Strand Releasing has purchased the North American rights to João Pedro Rodrigues’ “Will-O’-The-Wisp”, which had its world premiere at the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes. Films Boutique represents the film in international markets.
Set in 2069, the gritty fantasy revolves around the youthful memories of a dying Portuguese aristocrat who dreamed of becoming a firefighter and unexpectedly fell in love with his coach.
Rodriguez previously directed “The Ornithologist,” which he played in Locarno and Toronto, and “O Fantasma.” “Will-O’-The-Wisp” is produced by House on Fire, Terratreme Films and Filmes Fantasma.
This latest acquisition brought the Rodrigues team back with Strand Releasing who dealt with “O Fantasma,” “Two Drifters,” “To Die Like a Man,” and “The Ornithologist.” Rodriguez also directed a short film that was part of “30/30 Vision,” a tribute to Strand Releasing which premiered at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
“We are very excited to be collaborating with João on this latest film that is hilarious, bold and original in every sense of the word,” said Marcus Ho, co-chair of Strand Releasing. “Joao (Rodriguez) was a like-minded old friend and colleague who shares our vision,” Hu added. The deal was negotiated by John Gerans of Strand Relaying and Jean-Christophe Simon of Films Boutique.
Simon said the company “looks forward to working again with Strand Releasing, a longtime follower of João Pedro Rodrigues’ work.”
The film is scheduled to be shown at major festivals in North America this fall. Strand Releasing plans to release it in theaters next spring. JHR Films will release the film in France. Other sales closed by Films Boutique include Germany and Austria (Salzgeber), Switzerland (Sister Distribution), Baltics (A-One Films), as well as Brazil and Spain (Vitrine Films).
Strand Releasing is currently releasing four films, including “Marx Can Wait” by Marco Bellocchio, “Irradiated” by Rithy Panh, “Peter Von Kant” by Francois Ozon, and Alli Haapasalo “Girl Picture”.
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