DISTRIBUTOR MONDAY #2: SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) along with Netflix are the only distributors over the last decade that have averaged more than three films per year at TFF. Their relationship with TFF has been long and consistent. SPC is the only distributor that has placed a film at T-ride every year for the nine years I looked back on. They average 2.8 films per year. Last year SPC had two films make the TFF #51 lineup: The Outrun and Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight.
SPC has six films in their basket that seem like possible TFF #52 players. Here's what we know about each of them. They're arranged from what I feel is most likely to least likely. Individuals have been past attendees of TFF are indicated with *.
Blue Moon. Director Richard Linklater. Stas: Ethan Hawke*, Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott (Best Supporting Performance Berlin Film Festival), Bobby Cannavale. Played the Berlin International Film Festival. Release date: Oct. 17th. IMDb description:
Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!".
Ethan Hawke is a semi-fixture at Telluride. He was last in Telluride in 2023 with both Wildcat and Strange Way of Life. Despite the fact that director Richard Linklater has never taken a film to Telluride, this feels like the year and the film to make that happen.
The President's Cake. Director: Hasan Hadi. Stars: Baneen Ahmed Nayyef, Waheeda Thabet. Played at Cannes in the Director's Fortnight section. It won the Camera d'Or and the Directors Fortnight Audience Award. Release date: TBD. IMDb description:
In 1990s Iraq, 9-year-old Lamia must bake the President's birthday cake. She scrambles to find ingredients for this compulsory task while facing potential punishment if she fails.
SPC picked this film up after a very good reception at Cannes critically as well as picking up a couple of awards. I just have a feeling about this film.
Eleanor the Great. Director: Scarlett Johansson (directing debut). Stars: June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor*. Played Cannes Un Certain Regard. Release date: TBD. IMDb description:
In Eleanor The Great, June Squibb brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own.
Eleanor the Great played respectably well with critics at Cannes and with the certain push for Squibb for Best Actress in combination with the film being Johansson's directing debut make this an interesting possible choice for TFF.
A Private Life. Director: Rebecca Zlotowski. Stars: Jodie Foster*, Mathieu Amalric, Daniel Auteuil, Virginia Efira. Played at Cannes Out of Competition. Release date: TBD. IMDb description:
The renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner mounts a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she is convinced has been murdered.
Jodie Foster was a TFF Tribute recipient back in 1991 when she presented the World Premiere of her directorial debut Little Man Tate. This film is in French which Foster speaks fluently after have attended school in France when she was younger.
A Magnificent Life. Director: Sylvain Chomet. Animated. Played at Cannes Out of Competition. Release date: TBD. IMDb description:
It follows the life of (Marcel) Pagnol, a playwright, novelist, and filmmaker who grew up in a middle-class household in Marseille and became one of the world's most inventive and prolific artists from the 1930's to the 1950's.
Chomet has previously screened The Triplets of Belleville and The Illusionist at Telluride.
Unidentified. Director: Haifaa Al-Mansour*. Stars: Mila Al Zahrani, Abdullah Al-Qahtani. Release date: TBD. Played the Venice Fest and won the "Interfilm" award (per IMDB). IMDb description:
A grieving mother, fueled by her passion for true crime, seeks answers when a teenage girl is found dead in the desert and the police investigation stalls.
Al-Mansour was in Telluride in 2012 with Wadjda. Wadjda was a 2014 BAFTA film nominee for Best Film not in the English language.
Honestly, I think you can make a reasonable case for all six films.
Blue Moon 65%
The President's Cake 50%
Eleanor the Great 45%
A Private Life 40%
A Magnificent Life 40%
Unidentified 35%
Next Monday: we take a look at Neon.
A NEW CONTENDER FOR TFF #52
Jordan Ruimy/World of Reel is reporting on an "out of nowhere" film that could be in the running for a slot at TFF #52. The film is The Drama and stars Robert Pattinson and Zendaya. The film is written and directed directed by Kristoffer Borgli and was produced, in part, by A24.
IMDb does not yet have a description up for the film but Ruimy writes:
“The Drama” is going to light up festival chatting, and think pieces for months. It’s being described to me as a “very uncomfortable” watch, but with a major dose of sardonic humor.
“(It) centers on a couple, played by Pattinson and Zendaya, whose relationship takes an … unexpected turn right before their wedding day.
Further, and of more interest to Telluride Film Fest watchers, Ruimy contends:
"While a release date has yet to be announced, I wouldn’t be surprised if the film gets positioned for a fall festival debut, with Venice, Telluride, and TIFF among the likely contenders."
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