Picturehouse Entertainment has acquired UK-Ireland distribution rights to Alonso Ruizpalacios’ Berlinale Competition title La Cocina.
Picturehouse’s newly-announced acquisitions team James Brown and Julia Trawinska acquired the film from sales agent HanWay Films in Berlin.
La Cocina had its world premiere on Friday, February 16 in Berlin.
The black-and-white drama follows a Mexican cook in a New York tourist trap restaurant, who is in love with an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship with an undocumented alien.
Rooney Mara stars alongside Raul Briones Carmona. The film is co-financed by Fifth Season, which co-represents North America rights with WME Independent.
Picturehouse’s newly-announced acquisitions team James Brown and Julia Trawinska acquired the film from sales agent HanWay Films in Berlin.
La Cocina had its world premiere on Friday, February 16 in Berlin.
The black-and-white drama follows a Mexican cook in a New York tourist trap restaurant, who is in love with an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship with an undocumented alien.
Rooney Mara stars alongside Raul Briones Carmona. The film is co-financed by Fifth Season, which co-represents North America rights with WME Independent.
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
“La Cocina,” the Rooney Mara-starring drama that recently bowed in competition at the Berlinale, has been acquired for most international territories.
HanWay Films has closed sales for France (Originals Factory), Australia and New Zealand (Vendetta), Spain (Avalon), Italy (Teodora Film), Benelux (Cherry Pickers), Switzerland (Filmcoopi), Scandinavia (Mis. Label), Poland (Monolith), Romania (Bad Unicorn), Baltics (Acme), Czech Republic (Film Europe), South Korea (The Coup Inc.), Japan (Sundae), Taiwan (Filmware International), China (HiShow), Greece (Tfg), the Middle East (Front Row), Israel (Forum Film), Singapore (Shaw), Ukraine (Arthouse Traffic), Indonesia (Falcon Pictures) and Ships and Airlines (Cinesky). Before the Berlin Film Festival began, a key deal with Germany and Austria was closed with Square One Entertainment.
Variety understands that a U.K. and Ireland deal is very close to being finalized, while Fifth Season — which co-financed the film — is co-representing the North American sale with WME.
The fourth feature from one of...
HanWay Films has closed sales for France (Originals Factory), Australia and New Zealand (Vendetta), Spain (Avalon), Italy (Teodora Film), Benelux (Cherry Pickers), Switzerland (Filmcoopi), Scandinavia (Mis. Label), Poland (Monolith), Romania (Bad Unicorn), Baltics (Acme), Czech Republic (Film Europe), South Korea (The Coup Inc.), Japan (Sundae), Taiwan (Filmware International), China (HiShow), Greece (Tfg), the Middle East (Front Row), Israel (Forum Film), Singapore (Shaw), Ukraine (Arthouse Traffic), Indonesia (Falcon Pictures) and Ships and Airlines (Cinesky). Before the Berlin Film Festival began, a key deal with Germany and Austria was closed with Square One Entertainment.
Variety understands that a U.K. and Ireland deal is very close to being finalized, while Fifth Season — which co-financed the film — is co-representing the North American sale with WME.
The fourth feature from one of...
- 2/26/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: HanWay Films has closed a Germany & Austria pre-sale on Berlinale competition title La Cocina with SquareOne Entertainment.
From Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios (A Cop Movie), and starring two-time Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (The Girl with Dragon Tattoo) and Mexican star Raúl Briones (A Cop Movie), the love story is set over one day in a Times Square kitchen.
The deal was negotiated by SquareOne Entertainment‘s Head of Acquisitions Thomas Sierk with Vinh-Minh Nguyen and CEO Al Munteanu, and Nicole Mackey, Head of Sales at HanWay Films.
Fifth Season has co-financed the film and is co-representing North America with WME.
The film’s synopsis reads: “It’s the lunch rush at The Grill in Manhattan, and money has gone missing from the till. All the undocumented cooks are being investigated, and Pedro (Briones) is the prime suspect. He’s a dreamer and a troublemaker, and in love with...
From Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios (A Cop Movie), and starring two-time Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (The Girl with Dragon Tattoo) and Mexican star Raúl Briones (A Cop Movie), the love story is set over one day in a Times Square kitchen.
The deal was negotiated by SquareOne Entertainment‘s Head of Acquisitions Thomas Sierk with Vinh-Minh Nguyen and CEO Al Munteanu, and Nicole Mackey, Head of Sales at HanWay Films.
Fifth Season has co-financed the film and is co-representing North America with WME.
The film’s synopsis reads: “It’s the lunch rush at The Grill in Manhattan, and money has gone missing from the till. All the undocumented cooks are being investigated, and Pedro (Briones) is the prime suspect. He’s a dreamer and a troublemaker, and in love with...
- 2/14/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Willa, Astrakan Film and Cold Iron Pictures are set to join Argonauts Productions to produce “The Boy With the Light Blue Eyes,” a coming-of-age queer Greek tragedy.
Written by Thanasis Neofotistos and Grigoris Skarakis, and to be directed by Neofotistos as his debut feature, “The Boy With the Light Blue Eyes” follows teenager Peter as he navigates the suffocating confines of his superstitious and traditional Greek village community.
Peter is born with light blue eyes in a village that considers them a threat, but only his mother knows. She decides to cover their color with a mask at all times, claiming a threatening eye condition. In this blissful ignorance, Peter and his best friend Aemon embark on an adventure through which Peter learns the painful truth about his eyes and the lies he has been told.
The project participated in Cannes Focus CoPro, and the script has been developed through the Mediterranean Film Institute,...
Written by Thanasis Neofotistos and Grigoris Skarakis, and to be directed by Neofotistos as his debut feature, “The Boy With the Light Blue Eyes” follows teenager Peter as he navigates the suffocating confines of his superstitious and traditional Greek village community.
Peter is born with light blue eyes in a village that considers them a threat, but only his mother knows. She decides to cover their color with a mask at all times, claiming a threatening eye condition. In this blissful ignorance, Peter and his best friend Aemon embark on an adventure through which Peter learns the painful truth about his eyes and the lies he has been told.
The project participated in Cannes Focus CoPro, and the script has been developed through the Mediterranean Film Institute,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: HanWay Films will represent international sales at next month’s EFM on Berlinale Competition title La Cocina. Fifth Season co-financed the film and is co-representing North America with WME.
Two-time Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (Carol) stars in the movie which is set over one day in a Times Square kitchen. Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios (Güeros) directs and Raúl Briones (A Cop Movie) co-stars.
The film’s synopsis reads: “It’s the lunch rush at The Grill in Manhattan, and money has gone missing from the till. All the undocumented cooks are being investigated, and Pedro (Briones) is the prime suspect. He’s a dreamer and a troublemaker, and in love with Julia (Mara), an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship. Rashid, The Grills owner, has promised to help Pedro with his papers so he can “become legal”. But a shocking revelation about Julia compels Pedro to spiral...
Two-time Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (Carol) stars in the movie which is set over one day in a Times Square kitchen. Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios (Güeros) directs and Raúl Briones (A Cop Movie) co-stars.
The film’s synopsis reads: “It’s the lunch rush at The Grill in Manhattan, and money has gone missing from the till. All the undocumented cooks are being investigated, and Pedro (Briones) is the prime suspect. He’s a dreamer and a troublemaker, and in love with Julia (Mara), an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship. Rashid, The Grills owner, has promised to help Pedro with his papers so he can “become legal”. But a shocking revelation about Julia compels Pedro to spiral...
- 1/23/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Film Independent has set seven filmmakers for the 2023 edition of its Producing Lab, an intensive program designed to help creative, independent producers develop their skills and further their careers. The list includes Camila Grimaldi & Farah Jabir (AmeriGirl), Rob Cristiano (Gone by Morning), Daniel Tantalean (In the Summers), Valeria Contreras (Not My Name), Annalisa Shoemaker (Obsolete), and Fiona Hardingham (Smoke Country).
Film Independent looks to bolster its Fellows by introducing them to film professionals who can advise them on both the craft and business of independent producing. Each is paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll look to develop a project over the course of the program. Rebecca Green will serve as lead creative advisor for this year’s program, which will also feature an expansive roster of guest speakers: Jason Michael Berman, Apoorva Charan, Marissa Frobes, Nate Kamiya, Kristen Konvitz, Stephen Lee, Alex Lo, Lauren Mann, Jack Pearkes,...
Film Independent looks to bolster its Fellows by introducing them to film professionals who can advise them on both the craft and business of independent producing. Each is paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll look to develop a project over the course of the program. Rebecca Green will serve as lead creative advisor for this year’s program, which will also feature an expansive roster of guest speakers: Jason Michael Berman, Apoorva Charan, Marissa Frobes, Nate Kamiya, Kristen Konvitz, Stephen Lee, Alex Lo, Lauren Mann, Jack Pearkes,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Even amid the concurrent strikes of the past year, there’s been a lot of bonus hand-wringing over the state of the independent producer. Producers, after all, have no SAG or WGA equivalent. Where then does the workaday, blue-collar movie producer find community support? Or work with peers to advance their collective interests?
Well… linking up with a good Artist Development cohort is a great place to star. Which is why we’re thrilled to announce seven new Fellows representing six new projects to kick off the 2023 edition (and 23rd overall!) of the Film Independent Producing Lab.
“We’re delighted to shepherd this group of devoted creative producers through the Lab and give them a dedicated space to further their projects and careers,” says Dea Vazquez, Film Independent’s Associate Director of Fiction Programs.
“We’re thrilled to have feature films in both development and post-production, to support producers at...
Well… linking up with a good Artist Development cohort is a great place to star. Which is why we’re thrilled to announce seven new Fellows representing six new projects to kick off the 2023 edition (and 23rd overall!) of the Film Independent Producing Lab.
“We’re delighted to shepherd this group of devoted creative producers through the Lab and give them a dedicated space to further their projects and careers,” says Dea Vazquez, Film Independent’s Associate Director of Fiction Programs.
“We’re thrilled to have feature films in both development and post-production, to support producers at...
- 10/11/2023
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
The Film Independent Screenwriting Lab is 25 years old. Can you believe it? It’s officially old enough to rent a car! And sure, hardshell clams and giant tortoises can live for centuries, but you don’t reach the quarter-century mark as a Hollywood talent incubator without substance, value and tangible success.
But more than that, this year’s cohort of freshly announced Screenwriting Lab Fellows are special. Why? Because! We’re in the midst of celebrating #AD30, aka the 30th anniversary of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. And like its elder sibling Project Involve (which got the whole ball of wax rolling in ‘93), the Screenwriting Lab has been an essential industry resource, whether your looking to develop your own skills or tap new talent.
“We’re thrilled to support this exceptional group of filmmakers, who bring compassion, authenticity and curiosity to their work exploring unique communities and characters,” says Dea Vazquez,...
But more than that, this year’s cohort of freshly announced Screenwriting Lab Fellows are special. Why? Because! We’re in the midst of celebrating #AD30, aka the 30th anniversary of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. And like its elder sibling Project Involve (which got the whole ball of wax rolling in ‘93), the Screenwriting Lab has been an essential industry resource, whether your looking to develop your own skills or tap new talent.
“We’re thrilled to support this exceptional group of filmmakers, who bring compassion, authenticity and curiosity to their work exploring unique communities and characters,” says Dea Vazquez,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Exclusive: Film Independent on Wednesday named the eight screenwriters set for the 25th edition of their Screenwriting Lab. The latest cohort of the intensive program, designed to provide individualized story and career development for screenwriters with fiction feature screenplays, includes Bri Brooks, Karina Dandashi, Thais Drassinower, Chloé Hung, Adam Meeks, Nat Moonhill, Veronica Moonhill and Richard Van.
Film Independent also today named Dandashi as the recipient of their latest Mpac Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship Grant, who will receive $10,000 in recognition of her script, Out of Water.
Over the course of the Lab, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Andrew Ahn, Javier Fuentes-León, Jeff Stockwell and Robin Swicord. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Angela Cheng Caplan, Kd Dávila, Greta Fuentes, Jordan Hart, Eliza Hittman, Ana Leocha, Ilyse McKimmie, Lauren Mann, Kiva Reardon, Pamela Ribon and Ellen Shanman.
“In our 30th year of...
Film Independent also today named Dandashi as the recipient of their latest Mpac Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship Grant, who will receive $10,000 in recognition of her script, Out of Water.
Over the course of the Lab, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Andrew Ahn, Javier Fuentes-León, Jeff Stockwell and Robin Swicord. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Angela Cheng Caplan, Kd Dávila, Greta Fuentes, Jordan Hart, Eliza Hittman, Ana Leocha, Ilyse McKimmie, Lauren Mann, Kiva Reardon, Pamela Ribon and Ellen Shanman.
“In our 30th year of...
- 4/26/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Joyland Trailer — Saim Sadiq‘s Joyland (2022) movie trailer has been released by Oscilloscope Labs. The Joyland trailer stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Salmaan Peerzada, Sameer Sohail, and Sania Saeed. Crew Saim Sadiq and Maggie Briggs wrote the screenplay for Joyland. “Produced by Apoorva Charan, Sarmad Khoosat, Lauren Mann, Kathryn M. Moseley, [...]
Continue reading: Joyland (2022) Movie Trailer: A Family’s Hope For a Male Heir is Thrown Array in Saim Sadiq’s Film...
Continue reading: Joyland (2022) Movie Trailer: A Family’s Hope For a Male Heir is Thrown Array in Saim Sadiq’s Film...
- 1/29/2023
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Exclusive: Trailblazing Pakistani movie Joyland has been picked up for U.S. distribution by Oscilloscope.
After becoming the first Pakistani movie to debut at Cannes, where it was awarded the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category, and the Queer Palm, the film made more history by becoming Pakistan’s first film to make the Academy longlist for Best International Feature.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, and executive-produced by Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Ramin Bahrani and Jemima Khan, the film charts the story of the youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family who takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque. He quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show. Starring are Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq and Alina Khan.
Oscilloscope is planning a traditional theatrical release for the film later this year. WME Independent handled domestic rights and brokered the...
After becoming the first Pakistani movie to debut at Cannes, where it was awarded the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard category, and the Queer Palm, the film made more history by becoming Pakistan’s first film to make the Academy longlist for Best International Feature.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, and executive-produced by Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Ramin Bahrani and Jemima Khan, the film charts the story of the youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family who takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque. He quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show. Starring are Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq and Alina Khan.
Oscilloscope is planning a traditional theatrical release for the film later this year. WME Independent handled domestic rights and brokered the...
- 1/6/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Film Independent has set Lexi Tannenholtz (Booger), Robert Colom (Mountains), Aya Hamdan (Out of Water), Shao Min Chew Chia (The Plutonians), Sabrina Stoll (Tiny Birds with Broken Brains) and Pin-Chun Liu (Wonderland) as the participants and projects for its annual Producing Lab, now in its 22nd year.
Film Independent’s Producing Lab is an intensive that looks to help creative, independent producers develop their skills and further their careers by introducing them to professionals who can advise them on both the craft and business of independent producing. This year’s roster of creative advisors and guest speakers includes Carly Hugo, Sarah Kim, Amy Lo, Amanda Marshall, Lena Vurma, Mollye Asher, Liz Cardenas, Dr. Nicole Friedman, Christine Hsu, Lauren Mann, Diego Najera, Ross Putman, Lizzie Shapiro, Anita Surendran, Sheila Hanahan Taylor and Elliott Whitton.
Related Story Stowe Story Labs Sets 2022 Launch Fellows; Filmmakers Receive Creative Development Funds And Mentorship Related...
Film Independent’s Producing Lab is an intensive that looks to help creative, independent producers develop their skills and further their careers by introducing them to professionals who can advise them on both the craft and business of independent producing. This year’s roster of creative advisors and guest speakers includes Carly Hugo, Sarah Kim, Amy Lo, Amanda Marshall, Lena Vurma, Mollye Asher, Liz Cardenas, Dr. Nicole Friedman, Christine Hsu, Lauren Mann, Diego Najera, Ross Putman, Lizzie Shapiro, Anita Surendran, Sheila Hanahan Taylor and Elliott Whitton.
Related Story Stowe Story Labs Sets 2022 Launch Fellows; Filmmakers Receive Creative Development Funds And Mentorship Related...
- 10/28/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Female education activist Malala Yousafzai, who heads her own film and TV production company, Extracurricular Productions, is joining “Joyland”, Pakistan’s Oscar submission in the international feature category, as an executive producer, reports ‘Variety’.
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the Queer Palm and the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
According to ‘Variety’, the film is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an...
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the Queer Palm and the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
According to ‘Variety’, the film is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an...
- 10/5/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Malala Yousafzai, who heads her own film and TV production company, Extracurricular Productions, is joining “Joyland,” Pakistan’s Oscar submission in the international feature category, as an executive producer.
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
It is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognizes the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Yousafzai said: “I...
The film had its world premiere at Cannes earlier this year where it won the jury prize at the festival’s Un Certain Regard strand. It subsequently had its North American premiere at Toronto.
It is currently playing at both the BFI London Film Festival, where it is competing for the Sutherland Award, which recognizes the most original and imaginative directorial debut, and the Busan International Film Festival, where it is in the A Window on Asian Cinema strand.
The tale of sexual revolt sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Yousafzai said: “I...
- 10/5/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
- 9/8/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
UK-based Studio Soho has acquired UK and Ireland rights to Cannes 2022 Un Certain Regard jury prize winner Joyland from Film Constellation.
Saim Sadiq’s debut feature was the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes and also won the festival’s Queer Palme award.
It follows a patriarchal family as they yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet.
- 9/8/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Saim Sadiq’s feature debut, “Joyland,” returns to the world of erotic theater that he explored in his 2019 Venice and SXSW winner “Darling.”
“Joyland” will premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard strand. The title, the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes, will vie for the Caméra d’Or.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Sadiq drew inspiration from his own family and a theater close to his home in Lahore. “I came from a very morally upright, middle-class conservative family, and to find out that this other world exists, literally like a 10-minute drive from my house, that I never knew of. It’s so different, the world of the theater, where sexuality is not...
“Joyland” will premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard strand. The title, the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes, will vie for the Caméra d’Or.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a patriarchal family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
Sadiq drew inspiration from his own family and a theater close to his home in Lahore. “I came from a very morally upright, middle-class conservative family, and to find out that this other world exists, literally like a 10-minute drive from my house, that I never knew of. It’s so different, the world of the theater, where sexuality is not...
- 5/22/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Condor has picked up French rights to Saim Sadiq’s drama “Joyland” ahead of its world premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard. The title, the first Pakistani film to be selected in Cannes, will vie for the Caméra d’Or.
Film Constellation is representing international sales rights. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature centers on the extended patriarchal Ranas family, who yearn for the birth of another boy. Meanwhile, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.
Condor’s slate also includes Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part I & II,” Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow,” Paul Schrader’s “The Card Counter,” Kogonada’s “After Yang,” and Sundance 2022 Grand Jury Prize winner “Utama” by Alejandro Loayza Grisi.
Condor’s Alexis Mas said:...
Film Constellation is representing international sales rights. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature centers on the extended patriarchal Ranas family, who yearn for the birth of another boy. Meanwhile, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theater and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.
Condor’s slate also includes Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part I & II,” Kelly Reichardt’s “First Cow,” Paul Schrader’s “The Card Counter,” Kogonada’s “After Yang,” and Sundance 2022 Grand Jury Prize winner “Utama” by Alejandro Loayza Grisi.
Condor’s Alexis Mas said:...
- 5/11/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Film Constellation, a U.K- and France-based sales firm, has been appointed to handle international rights for “Joyland,” which is set to be the first Pakistan-made film in Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival. Sales duties will be shared with WME Independent, which is is representing North American rights.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a happily patriarchal joint family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
The film is the feature debut of writer and director Saim Sadiq, whose previous short film “Darling” won the Orizzonti Best Short Film award at the 2019 Venice Film Festival and was acquired for worldwide distribution by Focus Features.
The film stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed. Cinematography is by Joe Saade.
The tale of sexual revolution sees a happily patriarchal joint family yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line, while their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious transsexual starlet.
The film is the feature debut of writer and director Saim Sadiq, whose previous short film “Darling” won the Orizzonti Best Short Film award at the 2019 Venice Film Festival and was acquired for worldwide distribution by Focus Features.
The film stars Ali Junejo, Alina Khan, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Sohail Sameer, Salman Peerzada, and Sania Saeed. Cinematography is by Joe Saade.
- 4/22/2022
- by Patrick Frater and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Saim Sadiq’s feature will play in Un Certain Regard.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers Inc., Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers Inc., Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
- 4/21/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Saim Sadiq’s feature will play in Un Certain Regard.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
London and Paris-based sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s Cannes Un Certain Regard title, Joyland. WME Independent is representing North American rights.
Sadiq’s debut feature is the first film by a Pakistani director to be selected for Cannes.
It is produced by the US’s All Caps and Pakistan’s Khoosat Films in association with Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Ab, and Noruz Films. The producers are Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.
- 4/21/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Producers of the Spirit Awards, and non-profit arts organization, Film Independent, announced the five filmmakers and projects selected for their 21st annual producing Lab. The fellows will participate in a program set up to help develop their skills and further their careers by pairing them with a creative advisor who will advise on both the craft and business of independent producing.
The 2021 Producing Lab is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Sloan Producers Grant, a $30,000 grant to further develop a project that explores science and technology themes or characters in engaging and innovative ways, was awarded to Cecilia Otero with her project, Upstreamers. Additional support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts.
“We are thrilled to support this year’s talented cohort of Producers who are championing global stories that speak to the universal human experiences of ambition, redemption and connection.” said Angela C. Lee, Associate Director of Artist Development.
The 2021 Producing Lab is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Sloan Producers Grant, a $30,000 grant to further develop a project that explores science and technology themes or characters in engaging and innovative ways, was awarded to Cecilia Otero with her project, Upstreamers. Additional support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts.
“We are thrilled to support this year’s talented cohort of Producers who are championing global stories that speak to the universal human experiences of ambition, redemption and connection.” said Angela C. Lee, Associate Director of Artist Development.
- 10/22/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and director Paul Schrader discussed the story behind Venice Film Festival revenge-thriller The Card Counter this morning at a press conference on the Lido.
Isaac plays William Tell, a military interrogator-turned-card player haunted by his past. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Tye Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Willem Dafoe) from both of their pasts. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk and takes him on the road, but keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, and Tell is dragged back into the darkness of his past. Haddish plays a mysterious backer looking to add Tell to her stable of card sharks.
Schrader said: “The problem I was concerned with in the film is the lack of responsibility in contemporary society.
Isaac plays William Tell, a military interrogator-turned-card player haunted by his past. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Tye Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Willem Dafoe) from both of their pasts. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk and takes him on the road, but keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, and Tell is dragged back into the darkness of his past. Haddish plays a mysterious backer looking to add Tell to her stable of card sharks.
Schrader said: “The problem I was concerned with in the film is the lack of responsibility in contemporary society.
- 9/2/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar Isaac is seeking redemption — and revenge — in the first trailer for “The Card Counter,” a tense thriller written and directed by Paul Schrader.
The movie, co-starring Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe, centers on an ex-military-interrogator-turned-gambler named William Tell, who is haunted by the decisions of his past. After a vulnerable young man (Sheridan) reaches out to seek retribution on a common enemy (a mustachioed Dafoe), Tell attempts to give guidance in the hopes that it will provide an opportunity at restitution.
“It doesn’t matter to me if you did something bad in your past,” Haddish’s character says to Isaac’s in the two-minute-long clip. But a brooding William Tell disagrees. “Nothing, nothing can justify what we did,” he asserts.
Isaac’s Tell is vague about his past actions, but he does share that he learned to count cards in his 10 years in prison. That presumably...
The movie, co-starring Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe, centers on an ex-military-interrogator-turned-gambler named William Tell, who is haunted by the decisions of his past. After a vulnerable young man (Sheridan) reaches out to seek retribution on a common enemy (a mustachioed Dafoe), Tell attempts to give guidance in the hopes that it will provide an opportunity at restitution.
“It doesn’t matter to me if you did something bad in your past,” Haddish’s character says to Isaac’s in the two-minute-long clip. But a brooding William Tell disagrees. “Nothing, nothing can justify what we did,” he asserts.
Isaac’s Tell is vague about his past actions, but he does share that he learned to count cards in his 10 years in prison. That presumably...
- 7/27/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has set Sept. 10 for the Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller The Card Counter.
The new movie from the original screenplay Oscar nominee of First Reformed follows Tell (Oscar Isaac), a guy who just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Tye Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Willem Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back into the darkness of his past.
Emmy Award winner Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip) also stars in the Schrader written and directed title.
Producers are Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), and David Wulf with EP Martin Scorsese. Other EPs include William Olsson,...
The new movie from the original screenplay Oscar nominee of First Reformed follows Tell (Oscar Isaac), a guy who just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Tye Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Willem Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back into the darkness of his past.
Emmy Award winner Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip) also stars in the Schrader written and directed title.
Producers are Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), and David Wulf with EP Martin Scorsese. Other EPs include William Olsson,...
- 5/13/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, Willem Dafoe round out key cast.
Focus Features will release Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller and awards prospect The Card Counter starring Oscar Isaac on September 10.
Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Dafoe round out the key cast on the story of a card player on the casino trail who is dragged back into his dark past when a young man approaches seeking help with a revenge plot against a military colonel.
Schrader write and directed The Card Counter.
Producers are Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann, and David Wulf, with Martin Scorsese on board as executive producer alongside William Olsson,...
Focus Features will release Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller and awards prospect The Card Counter starring Oscar Isaac on September 10.
Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Dafoe round out the key cast on the story of a card player on the casino trail who is dragged back into his dark past when a young man approaches seeking help with a revenge plot against a military colonel.
Schrader write and directed The Card Counter.
Producers are Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann, and David Wulf, with Martin Scorsese on board as executive producer alongside William Olsson,...
- 5/13/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Paul Schrader’s crime drama “The Card Counter” is coming to theaters this year.
The film, from Focus Features, has been slated to release on Sept. 10.
Schrader wrote and directed “The Card Counter,” a revenge thriller about a gambler who attempts to guide a young man out for revenge against a mutual enemy. The cast includes Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe.
The story follows Tell (Isaac), whose spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable young man seeking help to executive his plan for retribution on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk, but keeping him on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible and drags Tell back into his dark past.
“The Card Counter” is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed,” a drama starring Ethan Hawke as a Protestant...
The film, from Focus Features, has been slated to release on Sept. 10.
Schrader wrote and directed “The Card Counter,” a revenge thriller about a gambler who attempts to guide a young man out for revenge against a mutual enemy. The cast includes Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe.
The story follows Tell (Isaac), whose spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable young man seeking help to executive his plan for retribution on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk, but keeping him on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible and drags Tell back into his dark past.
“The Card Counter” is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed,” a drama starring Ethan Hawke as a Protestant...
- 5/13/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Schrader’s next film “The Card Counter,” which stars Oscar Isaac in a revenge thriller, has been set for a theatrical release on Sept. 10, 2021.
Isaac stars in “The Card Counter” alongside Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe, and Focus Features is releasing the film this fall.
This is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed,” and it’s also the fifth collaboration between Schrader and Martin Scorsese, who is executive producing “The Card Counter,” following Schrader’s scripts for classics like “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull” and “Bringing Out the Dead.”
Isaac in the film plays Tell, a gambler whose spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible,...
Isaac stars in “The Card Counter” alongside Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe, and Focus Features is releasing the film this fall.
This is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed,” and it’s also the fifth collaboration between Schrader and Martin Scorsese, who is executive producing “The Card Counter,” following Schrader’s scripts for classics like “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull” and “Bringing Out the Dead.”
Isaac in the film plays Tell, a gambler whose spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible,...
- 5/13/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Channel 4 Visits ‘Murder Island’
Channel 4 has commissioned Stv Studios, the producer behind BBC crime drama The Victim, to make genre-bending immersive competition format Murder Island. The six-part series blends factual entertainment and crime drama by asking members of the public to play detective in a murder mystery penned by a yet-to-be-announced major crime writer. They will have one nail-biting week to compete to find out if they’ve got what it takes to solve a murder. The series was developed by Stv Studios’ creative director for factual, Craig Hunter; director of development Lucy Hazzard; and executive producer Jonathan Smith. Executive producers are Hunter, Smith, Sara Evans, and David Clews, who also directs. Motion Content Group co-produces with Melanie Darlaston executive producing. Murder Island is funded from Channel 4’s Contestable Pot – a ring-fenced fund to find innovative, channel-defining formats.
Breaking Through The Lens Unveils 2021 Plans
Exclusive: Breaking Through The Lens,...
Channel 4 has commissioned Stv Studios, the producer behind BBC crime drama The Victim, to make genre-bending immersive competition format Murder Island. The six-part series blends factual entertainment and crime drama by asking members of the public to play detective in a murder mystery penned by a yet-to-be-announced major crime writer. They will have one nail-biting week to compete to find out if they’ve got what it takes to solve a murder. The series was developed by Stv Studios’ creative director for factual, Craig Hunter; director of development Lucy Hazzard; and executive producer Jonathan Smith. Executive producers are Hunter, Smith, Sara Evans, and David Clews, who also directs. Motion Content Group co-produces with Melanie Darlaston executive producing. Murder Island is funded from Channel 4’s Contestable Pot – a ring-fenced fund to find innovative, channel-defining formats.
Breaking Through The Lens Unveils 2021 Plans
Exclusive: Breaking Through The Lens,...
- 3/5/2021
- by Jake Kanter and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar Isaac
Focus Features has acquired Academy Award® nominee Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller The Card Counter out of Cannes’ virtual market.
Written and directed by Schrader, whose celebrated works include Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and his Academy Award®-nominated First Reformed, The Card Counter brings together the talents of Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Emmy Award winner Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Tye Sheridan (Mud), and Academy Award® nominee Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate).
Tiffany Haddish
Producers are Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), and David Wulf with executive producer Martin Scorsese. Other executive producers include William Olsson, Lee Broda, Ruben Islas and Stanley Preschutti. This marks the fifth collaboration between Schrader and Scorsese who previously worked together on Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ and Bringing Out the Dead. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International...
Focus Features has acquired Academy Award® nominee Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller The Card Counter out of Cannes’ virtual market.
Written and directed by Schrader, whose celebrated works include Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and his Academy Award®-nominated First Reformed, The Card Counter brings together the talents of Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Emmy Award winner Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Tye Sheridan (Mud), and Academy Award® nominee Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate).
Tiffany Haddish
Producers are Braxton Pope, Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), and David Wulf with executive producer Martin Scorsese. Other executive producers include William Olsson, Lee Broda, Ruben Islas and Stanley Preschutti. This marks the fifth collaboration between Schrader and Scorsese who previously worked together on Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ and Bringing Out the Dead. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International...
- 7/13/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Focus will release the revenge thriller in the US and Universal in international markets.
Focus Features has acquired most of the world on Paul Schrader’s The Card Counter, the writer-director’s revenge thriller shopped at last month’s Cannes virtual market.
Focus will distribute the film in the US and sister division Universal Pictures International will distribute in the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Australia/New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, south east Asia and Latin America. Universal will also handle airline distribution.
Endeavor Content and Schrader’s representative David Gonzales did the deal for the US and HanWay Films handled the international sale.
Focus Features has acquired most of the world on Paul Schrader’s The Card Counter, the writer-director’s revenge thriller shopped at last month’s Cannes virtual market.
Focus will distribute the film in the US and sister division Universal Pictures International will distribute in the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Australia/New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, south east Asia and Latin America. Universal will also handle airline distribution.
Endeavor Content and Schrader’s representative David Gonzales did the deal for the US and HanWay Films handled the international sale.
- 7/13/2020
- by 31¦John Hazelton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Focus Features has acquired out of the Cannes Virtual Market the U.S. rights to “The Card Counter,” the latest film from director Paul Schrader that stars Oscar Isaac, the studio announced Monday.
“The Card Counter” is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed,” and the film co-stars Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe in what’s described as a revenge thriller executive produced by Martin Scorsese.
The film is a revenge thriller following Isaac as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Here’s the full synopsis:
Tell (Isaac) just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell...
“The Card Counter” is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed,” and the film co-stars Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe in what’s described as a revenge thriller executive produced by Martin Scorsese.
The film is a revenge thriller following Isaac as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Here’s the full synopsis:
Tell (Isaac) just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell...
- 7/13/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Focus Features strikes again.
The indie film company continued a torrid acquisitions streak, nabbing rights to Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller “The Card Counter,” one of the hottest titles available at this year’s Cannes Film Festival virtual market. “The Card Counter” is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed.” The cast includes Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe.
It’s the latest splashy buy for Focus, which also recently nabbed James Gray’s “Armageddon Time” and Justin Chon’s “Blue Bayou” out of this new, coronavirus-mandated virtual Cannes.
“The folks at Focus are the best at what they do,” Schrader said in a statement. “Over the years I’ve been jealous of directors in the Focus fold. Now happily I am one.”
“The Card Counter” focuses on Tell (Isaac), a gambler, whose spartan lifestyle moving from one casino to the next is shattered when he...
The indie film company continued a torrid acquisitions streak, nabbing rights to Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller “The Card Counter,” one of the hottest titles available at this year’s Cannes Film Festival virtual market. “The Card Counter” is Schrader’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “First Reformed.” The cast includes Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe.
It’s the latest splashy buy for Focus, which also recently nabbed James Gray’s “Armageddon Time” and Justin Chon’s “Blue Bayou” out of this new, coronavirus-mandated virtual Cannes.
“The folks at Focus are the best at what they do,” Schrader said in a statement. “Over the years I’ve been jealous of directors in the Focus fold. Now happily I am one.”
“The Card Counter” focuses on Tell (Isaac), a gambler, whose spartan lifestyle moving from one casino to the next is shattered when he...
- 7/13/2020
- by Brent Lang and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Astrakan Film Ab will release Lost Girls & Love Hotels on September 4 in select theaters and VOD. From director William Olsson, the drama, which is an adaptation of Hanrahan’s 2006 novel of the same name, stars Alexandra Daddario, Carice van Houten, and Takehiro Hira,
Written by Catherine Hanrahan, the pic follows an American English teacher named Margaret (Daddario) and her nightly pilgrimages through Tokyo’s glittering nightlife in an attempt to forget her painful past and discover new meaning in the arms of a mysterious Yakuza (Hira) named Kazu.
Check out a teaser below.
Misuzu Kanno and Kate Easton also co-star in the film, which was produced by Lauren Mann
Lost Girls & Love Hotels will mark the first title distributed by newly established Astrakan Releasing,...
Written by Catherine Hanrahan, the pic follows an American English teacher named Margaret (Daddario) and her nightly pilgrimages through Tokyo’s glittering nightlife in an attempt to forget her painful past and discover new meaning in the arms of a mysterious Yakuza (Hira) named Kazu.
Check out a teaser below.
Misuzu Kanno and Kate Easton also co-star in the film, which was produced by Lauren Mann
Lost Girls & Love Hotels will mark the first title distributed by newly established Astrakan Releasing,...
- 7/8/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s the first look at Oscar Isaac in Paul Schrader’s upcoming pic The Card Counter, in which he plays William Tell, a former serviceman who lives a spartan existence playing cards before he moves into the world of high-stakes poker.
As Deadline first revealed, the movie has been on production hiatus since March after a cast member tested positive for Covid-19 five days out from the end of shoot.
However, I can now exclusively reveal that cameras are set to get rolling again in Mississippi from early July after a week of prep, with SAG and the local authorities having cleared it to resume. The production will be implementing coronavirus preventative measures to keep cast and crew safe on set, and both the larger crowd scenes and scenes involving intimacy between actors are already in the can so the hope is it will be smooth sailing to completion.
As Deadline first revealed, the movie has been on production hiatus since March after a cast member tested positive for Covid-19 five days out from the end of shoot.
However, I can now exclusively reveal that cameras are set to get rolling again in Mississippi from early July after a week of prep, with SAG and the local authorities having cleared it to resume. The production will be implementing coronavirus preventative measures to keep cast and crew safe on set, and both the larger crowd scenes and scenes involving intimacy between actors are already in the can so the hope is it will be smooth sailing to completion.
- 6/18/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Dafoe have been cast in “The Card Counter,” a casino-set revenge thriller starring Oscar Isaac.
Paul Schrader is directing the movie from a screenplay he wrote. Martin Scorsese also joined the project as an executive producer. It’s the fifth collaboration between Schrader and Scorsese, who previously worked together on “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “The Last Temptation of Christ” and “Bringing Out the Dead.”
In “The Card Counter,” Isaac portrays a card player on the casino trail who sees a chance at redemption when he’s approached by a young man (Sheridan), seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe.) With backing from a mysterious gambling financier (Haddish), the duo go from casino to casino and set their sights on winning a World Series of poker tournament.
“Scorsese and I liked the symmetry of it, the reflection of a...
Paul Schrader is directing the movie from a screenplay he wrote. Martin Scorsese also joined the project as an executive producer. It’s the fifth collaboration between Schrader and Scorsese, who previously worked together on “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “The Last Temptation of Christ” and “Bringing Out the Dead.”
In “The Card Counter,” Isaac portrays a card player on the casino trail who sees a chance at redemption when he’s approached by a young man (Sheridan), seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe.) With backing from a mysterious gambling financier (Haddish), the duo go from casino to casino and set their sights on winning a World Series of poker tournament.
“Scorsese and I liked the symmetry of it, the reflection of a...
- 2/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe have been cast opposite Oscar Isaac in director Paul Schrader’s next film, “The Card Counter.”
Martin Scorsese also joins the project as an executive producer, marking their fifth collaboration together. The film is a revenge thriller following Isaac as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Here’s the full synopsis of the film:
Tell (Isaac) just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda (Haddish), Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going...
Martin Scorsese also joins the project as an executive producer, marking their fifth collaboration together. The film is a revenge thriller following Isaac as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Here’s the full synopsis of the film:
Tell (Isaac) just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda (Haddish), Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going...
- 2/19/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Martin Scorsese is set to re-team with Paul Schrader on the First Reformed director’s next movie The Card Counter.
Fresh off his latest Oscar nominations for The Irishman, Scorsese will executive-produce the revenge thriller pic, marking his fifth collaboration with Schrader after Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, The Last Temptation Of Christ and Bringing Out The Dead.
I can also confirm that Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe have all joined Oscar Isaac in the movie, which centers on card player Tell (Isaac) whose spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), an angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda (Haddish), Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino until the unlikely trio set their sights on winning a World Series of poker tournament.
Fresh off his latest Oscar nominations for The Irishman, Scorsese will executive-produce the revenge thriller pic, marking his fifth collaboration with Schrader after Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, The Last Temptation Of Christ and Bringing Out The Dead.
I can also confirm that Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe have all joined Oscar Isaac in the movie, which centers on card player Tell (Isaac) whose spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk (Sheridan), an angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel (Dafoe). Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda (Haddish), Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino until the unlikely trio set their sights on winning a World Series of poker tournament.
- 2/19/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired the North American and UK rights to Only, the Takashi Doscher-directed sci-fi movie starring Freida Pinto and Leslie Odom Jr that had its world premiere earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival. A day-and-date release is planned for the first quarter of 2020 for the pic, which is produced and financed by Swiss Army Man outfit Tadmor.
The Doscher-penned script questions the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love. When a mysterious disease threatens the global population of females, Will (Odom) is determined to keep his partner, Eva (Pinto), safe from the disease, the government and the bounty hunters searching for the few women still alive. Soon, however, the independent Eva realizes she cannot sit idle and let men decide her fate. The Walking Dead’s Chandler Riggs, Jayson Warner Smith and Joshua Mikel also star.
“Tadmor and I couldn’t...
The Doscher-penned script questions the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love. When a mysterious disease threatens the global population of females, Will (Odom) is determined to keep his partner, Eva (Pinto), safe from the disease, the government and the bounty hunters searching for the few women still alive. Soon, however, the independent Eva realizes she cannot sit idle and let men decide her fate. The Walking Dead’s Chandler Riggs, Jayson Warner Smith and Joshua Mikel also star.
“Tadmor and I couldn’t...
- 11/4/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar Isaac is set to star in a revenge thriller titled “The Card Counter,” the next film from Oscar-winner Paul Schrader that will be presented to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market.
Schrader wrote the original screenplay and will direct the film. Isaac will star as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Here’s the full synopsis of the film:
Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda, Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino...
Schrader wrote the original screenplay and will direct the film. Isaac will star as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Here’s the full synopsis of the film:
Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda, Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino...
- 10/29/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Oscar Isaac will lead the cast of Paul Schrader’s revenge thriller The Card Counter, which HanWay Films will launch sales on at Afm.
Based on an original screenplay by Schrader, pic sees Isaac star as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
Braxton Pope, who previously worked with Schrader on The Canyons, is producing the film with Lauren Mann. William Olsson and David Wulf will executive produce.
Shoot is set for early 2020.
Based on an original screenplay by Schrader, pic sees Isaac star as William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
Braxton Pope, who previously worked with Schrader on The Canyons, is producing the film with Lauren Mann. William Olsson and David Wulf will executive produce.
Shoot is set for early 2020.
- 10/29/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar is set to star in revenge thriller “The Card Counter,” the next film from Oscar-nominee Paul Schrader.
The film, written and directed by Schrader, follows William Tell (Isaac), a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda, Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino until the unlikely trio set their sights on winning the World Series of poker in Las Vegas. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back...
The film, written and directed by Schrader, follows William Tell (Isaac), a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda, Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino until the unlikely trio set their sights on winning the World Series of poker in Las Vegas. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back...
- 10/29/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Schrader has tapped Oscar Isaac for his next feature, revenge thriller The Card Counter.
Based on an original screenplay by the Raging Bull and Taxi Driver scribe, The Card Counter will see Isaac play William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
Schrader will also direct, while Braxton Pope (The Take, The Trust), who previously worked with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker on The Canyons, is producing the film together with Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man). William Olsson and David Wulf will executive produce. The film also reunites ...
Based on an original screenplay by the Raging Bull and Taxi Driver scribe, The Card Counter will see Isaac play William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
Schrader will also direct, while Braxton Pope (The Take, The Trust), who previously worked with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker on The Canyons, is producing the film together with Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man). William Olsson and David Wulf will executive produce. The film also reunites ...
- 10/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Schrader has tapped Oscar Isaac for his next feature, revenge thriller The Card Counter.
Based on an original screenplay by the Raging Bull and Taxi Driver scribe, The Card Counter will see Isaac play William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
Schrader will also direct, while Braxton Pope (The Take, The Trust), who previously worked with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker on The Canyons, is producing the film together with Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man). William Olsson and David Wulf will executive produce. The film also reunites ...
Based on an original screenplay by the Raging Bull and Taxi Driver scribe, The Card Counter will see Isaac play William Tell, a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
Schrader will also direct, while Braxton Pope (The Take, The Trust), who previously worked with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker on The Canyons, is producing the film together with Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man). William Olsson and David Wulf will executive produce. The film also reunites ...
- 10/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Film Independent has announced the seven producers who been chosen for its 19th annual Producing Lab. The fellows will participate in a program set up to help develop their skills and further their careers by pairing them with film professionals who can advise on both the craft and business of independent producing.
Among the 2019 participants are include Camila Zavala, who also won the $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant to further develop her film, Malpelo, and Lebanese filmmaker Myriam Sassine, who is the recipient of the Global Media Makers Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational, and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s industry advisors include Lauren Craniotes (Gersh), Greta Fuentes (MacRo), Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), Valerie Stadler (Big Swing Productions) and Solome Williams (Bron Studios). In addition, mentors and guest speakers in the program include Rebecca Green (It...
Among the 2019 participants are include Camila Zavala, who also won the $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant to further develop her film, Malpelo, and Lebanese filmmaker Myriam Sassine, who is the recipient of the Global Media Makers Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational, and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s industry advisors include Lauren Craniotes (Gersh), Greta Fuentes (MacRo), Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), Valerie Stadler (Big Swing Productions) and Solome Williams (Bron Studios). In addition, mentors and guest speakers in the program include Rebecca Green (It...
- 10/15/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Alexandra Daddario, who is best known for her roles in San Andreas, Baywatch, True Detective is set to star in a dramatic thriller called I Am Not a Bird. Daddario has never really been a movie role that shows she's got real talent. Maybe this one will be it. The film is based onthe book called Lost Girls and Love Hotels, and this is the description:
I Am Not a Bird centers around a young western woman, Margaret, in the midst of losing herself in the bachanal of nighttime Tokyo. Haunted by memories of her twin brother’s descent into madness, Margaret courts danger with her fellow ex-pat misfits in dive bars and love hotels. When she falls for Kazu, a handsome Japanese gangster, she has a chance at redemption but with the threat of a killer in the city, Margaret is in a race to find herself before she’s lost completely.
I Am Not a Bird centers around a young western woman, Margaret, in the midst of losing herself in the bachanal of nighttime Tokyo. Haunted by memories of her twin brother’s descent into madness, Margaret courts danger with her fellow ex-pat misfits in dive bars and love hotels. When she falls for Kazu, a handsome Japanese gangster, she has a chance at redemption but with the threat of a killer in the city, Margaret is in a race to find herself before she’s lost completely.
- 10/3/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Miranda Bailey is the producer of “The Diary of a Teenager Girl,” “Don’t Think Twice” (coming out later this month) and “Swiss Army Man,” which opens wide today. She is the CEO of Cold Iron Pictures, a production/financing company based in Los Angeles. She offered the following thoughts on one of her latest credits, “Swiss Army Man.”
What I’m about to tell you may come as a shock to you: Girls Fart, Too. That’s right, you heard it here first and we think it’s pretty funny also. That said, farting is not the reason Amanda Marshall and I decided to produce and partially finance “Swiss Army Man.” If you’ve seen the movie, you know it’s about two men stranded on an island where one of them is a corpse who constantly flatulates. You may be thinking, what on Earth would two women see...
What I’m about to tell you may come as a shock to you: Girls Fart, Too. That’s right, you heard it here first and we think it’s pretty funny also. That said, farting is not the reason Amanda Marshall and I decided to produce and partially finance “Swiss Army Man.” If you’ve seen the movie, you know it’s about two men stranded on an island where one of them is a corpse who constantly flatulates. You may be thinking, what on Earth would two women see...
- 7/1/2016
- by Miranda Bailey
- Indiewire
The Gambian asylum seeker on trial for killing American nanny Lauren Mann was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison by a court in Vienna on Wednesday. Mann, a 25-year-old student from Colorado working as an au pair while studying, was discovered dead and half-naked in her apartment in the Austrian capital in January. An autopsy revealed she had been suffocated. Mann's accused killer, a Gambian national identified only as Abdou I. because Austrian law precludes his name from being made public, was arrested in February at a Swiss refugee camp and returned to Austria to face charges. • Want...
- 6/16/2016
- by Peter Mikelbank
- PEOPLE.com
The Gambian asylum seeker on trial for killing American nanny Lauren Mann was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison by a court in Vienna on Wednesday. Mann, a 25-year-old student from Colorado working as an au pair while studying, was discovered dead and half-naked in her apartment in the Austrian capital in January. An autopsy revealed she had been suffocated. Mann's accused killer, a Gambian national identified only as Abdou I. because Austrian law precludes his name from being made public, was arrested in February at a Swiss refugee camp and returned to Austria to face charges. • Want...
- 6/16/2016
- by Peter Mikelbank
- PEOPLE.com
A West African man has been arrested in Switzerland in connection with the death of a 25-year-old American nanny found dead in her Austria apartment last month. The 23-year-old man Gambia - a small West African country surrounded by Senegal - was arrested last week at a Swiss refugee center in the town of Kreuzlingen. He is accused of suffocating Lauren Mann, Nina Bussek, a spokeswoman for the Austrian state prosecutor, tells People. His name has not been publicly released. Austria's Kronen Zeitung newspaper reports that the suspect's DNA was found at the crime scene and officials found him by...
- 2/8/2016
- by Peter Mikelbank and Char Adams
- PEOPLE.com
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