sci-fi thriller Alternate from Lady A Pictures and Sla Films.
Writer/director Anthony Garland makes his feature debut on the story, which takes place in a high-rise office block as an overworked executive goes four hours back in time to save his girlfriend from being killed.
Producers are Ali Mueller for Lady A Pictures, and Anita Gou, with Sla’s Anna Vincent and Timothy White.
Production on Alternate is scheduled to commence in Australia in 2020. Garland, who wrote and directed the short...
- 11/26/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
In today’s film news roundup, Lionsgate re-teams with Roland Emmerich for “Moonfall,” Kimberly Scott is cast opposite Jennifer Hudson, Syd Mead receives an honor and sci-fier “Alternate” gets a green light.
Rights Deal
Lionsgate has bought North American rights to Roland Emmerich’s science-fiction project “Moonfall.”
The deal, announced Tuesday, re-teams Lionsgate with Emmerich after they previously collaborated on the World War II epic “Midway.” The movie’s North American box office take has topped $43 million in less than three weeks.
“Moonfall” centers on a mysterious force knocking the moon from its orbit around Earth, which sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. In response, a ragtag team launches an impossible last-ditch mission into space to land on the lunar surface and save Earth from annihilation. The cast is not yet set.
“Roland Emmerich is the undisputed master of spectacular high-concept epics, and...
Rights Deal
Lionsgate has bought North American rights to Roland Emmerich’s science-fiction project “Moonfall.”
The deal, announced Tuesday, re-teams Lionsgate with Emmerich after they previously collaborated on the World War II epic “Midway.” The movie’s North American box office take has topped $43 million in less than three weeks.
“Moonfall” centers on a mysterious force knocking the moon from its orbit around Earth, which sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. In response, a ragtag team launches an impossible last-ditch mission into space to land on the lunar surface and save Earth from annihilation. The cast is not yet set.
“Roland Emmerich is the undisputed master of spectacular high-concept epics, and...
- 11/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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