Review: "PARALLEL MOTHERS" is Another Almodovar-Cruz Masterpiece

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 39 of 2022 (No. 1851) by Leroy Douresseaux

Parallel Mothers (2021)
Original title: Madres paralelas
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain; Language: Spanish
Running time:  123 minutes (2 hours, 3 minutes)
MPA – R for some sexuality
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Pedro Almodóvar
PRODUCERS:  Augustin Almodóvar and Esther Garcia
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  José Luis Alcaine (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Teresa Font
COMPOSER:  Alberto Iglesias
Academy Award nominee

DRAMA

Starring:  Penelope Cruz, Milena Smit, Israel Elejalde, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, Julieta Serrano, Adelfa Clavo, Carmen Flores, Ainhoa Santamaria, and Rossy de Palma

Madres paralelas is a 2021 Spanish drama film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar.  The film is also known by its English release title, Parallel Mothers (the title I will use for this review).  The film focuses on two mothers who give birth on the same day causing them to bond in unexpected ways.

Parallel Mothers introduces Janis Martínez (Penelope Cruz), a highly considered magazine photographer.  She does a photo shoot with renowned forensic archaeologist, Arturo (Israel Elejalde). She asks him if his foundation will help excavate a mass grave in her home village, where she believes her great-grandfather and other men from the village were killed and buried during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).  After he agrees to review the case with his foundation, Arturo has sexual relations with Janis, who becomes pregnant.

Later, Janis shares a hospital room with Ana Manso (Milena Smit), a teen single mother, and the two end up giving birth at the same time.  Janis has a daughter whom she names “Cecilia,” and Ana a daughter she names “Anita.”  The women promise to stay in touch, but Janis makes a series of shocking discoveries that will change both their lives.

Parallel Mothers is obviously an acting showcase for Penelope Cruz, who wastes no time exercising her prodigious talents.  Cruz won numerous awards and received even more nominations for her performance as Janis Martinez.  Writer-director Pedro Almodovar has spent his four-decade career in film making writing wonderful roles for women that result is wonderful films featuring an eclectic group of actresses.

Parallel Mothers' women are united across time by the bonds of motherhood, family, friendship, and loss.  They are the speakers for the dead and the nurtures of men, but they also nurture and support and lift-up the other women in their lives.  This is the uplift that Janis will provide for Ana, played by actress Milena Smit as a pixie of a girl in need of mothering.  Janis and Ana are the solid center and radiant soul of this film about the complications and twists, the pain and the glory, and joy, sadness, and bittersweet nature of being a mother.

The film has a subplot involving the Spanish Civil War, which is the impetus for the Janis and Arturo conceiving a child.  The search for the missing graves in her village, a grave that will hold the remains of her great-grandfather and the grandfathers of other women she knows is also part of the film's theme of loss and separation.  These men, murdered in the civil war, should ultimately have a decent burial, and Janis and the other women will see to that.

Pedro Almodovar offers a film that is as raw and unflinching as it is beautiful.  He draws out performances that are unashamedly naked and vulnerable in their depictions and displays of emotions, in a way American films tend to avoid, even Oscar-bait films.  Sometimes Almodovar can be riotous and uproarious, but other times he can be uncannily intimate, as he is here.  Sometimes, I feel unworthy of viewing his amazing films, which are so different and so much more daring than what I usually watch.  Parallel Mothers is one of 2021's very best films and reveals that the Spanish maestro is, as usual, in top form.

10 of 10

Friday, June 24, 2022


NOTES:
2022 Academy Awards, USA:  2 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role” (Penelope Cruz) and “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures-Original Score (Alberto Iglesias)

2022 BAFTA Awards:  1 nomination: “Best Film not in the English Language” (Pedro Almodóvar and Augustin Almodovar)

2022 Golden Globes, USA:  2 nominations: “Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language” (Spain) and Best Original Score – Motion Picture (Alberto Iglesias)


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sony Pictures Classics Acquires "12 Mighty Orphans"

Sony Pictures Classics Adopts Ty Roberts’ 12 Mighty Orphans Starring Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, Vinessa Shaw, and Robert Duvall

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they have acquired worldwide rights in all media to 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS directed by Ty Roberts and starring Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, Vinessa Shaw, Wayne Knight, Jake Austin Walker, Treat Williams, Ron White, Scott Haze, and Robert Duvall. This marks Sheen and Duvall’s first onscreen reunion since APOCALYPSE NOW. Adapted from Jim Dent’s bestselling book of the same name, the screenplay is written by Roberts, Lane Garrison and Kevin Meyer.

The film is produced by Houston Hill and Roberts of Santa Rita Film Co., along with Michael De Luca and Angelique De Luca of Michael De Luca Productions. Producer Brinton Bryan of Greenbelt Films helped arrange the financing, along with The Forest Road Company who provided additional funding. George M. Young, Jr., J. Todd Harris, Rhett Bennett and Greg McCabe executive produced.

12 MIGHTY ORPHANS tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up his privileged position to teach and coach at the orphanage. Few knew Rusty's secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn't beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football. Over the course of their winning season, these ultimate underdogs became an inspiration to their city, state, and entire nation.

“There is a reason underdog stories hold so much weight in the popular imagination, and we know the Mighty Mites’ true story of triumph over adversity—set in a time when much of the country was suffering—will lift the spirits of audiences worldwide. We are very excited to work with Ty on what promises to be an emotional and life-affirming film,” said Sony Pictures Classics.

“It is an honor to be working with Sony Classics to bring this inspirational true story to the big screen,” said Roberts. “The story of Rusty and his underdog Orphans helped pull the country out of the Great Depression, and I know that it will be just as uplifting for audiences today.

The deal was negotiated by CAA Global Finance on behalf Santa Rita Film Co.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS:
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 175 Academy Award® nominations (149 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SANTA RITA FILM CO.:
Santa Rita Film Co., headed up by partners Ty Roberts, Houston Hill and Greg McCabe, is a newly launched Texas production company that focuses on developing character-driven features and series. SRFC is currently raising a development fund; next projects in the pipeline are Robert's adaptation of Joshua Hammer's THE FALCON THIEF, the story of the real life con man who became the world's most successful thief of rare birds, as well as ANGELS IN EAST TEXAS, the inspirational true story of how a student play transformed a Bible Belt community, from director John Krokidas (KILL YOUR DARLINGS).

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit  http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

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Spike Joins is the Latest Executive Producer on the Film, "Nine Days"

Spike Jonze Joins Sony Pictures Classics’ Nine Days As Executive Producer

Film To Be Released In Theaters Early 2021

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that Spike Jonze has joined as Executive Producer of Edson Oda's NINE DAYS and the film will be released in theaters early 2021. Additionally, Sony Pictures Classics has also acquired the rights in Asia, Israel, Turkey and the rest of Europe, making it a worldwide Sony Pictures Classics release. The film will next be seen in the Hamptons Film Festival and AFI, among others.

NINE DAYS, which stars Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, Benedict Wong, Bill Skarsgård, Tony Hale, David Rysdahl, and Arianna Ortiz follows a reclusive man, Will (Duke), who is conducting a series of interviews with human souls for a chance to be born. Five contenders emerge, and during the course of nine days, Will tests each of them, but he can choose only one. The victor will be rewarded with a coveted opportunity to become a newborn in the real world, while the others will cease to exist.

The official trailer for the film is now available here.

“Edson is a special human with a special mind and heart. And NINE DAYS is a film that comes straight from within him and therefore is special in the exact same way. Delicate and deep, like the man himself,” said Jonze.

“Spike Jonze has been one of the biggest influences in my life as a filmmaker. His work – which made me see pictures in motion with new eyes—inspired me to pursue this career, and constantly encourages me to tell my own stories in the most human, personal and heartful way I can,” said Oda. “I am so honored and humbled to have him involved with NINE DAYS, it really means the world to me.”

Warner Classics has come onboard to release the film’s soundtrack with Antonio Pinto’s (CITY OF GOD, SENNA) wonderful score.

“Warner Classics is delighted to publish the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for the film NINE DAYS beautifully scored by the talented Antonio Pinto. Not only is the music of Pinto great and inspiring, but it is a key element in the film narration. Long after having viewed the film, the audience will keep Pinto’s music in their minds and hearts as a trace of their unique experience."

The film is a co-production between Juniper Productions, Mandalay Pictures, Nowhere, MACRO Media and The Space Program, in association with Mansa Productions, Oak Street Pictures, 30WEST, Baked Studios and Datari Turner Productions. The project is produced by Jason Michael Berman of Mandalay Pictures, Mette-Marie Kongsved and Laura Tunstall of Nowhere, Matthew Lindner of Juniper Productions and Datari Turner. Executive producers are Charles D. King, Kim Roth, Gus Deardoff, Kellon Akeem, Spike Jonze, Yandy Smith, Renée Frigo, Beth Hubbard, Trevor Groth, Winston Duke, Caroline Connor, Will Raynor, Mark C. Stevens, Mark G. Mathis, Kwesi Collisson, Larry Weinberg, George A. Loucas, Michelle Craig and Piero Frescobaldi.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS:
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 175 Academy Award® nominations (149 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.    

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Eva Husson's "Mothering Sunday" Goes to Sony Pictures Classics

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Eva Husson’s Mothering Sunday

Starring Odessa Young, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Olivia Colman and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they have acquired all rights in North America, Latin America, India, Pan Asia (excluding Japan), the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and airlines and ships worldwide to MOTHERING SUNDAY directed by Eva Husson and starring Odessa Young, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Olivia Colman and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù. The film is written by Alice Birch, who adapted the screenplay from Graham Swift’s critically acclaimed and best-selling novel of the same name.

The film is produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley of Number 9 Films and will feature costume design from three-time Academy Award® winner and fifteen-time nominee Sandy Powell, hair and make-up design from BAFTA winner Nadia Stacey, production design from BAFTA TV nominee Helen Scott, cinematography by BIFA nominee Jamie Ramsay, and edited by Emilie Orsini. Principal photography began in the U.K. this week. Lionsgate UK has acquired the UK distribution rights and is planning a theatrical release in 2021.

The film has been developed with support from Film4 and the BFI awarding National Lottery funding, with financing from Film4, BFI and Lipsync.

MOTHERING SUNDAY centers on March 30, 1924 in Beechwood, England. Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young), a maid in the Niven household, has the day off to celebrate Mothering Sunday while Mr. and Mrs. Niven (Colin Firth and Olivia Colman) attend a lunch to celebrate the engagement of their neighbor’s only remaining son, Paul (Josh O’Connor). Although Jane rejoices at her freedom on an unseasonably hot, beautiful spring day, she has no mother to go to—and for almost seven years she has, joyfully and without shame, been Paul’s lover. Like the Nivens, Paul belongs to England’s old money aristocracy, whereas Jane was orphaned at birth. With the house conveniently empty, they can finally meet in Paul’s bedroom for the first time. Today will be their last as lovers. It is also the day that will mark the beginning of Jane’s transformation.

“In Cannes 2018 Eva Husson brought us Girls of the Sun, a movie with such ferocious energy we knew at once we were in the presence of a major new filmmaker. Her energy coupled with the dramatic conflict between romance and Britain’s class system as beautifully written in the screenplay by Alice Birch based on the provocative novel by Graham Swift promises to be an amazing movie,” said Sony Pictures Classics. “We are excited to be releasing this rich, modern yet still classical movie and to be working once again with our friends Liz and Stephen and the folks at Rocket Science.”

“We are thrilled to be on the brink of shooting MOTHERING SUNDAY during this most unusual time, and we are excited that Eva Husson will be directing our stellar cast, from Alice Birch’s superb adaptation of Graham Swift’s novel,” said Karlsen and Woolley of Number 9 Films. “We are fortunate and blessed to be working with an incredible team, and we are equally delighted to be partnered again with the Sony Pictures Classics crew. Our relationship with Michael, Tom and Dylan spans nearly four decades and they are undoubtedly the perfect US promoters, marketers and distributors for what we all hope will be a beautiful movie. Thank you Rocket Science, Film4 and BFI for their crucial contribution to making this collaboration happen.” 

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS:
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 175 Academy Award® nominations (149 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:  
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit  http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

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Sony Pictures Classics Announces Roger Mitchell's "The Duke"

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires The Duke

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they have acquired all rights in the U.S., Latin America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe (Ex. Poland, the Czech Republic and the former Yugoslavia), Russia/CIS, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, South Africa, South East Asia (Ex. Japan and China) and India to THE DUKE, following its critically acclaimed World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill) from a script by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman, the dramedy stars Oscar winners Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren.

THE DUKE is set in 1961 when Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.  It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government agreed to provide television for free to the elderly. What happened next became the stuff of legend.  Only 50 years later did the full story emerge – a startling revelation of how a good man set out to change the world and in so doing saved his son and his marriage.

A Pathé, Ingenious Media and Screen Yorkshire presentation of a Neon Films Production, THE DUKE is produced by Nicky Bentham and executive produced by Cameron McCracken and Jenny Borgars for Pathé, Andrea Scarso for Ingenious Media, Hugo Heppell for Screen Yorkshire, Peter Scarf and Christopher Bunton.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS:
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world.  Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 175 Academy Award® nominations (149 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.  

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries.  For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com

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Sony Pictures to Release Florian Zeller's "The Father" Dec. 18th

Sony Pictures Classics To Release Florian Zeller’s The Father, Starring Olivia Colman And Anthony Hopkins, In Theaters On December 18, 2020

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they will release Florian Zeller’s THE FATHER in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on December 18, 2020, followed by most major markets on Christmas Day. The film was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics ahead of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and can be seen at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.

Written by Zeller and Christopher Hampton, THE FATHER stars Academy Award winners Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, a father-daughter duo—one mischievous, the other caring—who battle the universal prophecy of loss that come with age. The family drama also stars Mark Gatiss, Rufus Sewell, Imogen Poots and Olivia Williams. Hopkins is received this year’s TIFF Tribute Actor Award on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.

The official trailer for the film is now available here.

THE FATHER was co-produced by Trademark Films, F Comme Film, Ciné-@ and Les Films du Cru and financed by Viewfinder and Embankment. Producers are David Parfitt, Jean-Louis Livi, Philippe Carcassonne, Christophe Spadone and Simon Friend.

 

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS:
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 175 Academy Award® nominations (149 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit  http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.   

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Sony Acquires All Rights to the Film, "The Burnt Orange Heresy"

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Guiseppe Capotondi's The Burnt Orange Heresy

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights in all media, excluding airlines, in North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Latin America, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Thailand to Guiseppe Capotondi’s THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY.  Based on the novel by Charles Willeford, the film stars Claes Bang, Elizabeth Debicki, Mick Jagger and Donald Sutherland.  It premiered as the closing night film at the Venice Film Festival, where Capotondi, Jagger and Sutherland won the Fondazione Mimmo Rotella Award.  The film also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Charming and ambitious art critic James Figueras (Claes Bang) has fallen from grace. He spends his days in Milan lecturing witless tourists about art history. His only glimmer of hope is a new-found love interest, the enigmatic American, Berenice (Elizabeth Debicki). An opportunity strikes when he is contacted by wealthy art dealer Joseph Cassidy (Mick Jagger), who summons James to his villa on Lake Como and asks him to steal a painting from the legendary reclusive artist Jerome Debney (Donald Sutherland). Soon, James’ greed and ambition get the better of him, and he finds himself caught in a web of his own making.

Written by Scott B. Smith, the film is produced by David Zander, William Horberg, David Lancaster and and executive produced by Sienna Aquilini, Aeysha Walsh, Dante Ariola, August Zander, Charlie Dombek, Sherborne Media, Rumble Films, Indiana Production Company, The Ingenious Group, and Hanway Films.  

The deal was co-repped by CAA Media Finance and UTA.

This acquisition rounds out the successful showing Sony Pictures Classics had at the Toronto International Film Festival this year where they also acquired the previously announced LYREBIRD and had strong showings of their titles THE CLIMB, FRANKIE, THE SONG OF NAMES, THE TRAITOR, WHERE'S MY ROY COHN, GREED, and PAIN AND GLORY.   


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world.  Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 173 Academy Award® nominations (147 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com

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Sony Pictures Obtains WWII Drama, "Lyrebird"

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Dan Friedkin’s Lyrebird

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights in all media in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Asia to Dan Friedkin’s LYREBIRD.  The film stars Vicky Krieps, Guy Pearce, Roland Moller and Claes Bang.  It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and will screen this evening at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Claes Bang (The Square) stars as Joseph Piller in this captivating dramatic thriller set just after WWII - an all but forgotten true story - about a soldier investigating renowned Dutch artist Han van Meegeren, played by Guy Pearce (LA Confidential), who is accused of conspiring with the Nazis. Despite mounting evidence, Piller becomes increasingly convinced of Han's innocence and finds himself in the unlikely position of fighting to save the life of the colorful man with a mysterious past. The film also features Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread).

Written by James McGee and Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby, LYREBIRD marks Friedkin’s directorial debut.  Ryan Friedkin, Danny Friedkin, and Bradley Thomas are producing and Gino Falsetto, Peter Heslop and Ridley Scott are executive producing.

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Sony Pictures Classics to Distribute "French Exit" in the United States

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Azazel Jacobs’ “French Exit” Starring Oscar® Nominee Michelle Pfeiffer And Oscar® Nominee Lucas Hedges

Film To Start Production In Montreal & Paris In October

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, China and worldwide airlines to Azazel Jacobs’ FRENCH EXIT. The film stars Oscar® nominee Michelle Pfeiffer and Oscar® nominee Lucas Hedges, and is set to start production this October in Montreal and Paris. 

Written by award-winning Canadian novelist Patrick deWitt, FRENCH EXIT is based on deWitt’sinternational bestselling book of the same title, which was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

“My plan was to die before the money ran out,” says 60-year-old penniless Manhattan socialite Frances Price (Michelle Pfeiffer), but things didn’t go as planned. Her husband Franklin has been dead for 20 years and with his vast inheritance gone, she cashes in the last of her possessions and resolves to live out her twilight days anonymously in a modest apartment in Paris, accompanied by her directionless son Malcolm (Hedges) and the embodiment of Franklin in the form of 'Small Frank', the family cat.

“To work with Sony Pictures Classics is a dream come true for me. They have given us so many beautiful, inspiring films over the years, and the incredible care and expertise with which they release them has always impressed me. As I prepare to embark on production, I am happy and relieved to know that French Exit will ultimately be in their hands,” said Azazel Jacobs.

"When I wrote the novel and screenplay I couldn't have imagined a more exciting cast to embody these characters. Sony Classics is a dream distributor consistently delivering smart, quality work. I'm honored to be working with this incredibly talented team.," said Patrick deWitt.

"French Exit is the fresh, distinctive screenplay we've been looking for all year. Based on the spectacular best selling novel by Patrick DeWitt with settings in the New York and Paris we've grown to love, DeWitt’s screenplay has dialogue, witty and strong and rich characters in the mold of the best Hollywood comedies. This promises goldmine performances from Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges. We couldn't be more pleased to be working with director Azazel Jacobs, a formidable voice in independent film," added Sony Pictures Classics.

The Canadian/ Irish international co-production is produced by Rocket Science, Elevation Pictures, Screen Siren Pictures and Blinder Films.

CAA Media Finance and Rocket Science brokered the deal with Sony Pictures Classics.

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions previously picked up all other international territories excluding Canada and Switzerland.

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Sony Pictures Classics to Distributre "After the Wedding" Remake

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Bart Freundlich’s "After the Wedding"

NEW YORK (May 14, 2019) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights in North America, France, India and several other Asian countries to Bart Freundlich’s AFTER THE WEDDING. The film is an adaptation of Susanne Bier’s Academy Award® nominated Danish film of the same title and screened as an opening night selection at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

[The Negromancer review of Susanne Bier's original After the Wedding is here.]

Directed by Freundlich (The Myth of Fingerprints, The Rebound, Wolves), AFTER THE WEDDING stars Academy Award® winner Julianne Moore, Academy Award® nominee Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup, and Abby Quinn.

Isabel (Michelle Williams) has dedicated her life to working with the children in an orphanage in Calcutta. Theresa (Julianne Moore) is the multimillionaire head of a media company who lives with her artist husband (Billy Crudup) and their twin boys in New York. When word comes to Isabel of a mysterious and generous grant for the financially struggling orphanage, she must travel to New York to meet the benefactor—Theresa—in person.

The film is produced by Joel B. Michaels and Harry Finkel. The film is an Ingenious Media and Riverstone Pictures presentation, Executive Produced by Nik Bower and Deepak Nayar for Riverstone and Peter Touche and Andrea Scarso for Ingenious.

AFTER THE WEDDING reunites Freundlich and Sony Pictures Classics, having worked together on Freundlich’s first feature, THE MYTH OF FINGERPRINTS. Sony Pictures Classics has also collaborated on a number of films with Julianne Moore, including Vanya on 42nd Street, Safe and Still Alice, for which she was awarded the Academy Award® for Best Actress.

Said Bart Freundlich, “I’ve known Michael and Tom for 23 years when we worked together on my first film, 'The Myth of Fingerprints'. They have impeccable taste, so it is very exciting, and great vote of confidence that they believe so whole heartedly in 'After the Wedding’.“

Added Joel Michaels, “I’m thrilled that we are working with the Sony Pictures Classics team. Michael Barker and Tom Bernard run a very classy company and After The Wedding simply couldn’t be in better hands.”

From Sony Pictures Classics, “Stunning performances with a nail biter of a story executed perfectly by director Bart Freundlich. AFTER THE WEDDING makes for a perfect end of summer release.”

An August 2019 release is planned for the film.

The deal was negotiated by Endeavor Content and Cornerstone Films on behalf of the filmmakers. Additional funding was provided by Rock Island Films.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world.  Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 173 Academy Award® nominations (151 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com. 

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"The Fall of the American Empire" Goes to Sony Pictures Classics

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES DENYS ARCAND'S THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights in the US, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand to Academy Award® winner Denys Arcand's THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE. The film, a follow up to his critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated The Decline of the American Empire, is written and directed by Arcand and produced by Academy Award® winner Denise Robert.

Thirty years after THE DECLINE, THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE explores the predominance of capitalism in a society where all other values seem to have crumbled. Pierre-Paul Daoust, 36, an intellectual with a PhD in philosophy is forced to work as a deliveryman to afford a decent living. One day, while delivering a parcel, he gets caught in a hold up gone terribly wrong: two dead and millions in money bags laying on the ground. Pierre-Paul is confronted with a dilemma: leave empty handed, or take the money and run?

Alexandre Landry (GABRIELLE) stars as Pierre-Paul Daoust with newcomer Maripier Morin, Louis Morissette (THE MIRAGE), Maxim Roy (LOOK AGAIN), Pierre Curzi (THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS), Vincent Leclerc (THE REVENANT), Patrick Émmanuel Abellard, Florence Longpré (THREESOME), Eddy King and Rémy Girard (THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS).

The film reunites Arcand with Michael Barker and Tom Bernard after previously working together on Sony Pictures Classics' LOVE AND HUMAN REMAINS and Orion Classics' JESUS OF MONTREAL. Arcand was awarded the Oscar® for Best Foreign Language Film for THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS.

"I am truly excited to come back to Sony Pictures Classics and to be reunited with Michael Barker and Tom Bernard. They are the best in the business, and they know perfectly well what kind of audiences are going to be touched by this film. I made this film in a spirit of absolute freedom and they certainly are the best people to take care of it," said Denys Arcand.

Said Sony Pictures Classics, "Denys Arcand is back with a satirical spirit as biting and as perceptive and as entertaining as he has ever been! It's great to be back with him and bring his new robust work to the American audience."

The deal was negotiated by Anick Poirier from Seville International, an eOne company, and Denise Robert from Cinemaginaire.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 169 Academy Award® nominations (143 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE's Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

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Sony Pictures Classics Plans 2018 Release for Michael Mayer's "The Seagull"

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES THE SEAGULL

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights in North America, Germany, Scandinavia, Greece, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia (excluding China, Korea and Japan) to THE SEAGULL, directed by Michael Mayer and adapted by Stephen Karam from Anton Chekhov’s classic play.

THE SEAGULL stars four-time Oscar® nominee Annette Bening, two-time Oscar® nominee Saoirse Ronan, Golden Globe® and Emmy® winner Elisabeth Moss, Corey Stoll, Brian Dennehy, Mare Winningham, Jon Tenney, Glen Fleshler, Michael Zegen, and Billy Howle. The legendary Ann Roth and Jane Musky design.

THE SEAGULL is the heartbreaking and funny story of friends and lovers, all of whom are in love with the wrong person. The movie is timely in its depiction of the tragic consequences of narcissism, particularly on young dreams and romantic love.

"Here finally is the definitive film version of the master storyteller’s play. It is fun and the cast is simply sublime," said Sony Pictures Classics.

Said Michael Mayer, "If I could dream up the perfect company to release my film, I would conjure Sony Classics. Michael Barker and Tom Bernard have released so many brilliant and varied films in the last nearly 30 years, it's a huge honor to collaborate with them on the release of THE SEAGULL."

"Tom and Michael create passionate and devoted audiences for Sony Classics films and we are thrilled that THE SEAGULL is in their excellent hands," said producers Tom Hulce and Leslie Urdang.

THE SEAGULL is produced by Tom Hulce, Leslie Urdang, Bob Salerno, Jay Franke & David Herro. The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and CAA and Endeavor Content. Hyde Park International represents the remaining world rights.

Sony Pictures Classics is planning for a 2018 release.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 37 Academy Awards® (33 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 163 Academy Award® nominations (137 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Sony Pictures Classics to Distribute "Based on a True Story" in North America

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES ROMAN POLANSKI'S BASED ON A TRUE STORY

NEW YORK (February 14, 2017) – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they have acquired all rights in North America to Academy Award-winner Roman Polanski's BASED ON A TRUE STORY. The French-language film recently wrapped production in Paris and stars Emmanuelle Seigner and Eva Green.

A tense psychological thriller, BASED ON A TRUE STORY follows Delphine (Seigner), a best-selling author in Paris who has developed writer's block. When a mysterious woman (Green) enters her life at a book signing, Delphine's life and all that she had come to rely on becomes a rollercoaster resulting in unexpected consequences.

Based on Delphine de Vigan's novel of the same title, the film is written by Cannes award-winner Olivier Assayas (Best Director, PERSONAL SHOPPER) and Roman Polanski. The film is produced by Wassim Beji of WY Productions. RatPac Entertainment will partner with SPC on the distribution.

Sony Pictures Classics previously worked with Polanski on CARNAGE.

"I am very pleased that Sony Pictures Classics will be distributing BASED ON A TRUE STORY in North America. Sony Classics is a company that has long tradition in supporting European cinema. I am looking forward to working again with Michael Barker and Tom Bernard," said Roman Polanski.

Stated Sony Pictures Classics, "BASED ON A TRUE STORY is the kind of thriller audiences are hungering for, as exceptional and fresh as REPULSION and THE TENANT were in their day. Polanski's new film promises to be his very best."

The deal was negotiated by Sony Pictures Classics and Jeff Berg of Northside Services.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 37 Academy Awards® (33 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 159 Academy Award® nominations (137 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Sony Pictures Classics Completes Its Acquisition of Pedro Almodovar's Films

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES THE REST OF PEDRO ALMODÓVAR’S FILM LIBRARY AND DATES JULIETA FOR DECEMBER 21, 2016

NEW YORK - Sony Pictures Classics announced they have acquired the rest of Pedro Almodóvar’s full library of films including Pepi, Luci, BOM; Labyrinth of Passion; Dark Habits; What Have I Done to Deserve This?; High Heels and Kika. Additionally, Almodóvar’s 20th film, JULIETA, will be released in theaters on December 21, 2016.

The full library of films includes PEPI, LUCI, BOM; LABYRINTH OF PASSION; DARK HABITS; WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS?; MATADOR; LAW OF DESIRE; WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN; HIGH HEELS; KIKA; THE FLOWER OF MY SECRET; LIVE FLESH; ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER; TALK TO HER; BAD EDUCATION; VOLVER; BROKEN EMBRACES; THE SKIN I LIVE IN and I’M SO EXCITED!.

JULIETA, based on short stories by Nobel laureate Alice Munro, is about a mother’s struggle to survive uncertainty. It is also about fate, guilt complexes and that unfathomable mystery that leads us to abandon the people we love, erasing them from our lives as if they had never meant anything, as if they had never existed. JULIETA has received acclaim for its rich storytelling and supreme design as well as great performances led by Adriana Ugarte, Emma Suárez and Rossy de Palma. It debuted at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 159 Academy Award® nominations (133 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

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Sony Pictures Classics Obtains "The Eagle Huntress"

THE EAGLE HUNTRESS HAS LANDED AT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY SEALS DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH SPC FOR NORTH AMERICA, LATIN AMERICA, GERMANY, AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND, SCANDINAVIA AND ASIA

Sundance hit film THE EAGLE HUNTRESS – A FILM BY OTTO BELL has come to rest at Sony Pictures Classics (SPC). A distribution deal was announced today by the film's producers with SPC acquiring distribution rights in North America, Latin America, Germany, Australia/New Zealand, Scandinavia and Asia.

Directed by Otto Bell, and Executive Produced by Academy® Award-nominated director/producer Morgan Spurlock and actress Daisy Ridley ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens"), THE EAGLE HUNTRESS is the spellbinding true story of Aisholpan, a 13-year old Mongolian girl who is striving to become the first female Eagle Hunter in the 2,000 years of male dominated history.

Aisholpan is a real life role model on an epic journey to win victory in a faraway land. Under the tutelage and support of her father and her grandfather, she learns all aspects of this ancient tradition, including taming her very own eaglet and training for the annual Golden Eagle Festival, which involves competing against 70 male Eagle Hunters. She even dreams of hunting in the frozen winters to prove that a girl can do anything a boy can, so long as she's determined.

The film is set amongst the magical Altai Mountains of Northwestern Mongolia - the most remote part of the least populated country on Earth. This little known world is rich in exquisitely preserved tradition, yet spoiled by an ignorance that is perpetuated by this isolation. For far too long, women have been seen as "too fragile" to hunt with an eagle. Aisholpan is out to prove them wrong and change history.

"Without question Sony Pictures Classics is the dream distributor for our film," stated director Bell. "Now audiences around the world can enjoy Aisholpan's story on the big screen. We are all very grateful for SPC's passionate belief in this film."

"This is a spectacular, one of a kind movie. This young girl's true story about her amazing skills with eagles is told in a fresh and exciting way. It will inspire audiences of all ages," said Sony Pictures Classics.

THE EAGLE HUNTRESS had its world premiere last week at the 2016 Sundance to standing ovations and sold out screenings. Aisholpan, together with her father and mother, made the over 6000-mile journey from Mongolia to Park City, Utah to present the film and participate in discussions.

THE EAGLE HUNTRESS is the first feature documentary from director Otto Bell and is produced by Stacey Reiss and Sharon Chang. Daisy Ridley, Morgan Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick, Marc H. Simon, Dan Cogan, Regina K. Scully, Barbara Dobkin and Susan Maclaury are executive producers in association with Artemis Rising Foundation, Impact Partners, Shine Global and Warrior Poets. The film is edited by Pierre Takal and director of photography is Simon Niblett with the film's theme song written and sung by internationally renowned singer/songwriter SIA.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (133 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

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Female Driven Wall Street Film, "Equity," Goes to Sony Pictures Classics

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES EQUITY

Park City, Utah – Sony Pictures Classics announced today, on the eve of the film's world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, that they have acquired worldwide rights to the first female driven Wall Street film, EQUITY. The film stars Anna Gunn ("Breaking Bad"), James Purefoy ("The Following"), Sarah Megan Thomas (Backwards) and Alysia Reiner ("Orange is the New Black").

Senior investment banker Naomi Bishop's (Anna Gunn) world of high-power big money is brutal and fierce, and one she thrives in. When a controversial IPO threatens the fragile balance of power and confidentiality, Naomi finds herself entangled in a web of politics and deception. With an aggressive prosecutor (Alysia Reiner) from her past on her heels, and a strained relationship with her junior, Erin (Sarah Megan Thomas), Naomi is forced to reexamine her own ambitions and the cutthroat world she loves—one where women have yet to break the glass ceiling.

EQUITY is directed by Meera Menon (Farah Goes Bang) with a screenplay by Amy Fox from a story by Sarah Megan Thomas, Alysia Reiner and Amy Fox.

Broad Street Pictures' Alysia Reiner and Sarah Megan Thomas serve as producers.

The deal was negotiated on behalf of the producers by CAA.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (133 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT BROAD STREET PICTURES
Broad Street Pictures, a company with a mission to produce thought-provoking films that employ more women in front of and behind the camera, is engaged in the development and production of movies for worldwide theatrical, video, television, and electronic distribution. The company is led by Alysia Reiner and Sarah Megan Thomas.

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Review: "Jodorowsky's Dune" Documents the Beautiful Madness of an Iconoclast

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 2 (of 2016) by Leroy Douresseaux

[A version of this review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Jodorowsky’s Dune (2013)
Running time:  90 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some violent and sexual images and drug references
DIRECTOR:  Frank Pavich
PRODUCERS:  Frank Pavich, Stephen Scarlata, Travis Stevens
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  David Cavallo
EDITORS:  Paul Docherty and Alex Ricciardi
COMPOSER:  Kurt Stenzel

DOCUMENTARY – History, Film, Art

Starring:  Alejandro Jodorowsky, Brontis Jodorowsky, Michel Seydoux, Devin Faraci, Chris Foss, Jean-Paul Gibon, H.R. Giger, Gary Kurtz, Drew McWeeney, Diane O’Bannon, Nicolas Winding Refn, and Richard Stanley

Jodorowsky’s Dune is a 2013 American documentary film from director Frank Pavich.  This movie is the story of film director Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ambitious plans to adapt the seminal science fiction novel, Dune, into a film during the mid-1970s.

Dune is an epic science fiction novel that was originally serialized in the American science fiction magazine, Analog, over a two year period, from 1963 to 1965.  Chilton Books published Dune as a hardcover in 1965.  It won the first Nebula Award for “Best Novel” in 1965, and it shared the Hugo Award for “Best Novel” in 1966 (with …And Call Me Conrad by Roger Zelazny).

In 1971, film producer Arthur P. Jacobs optioned the film rights to Dune, but died before he could develop a film.  In 1974, a French consortium purchased Dune’s film rights from Jacobs’ production company.  Alejandro Jodorowsky was set to direct the film.

Jodorowsky was born in Chile in 1929.  At a young age, he began writing poetry and later also became involved in theater.  He moved to France in 1959, where he continued to work in theater and also made his first short film.  He moved to Mexico and continued his work in avant-garde theater, but he later gained tremendous fame and notoriety for his work in film, beginning with Fando y Lis.  His fame grew with the midnight movie cult classic, El Topo (1970), and with Holy Mountain (1973).

In 1974, Jodorowsky began writing the massive script that would be his adaptation of Dune.  He approached progressive rock (prog rock) groups like Pink Floyd and Magma to provide the film score.  He sought out Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, David Carradine, and Mick Jagger, among others, to act in the film.  Jodorowsky hired French comic book artist Jean Giraud a/k/a Moebius (1938 to 2012) to draw the film’s storyboards and to provide concept art and designs.  He hired British science fiction book cover artist, Chris Foss, to design space ships for the film, and Swiss surrealist, H.R. Giger (February 5, 1940 to May 12, 2014), to provide conceptual art and designs.

After producing a massive hardcover book containing the script, the storyboards, and conceptual art, Jodorowsky and the film’s producers went to Hollywood, but were unable to convince any studio or anyone, for that matter, to finance the film.  Jodorowsky’s project ultimately failed, but Jodorowsky’s Dune became a film legend.

Director Frank Pavich interviews Alejandro Jodorowsky and the people who were his collaborators on the stalled Dune project to tell the story that is Jodorowsky’s Dune.  The interview subjects include Jodorowsky’s son, Brontis, who was going to play Dune’s lead character, Paul Atreides.  Producers Michel Seydoux and Jean-Paul Gibon talk about the overall process of trying to create such a large-scaled film.

Film critics Devin Faraci and Drew McWeeney and film directors Nicolas Winding Refn and Richard Stanley talk about the project from a broader standpoint of art and of making movies in Hollywood.  They also comment on how this failure still managed to be potent and influential.  Artist Chris Foss and H.R. Giger talk about the sense of freedom that Jodorowsky gave them, and how he encouraged their imagination.

When a director makes a documentary about a person, that person must be a fascinating or compelling figure.  Alejandro Jodorowsky is both, and really, Jodorowsky’s Dune is as much about Jodorowsky as it is about his attempt to film Dune, if not more so.  Jodorowsky might be insane or be a madman, but he is an artist and a cinematic visionary.  Best of all, he wants to make the people who work with him reach for the genius inside themselves.  That is the kind of guy around which a director can build a great or, at least, exceptional feature film.

The other interview subjects, for the most part, are guys that I could listen to for hours as they talk about film, art, work, and life.  However, the absence of Frank Herbert, the author of Dune, is conspicuous.  Herbert died in 1986, and I can’t believe that there is no video or audio of him commenting on Jodorowsky’s attempt to make a film out of his epic novel.  Dan O’Bannon, whom Jodorowsky hired to produce the special effects for Dune, died in 2009, but this documentary features audio of him talking about working on Dune.  His widow, Diane O’Bannon, is featured in an on-camera interview in this film.

The lack of Frank Herbert in this film is a minor complaint.  Jodorowsky’s Dune is one of the best documentary films that I have ever scene.  It inspires me to be creative, and it makes me wish I could find a way to get Jodorowsky’s Dune produced.  I really want to see that movie.  Maybe, if it had been made, his Dune would have been an overblown epic, but just listening to Jodorowsky makes me believe that the film is a lost masterpiece, although it doesn’t exist.  Perhaps, the magic that director Frank Pavich performs in Jodorowsky’s Dune make me want to believe that this film project is still alive... somewhere.

9 of 10
A+

Monday, November 2, 2015


NOTES:
2013 Cannes Film Festival:  1 nomination: “Golden Camera” (Frank Pavich)

The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sony Pictures Acquires to "Eat That Question-Frank Zappa In His Own Words"

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES WORLDWIDE RIGHTS TO THORSTEN SCHÜTTE’S FRANK ZAPPA DOC EAT THAT QUESTION AT 2016 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

(Park City) — In advance of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Sony Pictures Classics announced today that it has acquired worldwide rights (excluding France and Germany) from NYC-based sales company Submarine to Thorsten Schütte’s documentary on iconoclastic composer-musician Frank Zappa, EAT THAT QUESTION–FRANK ZAPPA IN HIS OWN WORDS, an intimate portrait told through rare archival footage.

EAT THAT QUESTION is an energetic celebration of Zappa told entirely through archival footage culled from the performer's 30-year career in entertainment. Weaving together rare TV interviews and performances from around the world, the film by the German director explores Zappa's unconventional and irreverent handling of the media, his irrepressible quest for enlightenment and his witty self-dramatization.

"I'm delighted and I'm thrilled that Sony Pictures Classics believes in the film and I feel we're in very good hands," remarked filmmaker Thorsten Schütte. "The news of the acquisition is really the cherry on the cake of our world premiere at Sundance."

The deal was negotiated by Sony Pictures Classics with Josh Braun, Dan Braun and David Koh of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers.

EAT THAT QUESTION premiered at Sundance on Monday, January 25, 2016 in the Documentary Premieres section. It has also been pre-selected for Germany’s top film awards, the LOLAs, and will next be showcased in the LOLA at Berlinale section of the Berlin Film Festival.

EAT THAT QUESTION is produced by Estelle Fialon of Les Films du Poisson (France) and Jochen Laube of UFA Films (Germany), and co-produced by ARTE France and SWR.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (133 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

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Lorene Scafaria's "The Meddler" at Sony Pictures Classics

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS TO DISTRIBUTE "THE MEDDLER" IN NORTH AMERICA

NEW YORK – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they will theatrically release THE MEDDLER, starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons, in North America. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World), the film will have its world premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions acquired worldwide rights to the film prior to the start of the production and will distribute internationally.

THE MEDDLER follows Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon), recent widow and eternal optimist, as she moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). Armed with an iPhone and a full bank account, Marnie sets out to make friends, find her purpose, and possibly open up to someone new.

Rounding out the cast are Cecily Strong ("Saturday Night Live"), Jerrod Carmichael (Neighbors) and Michael McKean ("Better Call Saul"). THE MEDDLER is produced by Joy Gorman Wettels of Anonymous Content, with executive producers Susan Sarandon, and Anonymous’ Paul Green and Steve Golin.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (132 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES WORLDWIDE ACQUISITIONS
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypicturesworldwideacquisitions.com.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Don Cheadle's "Miles Ahead" Heads to Sony Pictures Classics

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES DON CHEADLE’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT MILES AHEAD

NEW YORK (August 5, 2015) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired worldwide* rights to Don Cheadle’s directorial debut, MILES AHEAD. MILES AHEAD tells the story of a few lost days in the life of Miles Davis (Cheadle), the virtuoso, fighter and genius, as he bursts out of his silent period, conspires with a Rolling Stone writer (McGregor) to steal back his music, and relives the years he had with his great love, Frances Taylor (Corinealdi). The film was recently announced as this year’s Closing Night selection for the 53rd New York Film Festival.

Written by Steven Baigelman and Cheadle, MILES AHEAD stars Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Keith Stanfield. Cheadle, Lenore Zerman, Pamela Hirsch, Daniel Wagner, Robert Ogden Barnum, Darryl Porter and Vince Wilburn, Jr. produced the film. Mark Amin, Baigelman, Jonathan Gardner and Brian Pope executive produced. Davis’ son, Erin Davis, and daughter, Cheryl Davis, are also executive producers, and the film was made with the participation of The Miles Davis Estate. The film was financed by BiFrost Pictures.

"Miles was many things…a supreme artist and a national treasure but also an enigma to those around him, especially during his so-called quiet period," said Cheadle. "With the family’s blessing and Miles’ tenets on creativity as our guide, we used these cloistered years as a jumping off point to compose the story of a self-exiled artist creating his own ‘centrifugal adventure’ to spin himself back into playing music again. And now I’m delighted that we’ve found the perfect partners in Michael, Tom and the SPC team to take this journey with us."

"What Don Cheadle has done here with the spirit of Miles Davis is truly astounding. We are not only witnessing for the first time this part of Miles Davis’ story as it deserves to be told, but also the birth of a major film director who happens to portray the iconic musician in a jaw dropping performance. This movie will be embraced by audiences everywhere and we are so pleased to help make that happen," stated Sony Pictures Classics.

The deal was negotiated by SPC with UTA Independent Film Group, which arranged the financing and represented the filmmakers in the deal. IM Global handled pre-sales in multiple territories.*

*Pre-sale territories were Portugal, Switzerland, UK, Ex-Yugoslavia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Israel and Middle East.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world.

Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 32 Academy Awards® (28 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 158 Academy Award® nominations (132 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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