Samuel Goldwyn Films has committed to an imminent theatrical release of “Last Film Show” (aka “Chhello Show”), the nostalgic drama directed by Pan Nalin that represents India in the Oscar race for Best International Feature Film.
The company, which previously handled Thomas Vinterberg’s 2021 award-winning film in the same category, has settled on December 2, 2022 for the film’s North American commercial debut.
The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2021, and has since won awards at several US film festivals, including Mill Valley and Milwaukee. It had a commercial release in Gujarat, India on October 14, 2022, which gives it the necessary theatrical release qualification in its territory.
The selection of ‘Last Film Show’ as a contender for the Indian Academy Award by the Film Federation of India immediately sparked a backlash, led by cries that the blockbuster musical ‘RRR’ had been snubbed. Director SS Rajamouli’s action film has achieved huge business worldwide, with some arguing that it will provide a more accessible experience for Oscar voters. Variance Films, the US distributor for “RRR,” is still planning an Oscar campaign to get Academy voters to consider the film in other categories.
“Last Film Show” has also attracted its own backlash, with online claims that it’s closely aligned with Giuseppe Tornatore’s 1988 Italian classic “Cinema Paradiso.”
Inspired by the childhood of director Pan Nalin himself, the film follows the dreams and aspirations of a nine-year-old boy, Samay (portrayed by Bhavin Rabari) in rural Gujarat, India. Obsessed with watching movies on the big screen, Samay’s life takes a dramatic turn when the neighborhood cinema is transformed. Beloved from 35mm to digital.
Last Film Show producers, Dhir Momaya and director Paan Nalin said Siddharth Roy Kapoor in a joint statement.
French company Orange Studios is the global sales agent.
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