Sumerian Pictures Acquires U.S. Rights for ‘Josephine’
Sumerian Pictures has successfully acquired the U.S. rights to the acclaimed film “Josephine,” recently awarded at the Sundance Film Festival. This competitive, seven-figure deal highlights Sumerian’s commitment to a major theatrical release alongside a robust awards campaign.
“Josephine” Overview
“Josephine,” which made waves at Sundance, features a talented cast that includes Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Mason Reeves, Philip Ettinger, and Syra McCarthy. The film’s plot centers around an 8-year-old girl who witnesses a crime in Golden Gate Park. Her parents, portrayed by Tatum and Chan, must navigate their daughter’s emotional turmoil while confronting their own fears.
Upcoming Screenings
- The film will screen in the main competition at the Berlin Film Festival, with its first public showing set for February 20.
- Berlin Film Festival, also known as Berlinale, runs from February 20 to February 22.
Implications for the Indie Film Landscape
This acquisition underscores a promising trend for independent filmmakers, as Sumerian Pictures emerges as a significant player in film distribution. Sumerian’s founder, Ash Avildsen, and president, Rob Williams, expressed their excitement about working with director Beth de Araújo, emphasizing the film’s emotional depth and the accolades it has already garnered.
De Araújo, who has previously directed “Soft & Quiet,” is well-regarded for her ability to handle challenging topics. The recognition from Sundance has positioned “Josephine” favorably for the upcoming awards season, akin to previous successful films like “Minari” and “CODA.”
Supporting Team and Production Details
The film is produced by a collaborative team including David Kaplan, Josh Peters, and the cast members themselves. Executive producers include Emanuel Nunez and Jordan Rapaport. Kinematics and Spark Features played vital roles in the film’s financing, along with support from Yintai.
In addition to “Josephine,” Sumerian Pictures has a lineup of theatrical releases planned, including:
- Mile End Kicks, directed by Chandler Levack (theatrical release on April 17)
- The Wolf, the Fox and the Leopard, directed by David Verbeek
- Broken Voices, directed by Ondřej Provazník
- Horsegirls, directed by Lauren Meyering
Sumerian Pictures, primarily known for its work in the music industry, is diversifying into film production, signaling a new chapter for the company. With their initial steps into theatrical distribution, the future looks bright for both Sumerian and the independent film community as a whole.
