Latest news with #LocoFilms
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gaza-Set Cannes ACID Selected Fatma Hassona Documentary ‘Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk' Boarded by Cercamon (EXCLUSIVE)
International sales outfit Cercamon has acquired worldwide rights to the Gaza-set documentary 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,' directed by Iranian-French filmmaker Sepideh Farsi. The documentary is set to make its world premiere in the ACID program at next month's Cannes Film Festival. More from Variety French Comedian Pierre Richard's Directorial Comeback 'The Man Who Saw the Bear' Lands at Loco Films Ahead of Cannes Tribute (EXCLUSIVE) Vuelta's Playtime to Merge Film Constellation and Global Screen to Form Global Constellation 'How to Have Sex' Director Molly Manning Walker to Preside Over Cannes' Un Certain Regard Jury The feature offers an intimate, first-hand look at life under siege in Gaza through video calls between Farsi and young Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona. In a tragic turn of events, Hassona was killed in an Israeli missile strike on her home just one day after the film's Cannes selection was announced. Through raw footage and personal testimony, 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk' documents daily life during the conflict through the perspective of a generation trapped in what the filmmakers describe as an endless cycle of war. 'We were deeply moved by the extraordinary courage and resilience captured in this film,' said Sebastien Chesneau, partner at Cercamon. 'Sepideh Farsi's work offers not only a window into Gaza but also a profound testimony to hope, dignity, and the human spirit in the darkest moments of life. We are honoured to represent this essential and urgent documentary and to bring Fatma's voice to audiences around the world.' Farsi, whose previous works include 'The Siren' (Berlinale), 'Red Rose' (TIFF) and 'Tehran Without Permission' (Locarno), described the genesis of the project: 'This film was born out of my urgent need to find out how people are surviving in Gaza. My connection with Fatem [as Fatma was known to her friends] was a miracle, through which a deep connection developed through our year-long conversations. Her bravery and humanity transcended every moment we shared.' She added, 'The film is a tribute to her, and to all civilians trapped by war, yet refusing to give up their dreams. I am extremely happy to collaborate with Cercamon in order to share Fatem's story widely and meaningfully.' 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk' is produced by Rêves d'Eau Productions in co-production with 24images. The documentary combines personal testimony with real-time footage and poetic reflection to capture life amid destruction. Dubai-based Cercamon, founded in 2014 by veteran international sales agent Sébastien Chesneau, specializes in distinctive films from emerging and established directors. The company handles a curated slate of up to eight features annually, focusing on titles that blend art-house sensibility with global market appeal. The company's name means 'world searcher,' reflecting its mission to support unique voices in contemporary cinema worldwide. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vigil for Hamas Hostage Israeli Actor David Cunio Held on Potsdamer Platz as Berlinale Opens
A group of artists and filmmakers held a vigil Thursday on Berlin's Potsdamer Platz, as the Berlin Film Festival kicked off, to call for the release of David Cunio, an Israeli actor who was one of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, from the Nir Oz kibbutz. Cunio is also the subject of the documentary 'A Letter to David,' by filmmaker Tom Shoval, which premieres Feb. 14 in the Berlinale Special section. More from Variety Trailer for WW2-Set Drama 'The Pianist's Choice' Starring 'The Substance' Actor Unveiled by Sales Company Loco Films at the EFM (EXCLUSIVE) Julio Medem's '8,' at This Year's EFM, Explores 90 Years of Spanish History Through Two Intertwined Lives Selma Blair to Star in Supernatural Thriller 'Silent,' Architect Launching at EFM (EXCLUSIVE) The group behind the vigil, called Bring David Home Now, has published on open letter whose more than a hundred signatories includes directors Michel Franco and Ari Folman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and German stars Iris Berben and Andrea Sawatzki, and prominent producer Max Wiedemann. 'As the Berlin Film Festival takes place in the city of Berlin for the 75th time, we would like to remind festivalgoers that there is a captive with ties to the festival who is still held hostage inside the tunnels of Hamas somewhere in the Gaza Strip,' the letter said. 'Mr. David Cunio starred in the film 'The Youth' in 2012, which won a special prize in the Berlinale that year. He was a special guest of the festival and must have had fond memories of it,' it added. The letter explained that 'like hundreds of other Israelis, David was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, from his home, along with his wife and their 3-year-old twins. Their house was burned to the ground. David's wife and children were released after 52 days in captivity. David's brother Ariel was also kidnapped along with his girlfriend Arbel. She was recently released after 15 months of complete isolation. However, the two Cunio brothers are still held somewhere inside the tunnels of Gaza.' As the film festival starts, and Berlin becomes full of life and art, we call for the immediate release of David, his brother Ariel, and the many dozens of Israeli hostages who are being held in the tunnels of Gaza. We pray that one day David would be able to visit Berlin and enjoy it again,' the letter concluded. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
