Metrograph Pictures Buys Venice Prizewinner, Fall Festival Standout ‘April’ for North America (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for discovering and appreciating unique cinematic voices from around the globe, I am absolutely thrilled about Metrograph Pictures acquiring the North American rights for Dea Kulumbegashvili’s masterpiece, “April.” Having had the privilege of immersing myself in her debut feature, “Beginning,” at Cannes and San Sebastian Film Festival, I can confidently say that this film promises to be a riveting exploration of women’s lives, rights, and bodies in peril, as described by EbMaster.


Metrograph Pictures has obtained the rights to show “April,” Dea Kulumbegashvili’s film that won a Special Jury Prize at Venice, across North America.

The outstanding highlight of the festival garnered universal critical acclaim when it first premiered at Venice, with EbMaster labeling it as a “revolutionary, devastating examination of women’s lives, rights, and bodies under threat.” Presided over by Isabelle Huppert, the film was honored by a Venice jury and subsequently played in Toronto and San Sebastian, where it also received an award. It will be shown next at the New York Film Festival as part of its main program. Metrograph Pictures plans to release the movie in theaters next year.

In the story, “April” accompanies Nina, a proficient obstetrician stationed at an Eastern Georgian maternity hospital. Following a challenging delivery where an infant perishes, the distraught father requests an investigation into Nina’s practices. This inquiry could potentially expose her hidden activity—driving through breathtaking landscapes to deliver clandestine abortions in rural village homes—which not only poses a risk to her professional standing but also threatens to undo the fulfilling work that gives her life purpose.

April signifies Kulumbegashvili’s subsequent work following her 2020 premiere feature, “Beginning.” Notably, this movie was chosen for the Cannes Film Festival and also the San Sebastian Film Festival, where it garnered a total of four awards: best film, director, screenplay, and actress, awarded to Ia Sukhitashvili.

The second filming session brings Kulumbegashvili back together with the principal cast and main crew of “Beginning,” including Sukhitashvili and Kakha Kintsurashvili, as well as cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan, who worked on “Bones and All.

Kulumbegashvili expressed, “‘April’ serves as a modest homage to Georgia, capturing both its heart-wrenching sorrow and breathtaking splendor for the world to see.

As I moved from one village to another, observing women living in the shadows cast by their homes, listening to the soft whispers of those who seemed bound by their destinies… ‘April’ became a poignant testament of profound, agonizing compassion and a chilling sense of powerlessness. In some ways, ‘April’ may appear as a troubled dream filled with worry and rage, but it is ultimately an expression of deep love for the place that shaped me and which I will forever carry within.

I’ve got to say, I’m truly appreciative of the Helmer for mentioning that Metrograph Cinema has been a beacon, bringing numerous movies I cherish to the heart of New York City. They’ve shown time and again their dedication as advocates for art house films.

David Laub, the chief at Metrograph Pictures, also commented, “April” is an exceptionally bold and brilliant work of cinema that’s entirely unique and unlike anything we’ve ever encountered before.

Regarding this groundbreaking movie tackling today’s vital topics, it defies simple classification and stands out as an exceptionally original and captivating cinematic experience,” the executive stated, expressing admiration for the filmmaker as a “remarkable, singular artist.” They expressed their enthusiasm to champion her artistry and share this film with audiences yearning for innovative and distinctive cinema. They consider it a masterpiece tailored for the modern generation.

The film titled “April” was jointly produced by Frenesy Film, First Picture, Memo Films, and the Independent Film Project. The producers for this project are Luca Guadagnino, Ilan Amouyal, David Zerat, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Archil Gelovani, Gabriele Moratti, and Alexandra Rossi. Steven Darty, Adrien Dassault, Christian Vesper, Giovanni Corrado, Raffaella Viscardi, Moreno Zani, Malcom Pagani, Marco Colombo, and Federico Marchetti are the executive producers. Sergei Yahontov co-produced, while Livio Strazzera and Jan Pastori served as associate producers.

The deal was negotiated by Eva Diederix at Goodfellas on behalf of the filmmakers. 

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2024-10-02 14:48