The sci-fi thriller has been acquired by Focus Features Hotspotthe second English-language feature film from veteran Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska.
Focus will distribute the film worldwide, excluding Poland, Greece and France.
Hotspotwhich wrapped production in Greece on November 22, contains an original script by Smoczyńska's collaborator, Robert Pulisto. The film stars Andrei Konopka, BAFTA Award nominee Noomi Rapace, and Rika Kirishima.
Hotspot It is produced by Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, Smoczyńska's long-time producing partner, and Bogna Szewczyk-Skupień on behalf of Polish production company Madants. Co-producers are Amanda Lefano from Neda Film, Kristina Borgesson from Film i Väst, Lizette Jonjic from Zentropa, Beata Ryczkowska and Filip Bałdyga from Canal+ Polska, and Adam Goodale from Moderator Inwestycje. Grigory Jankelevich, Marcin Czernik, and Christos V. Konstantakopoulos as executive producers. Focus Features' Michelle Mumblesier is overseeing the studio's project.
in HotspotSet in a near-future society ruled by sentient artificial intelligence, a private eye investigates a murder case only to discover a rebel group capable of undermining the digital master.
Discussing today's deal, Kiska Higgs, Head of Production and Acquisitions at Focus Features, said, “Agnieszka is a unique visionary whose work – whether it's about vampire mermaids, mute twins or a society ruled by technology – is visually stunning.” “Prophetic in theme, we can’t wait to share the latest news with the world.”
The deal was negotiated by Ido Arad, senior vice president of business affairs at Focus Features, and Przybecki & Partners on behalf of the producers. The film is brokered by Mid March Media, Madants and New Europe Film Sales, with Marcin Loczay and Jan Naszewski also producing. Faliro House serves film in Greece. The production is jointly financed by the Polish Film Institute and the Hellenic Center for Cinema and Audiovisual – Creative Greece.
Smoczyńska is repped by UTA, Black Bear, and High Spot. Konopka is represented by Cont-act. Rapace is repped by CAA and Stella Hernström, and her deal was negotiated by Kurt Selling. Kirishima represents Nest Co.
