Talent-driven doc sales outfit Rise & Shine has boarded “Fire Fire Fire” (“Feu Feu Feu”), the feature debut of Swiss rising voice Pauline Jeanbourquin (“Dusk”), due to world premiere in the national competition strand of Nyon’s Visions du Réel docu festival. Variety has had exclusively access to the international trailer.
The poetic and captivating coming-of-age story of a young girl with healing talents, is produced by high-profile Geneva-based Close Up Films, credited for the 2023 Swiss Oscar entry “Thunder” and as co-producer of the Oscar-nominated “I Am Not Your Negro.”
“I enjoy working on first features, meeting a new voice, exploring and questioning what it means to direct, figuring things out together. It’s a responsibility I find deeply fulfilling,” producer and Close Up Films’ co-owner Flavia Zanon says.
“Pauline reached out to me in 2019, and I was instantly drawn to the types of stories she wanted to tell and...
The poetic and captivating coming-of-age story of a young girl with healing talents, is produced by high-profile Geneva-based Close Up Films, credited for the 2023 Swiss Oscar entry “Thunder” and as co-producer of the Oscar-nominated “I Am Not Your Negro.”
“I enjoy working on first features, meeting a new voice, exploring and questioning what it means to direct, figuring things out together. It’s a responsibility I find deeply fulfilling,” producer and Close Up Films’ co-owner Flavia Zanon says.
“Pauline reached out to me in 2019, and I was instantly drawn to the types of stories she wanted to tell and...
- 4/12/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Vanessa Kirby and Lauren Dark have come aboard as exec producers for Swiss Oscar entry Thunder from writer-director Carmen Jacquier. Kirby & Dark’s Aluna Entertainment will back the awards push for the film in the race for Best International Feature.
Set in 1900, Thunder stars Lilith Grasmug as 17-year-old Elisabeth, who is summoned home to her mountain village following the sudden death of her older sister. After five years in a convent, Elisabeth returns to help her family’s farm, but finds herself stifled by the suffocating rules of the village and the silence around her sister’s death – prompting her to fight for her right to experience life and love in rebellion against the community’s strict expectations.
“From the moment we saw Thunder at the Marrakech Film Festival we were blown away by Carmen’s astonishing debut, which marks the arrival of an exciting new voice in cinema,...
Set in 1900, Thunder stars Lilith Grasmug as 17-year-old Elisabeth, who is summoned home to her mountain village following the sudden death of her older sister. After five years in a convent, Elisabeth returns to help her family’s farm, but finds herself stifled by the suffocating rules of the village and the silence around her sister’s death – prompting her to fight for her right to experience life and love in rebellion against the community’s strict expectations.
“From the moment we saw Thunder at the Marrakech Film Festival we were blown away by Carmen’s astonishing debut, which marks the arrival of an exciting new voice in cinema,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Gkids has released the new English language trailer for Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron.” Both the original Japanese and English language versions premiere in nationwide theaters on Dec. 8, following special preview engagements in New York and Los Angeles beginning on Nov. 22.
The trailer features a first look at vocal performances from Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh. The English-language dub was made in alignment with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.
The animated feature from Studio Ghibli was written and directed by Miyazaki, produced by Toshio Suzuki and features a musical score from Joe Hisaishi, a longtime collaborator of Miyazaki. Kenshi Yonezu wrote and performed the film’s theme song “Spinning Globe.” Miyazaki and Suzuki were co-founders of Studio Ghibli.
“The Boy and the Heron” first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 7.
See the full trailer below.
The trailer features a first look at vocal performances from Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh. The English-language dub was made in alignment with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.
The animated feature from Studio Ghibli was written and directed by Miyazaki, produced by Toshio Suzuki and features a musical score from Joe Hisaishi, a longtime collaborator of Miyazaki. Kenshi Yonezu wrote and performed the film’s theme song “Spinning Globe.” Miyazaki and Suzuki were co-founders of Studio Ghibli.
“The Boy and the Heron” first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 7.
See the full trailer below.
- 10/30/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Caroline Brew and Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Switzerland has selected Camille Jaquier’s coming-of-age period drama Thunder (Foudre) as its entry for the Best International Film category at the 2024 Oscars.
Set in 1900, the film stars Lilith Grasmug as a 17-year-old girl on the cusp of taking vows to become a nun, whose life is set on another course following the sudden death of her older sister.
She returns to her family after five years in the convent to help on their farm in a mountain village. The mysteries surrounding her sister’s death prompt her to fight for her right to self-determination and to rebel against the strict expectations of the village community.
The drama originally world premiered in Toronto’s Platform line-up in 2022 and then played at a host of other festivals including San Sebastian, Zurich, Busan and Sydney.
“Set in an archaic mountain scenery, liberation and sisterhood are at the center of this timely feminist period film.
Set in 1900, the film stars Lilith Grasmug as a 17-year-old girl on the cusp of taking vows to become a nun, whose life is set on another course following the sudden death of her older sister.
She returns to her family after five years in the convent to help on their farm in a mountain village. The mysteries surrounding her sister’s death prompt her to fight for her right to self-determination and to rebel against the strict expectations of the village community.
The drama originally world premiered in Toronto’s Platform line-up in 2022 and then played at a host of other festivals including San Sebastian, Zurich, Busan and Sydney.
“Set in an archaic mountain scenery, liberation and sisterhood are at the center of this timely feminist period film.
- 8/7/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Switzerland has picked Thunder, the feature film debut of director Carmen Jaquier, as its official contender for the 2024 Oscars in the best international feature category.
Thunder premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year and had a successful festival run, screening at the San Sebastian, Busan, Zurich and Locarno film festivals, among others. Set in a small Swiss village in 1900, the period drama follow 17-year-old Elisabeth, played by French actress Lilith Grasmug, who returns home from her convent after learning of her sister’s mysterious death. Reconnecting with three of her childhood friends, she begins to see how her religious faith and her growing sense of sexuality are intertwined.
“Set in an archaic mountain scenery, liberation and sisterhood are at the center of this timely feminist period film,” the Swiss selection committee said in a statement explaining their choice. “Carmen Jaquier’s uniquely sensual first feature skillfully explores sexuality and...
Thunder premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year and had a successful festival run, screening at the San Sebastian, Busan, Zurich and Locarno film festivals, among others. Set in a small Swiss village in 1900, the period drama follow 17-year-old Elisabeth, played by French actress Lilith Grasmug, who returns home from her convent after learning of her sister’s mysterious death. Reconnecting with three of her childhood friends, she begins to see how her religious faith and her growing sense of sexuality are intertwined.
“Set in an archaic mountain scenery, liberation and sisterhood are at the center of this timely feminist period film,” the Swiss selection committee said in a statement explaining their choice. “Carmen Jaquier’s uniquely sensual first feature skillfully explores sexuality and...
- 8/6/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2024 Oscars race has officially begun, with “Thunder” marking the official entry for Switzerland in the International Feature Film category.
Directed by Carmen Jaquier, “Thunder” is a coming-of-age story focused on a teenage girl (Lilith Grasmug) who is forced to leave a nunnery after her elder sister dies in mysterious circumstances. Set in 1900, the film marks Jaquier’s first feature. “Thunder” premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win Swiss Film Awards, an Emerging Swiss Talent Award at Zurich, a Special Jury Prize in Rome, and a best director prize in Marrakech. Its Oscars recognition was announced during this year’s Locarno Film Festival on August 4.
In a statement about its decision, the selection jury said, “Set in an archaic mountain scenery, liberation and sisterhood are at the center of this timely feminist period film. Carmen Jaquier’s uniquely sensual first feature skillfully explores sexuality and...
Directed by Carmen Jaquier, “Thunder” is a coming-of-age story focused on a teenage girl (Lilith Grasmug) who is forced to leave a nunnery after her elder sister dies in mysterious circumstances. Set in 1900, the film marks Jaquier’s first feature. “Thunder” premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win Swiss Film Awards, an Emerging Swiss Talent Award at Zurich, a Special Jury Prize in Rome, and a best director prize in Marrakech. Its Oscars recognition was announced during this year’s Locarno Film Festival on August 4.
In a statement about its decision, the selection jury said, “Set in an archaic mountain scenery, liberation and sisterhood are at the center of this timely feminist period film. Carmen Jaquier’s uniquely sensual first feature skillfully explores sexuality and...
- 8/4/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lab takes place at Marrakech, Rotterdam film festivals.
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Lab takes place at Marrakech, Rotterdam film festivals.
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Orange Studio has boarded “Tanzanite,” a female-centric thriller from Swiss-Rwandan filmmaker Kantarama Gahigiri, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Tanzanite” takes place in the year 2045 in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, a lawless city where temperatures have become dangerously high and the government has imposed a curfew to tame brewing unrest. One day, a bright and feisty 11-year-old girl working in an illegal mine discovers a precious tanzanite gemstone, which is believed to hold the soul of the region and give hope and protection to its bearer.
But the gemstone’s discovery sets off a scramble to possess it and harness its powers, pitting a psychopathic cult leader and his private army against an all-female militia and a jaded detective on the downward slope of her career.
“Tanzanite” is co-produced by Urucu Media and Close Up Films, with development funding from Orange Studio and Switzerland’s Migros. The film is co-written by Gahigiri...
“Tanzanite” takes place in the year 2045 in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, a lawless city where temperatures have become dangerously high and the government has imposed a curfew to tame brewing unrest. One day, a bright and feisty 11-year-old girl working in an illegal mine discovers a precious tanzanite gemstone, which is believed to hold the soul of the region and give hope and protection to its bearer.
But the gemstone’s discovery sets off a scramble to possess it and harness its powers, pitting a psychopathic cult leader and his private army against an all-female militia and a jaded detective on the downward slope of her career.
“Tanzanite” is co-produced by Urucu Media and Close Up Films, with development funding from Orange Studio and Switzerland’s Migros. The film is co-written by Gahigiri...
- 7/22/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s iteration will take place on its original dates - May 11-15, 2020 - independently of Cannes.
20 up-and-coming producers have been selected for the European Film Promotion’s (Efp) networking platform Producers on the Move, which this year will take place online after the Cannes Film Festival was postponed.
This year’s iteration will go ahead independent of Cannes on its original dates – May 11-15, 2020 - and will include online speed meetings, roundtable sessions, case studies, and talks with experts.
Among this year’s line-up are Monica Hellström, who produced Simon Lereng Wilmont’s documentary The Distant Barking Of Dogs,...
20 up-and-coming producers have been selected for the European Film Promotion’s (Efp) networking platform Producers on the Move, which this year will take place online after the Cannes Film Festival was postponed.
This year’s iteration will go ahead independent of Cannes on its original dates – May 11-15, 2020 - and will include online speed meetings, roundtable sessions, case studies, and talks with experts.
Among this year’s line-up are Monica Hellström, who produced Simon Lereng Wilmont’s documentary The Distant Barking Of Dogs,...
- 5/5/2020
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
European Film Promotion’s networking program Producers on the Move will take place as a digital edition on its original dates – from May 11 to 15 – and independently of the Cannes Film Festival, which has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Twenty up-and-coming European producers will meet online and present their projects in speed meetings and roundtable sessions. A case study as well as talks with experts will round out the program.
Efp, a network of 37 European film promotion institutions, has selected the following producers from 20 different European countries: Vesela Kazakova (Bulgaria), Danijel Pek (Croatia), Mikuláš Novotny (Czech Republic), Monica Hellström (Denmark), Elina Litvinova (Estonia), Aleksi Hyvärinen (Finland), Andrea Queralt (France), Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer (Germany), John Wallace (Ireland), Giovanni Pompili (Italy), Yll Uka (Kosovo), Marija Razgutė (Lithuania), Alan R. Milligan (Norway), Marta Habior (Poland), Mário Patrocínio (Portugal), Marina Gumzi (Slovenia), Olmo Figueredo González-Quevedo (Spain), Marie Kjellson (Sweden), Flavia Zanon (Switzerland) and Rupert Lloyd (U.
Twenty up-and-coming European producers will meet online and present their projects in speed meetings and roundtable sessions. A case study as well as talks with experts will round out the program.
Efp, a network of 37 European film promotion institutions, has selected the following producers from 20 different European countries: Vesela Kazakova (Bulgaria), Danijel Pek (Croatia), Mikuláš Novotny (Czech Republic), Monica Hellström (Denmark), Elina Litvinova (Estonia), Aleksi Hyvärinen (Finland), Andrea Queralt (France), Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer (Germany), John Wallace (Ireland), Giovanni Pompili (Italy), Yll Uka (Kosovo), Marija Razgutė (Lithuania), Alan R. Milligan (Norway), Marta Habior (Poland), Mário Patrocínio (Portugal), Marina Gumzi (Slovenia), Olmo Figueredo González-Quevedo (Spain), Marie Kjellson (Sweden), Flavia Zanon (Switzerland) and Rupert Lloyd (U.
- 5/5/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Switzerland’s Close Up Films, producer of the Participant Media-backed Toronto-premiered “Sing Me a Song” and co-producer of high-profile Cannes title “The Swallows of Kabul,” is developing a new production, “The Gift” (“Faiseuse de Secret”).
Set to be presented on Saturday April 25 as part of an Rts Prize: Documentary Perspectives showcase at Visions du Réel in Nyon, Switzerland, news of “The Gift,” comes as Close Up Films bows its latest film, Michele Pennetta’s “Il Mio Corpo,” in main competition on Visions du Réel’s online platform. It will be made available to 500 viewers over April 25 to May 2. Swiss sales company Sweet Spot Docs has acquired international sales rights to “Il Mio Corpo.”
Produced by Close Up Films’ Flavia Zanon, whose credits also include Karim Sayed’s “My English Cousin” and Locarno-selected “Bird Island,” “The Gift” turns on what seems a remarkable phenomenon for modern-day Switzerland. The Secret is...
Set to be presented on Saturday April 25 as part of an Rts Prize: Documentary Perspectives showcase at Visions du Réel in Nyon, Switzerland, news of “The Gift,” comes as Close Up Films bows its latest film, Michele Pennetta’s “Il Mio Corpo,” in main competition on Visions du Réel’s online platform. It will be made available to 500 viewers over April 25 to May 2. Swiss sales company Sweet Spot Docs has acquired international sales rights to “Il Mio Corpo.”
Produced by Close Up Films’ Flavia Zanon, whose credits also include Karim Sayed’s “My English Cousin” and Locarno-selected “Bird Island,” “The Gift” turns on what seems a remarkable phenomenon for modern-day Switzerland. The Secret is...
- 4/24/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Locarno, Switzerland – Thanks to partnerships with Cinema do Brasil, Polish Film Institute, Swiss Films, Estonian Film Institute, Israel Film Fund, Istituto Luce Cinecittà – Filmitalia, Latvian Film Centre, Lithuanian Film Centre and the Mexican Film Institute (Imcine), three upcoming producers from each of these institutions’ countries have met at Locarno Festival’s Match-Me! A platform during the Locarno Pro days, the representatives introduce their companies’ profile and projects to potential co-producers, funds or sales companies through a tailor-made matchmaking program.
These twenty-four producers come from different backgrounds, are based in countries of all sizes and varying maturity of film sectors. What might they have in common beyond a passion for storytelling? Do they face similar challenges? Have their young companies evolved in a similar way?
In asking them and checking the lineups and flagship projects they’re bringing to this year’s 4th edition of Match-Me!, the answer to these questions is a strong yes.
These twenty-four producers come from different backgrounds, are based in countries of all sizes and varying maturity of film sectors. What might they have in common beyond a passion for storytelling? Do they face similar challenges? Have their young companies evolved in a similar way?
In asking them and checking the lineups and flagship projects they’re bringing to this year’s 4th edition of Match-Me!, the answer to these questions is a strong yes.
- 8/5/2018
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
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