Sumerian Pictures Acquires Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan Film ‘Josephine’
Sumerian Pictures has secured the U.S. distribution rights for the psychological thriller “Josephine,” marking a significant addition to their film slate. This acquisition was finalized in a competitive seven-figure deal.
Sumerian Pictures and Their Commitment
Founded by Ash Avildsen, Sumerian Pictures has evolved from an artist-led independent studio into a notable film distributor. They plan a prominent theatrical release and an awards campaign for “Josephine,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
World Premiere and Critical Reception
“Josephine” debuted to critical acclaim on January 23 at Sundance, stirring deep emotions among attendees and becoming one of the festival’s standout features. It is set to appear internationally at the Berlin Film Festival next week.
Plot Overview and Creative Team
- Writer-Director: Beth de Araújo
- Main Cast: Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Mason Reeves
- Storyline: A young girl witnesses a crime in Golden Gate Park and navigates her trauma with the support of her parents.
The film draws on de Araújo’s personal experiences, and her on-screen proxy is played by newcomer Mason Reeves, discovered at a farmer’s market in San Francisco. Tatum and Chan take on the roles of the girl’s parents, who grapple with her trauma and the pursuit of justice.
Production Details
In addition to de Araújo, the film’s production team includes notable names such as David Kaplan, Josh Peters, Marina Stabile, and Mark H. Rapaport. The film was financed through a collaboration of Kinematics, Spark Features, and Yintai.
Upcoming Projects from Sumerian Pictures
Sumerian Pictures is also developing several other films, including:
- “Mile End Kicks” (Rom-Com)
- “The Wolf, the Fox and the Leopard” (David Verbeek)
- “Broken Voices” (Ondřej Provazník)
- “Horsegirls” (Lauren Meyering)
Director’s Vision
De Araújo expressed her enthusiasm for working with Sumerian Pictures, noting their dedication to film and audience engagement. She emphasized the importance of storytelling through unique and personal lenses, as she aims to create universally resonant experiences.
“Josephine” symbolizes a significant step in de Araújo’s career, following her previous feature “Soft & Quiet.” As she continues to receive acclaim, this film is set to push the boundaries of emotional storytelling.
