Focus Features has acquired worldwide distribution rights, excluding Poland, Greece, and France, to “Hot Spot,” a near-future thriller about synthetic intelligence from director Agnieszka Smoczyńska.
The movie, which wrapped manufacturing in Greece on Nov. 22, marks Smoczyńska’s second collaboration with the studio following “The Silent Twins.”
Set in a society dominated by sentient AI, the movie follows a non-public investigator who stumbles upon a insurgent group able to undermining the digital overlord whereas investigating a homicide case. BAFTA nominee Noomi Rapace stars alongside Andrzej Konopka and Reika Kirishima, working from an authentic script by Smoczyńska’s frequent collaborator Robert Bolesto.
Polish manufacturing firm Madants’ Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, Smoczyńska’s longtime producing associate, and Bogna Szewczyk-Skupień are producing. Co-producers embrace Amanda Livanou (Neda Movie), Kristina Börjeson (Movie i Väst), Lizette Jonjic (Zentropa), Canal+ Polska’s Beata Ryczkowska and Filip Bałdyga, and Adam Gudell from Moderator Inwestycje. Gregory Jankilevitsch, Marcin Czernik, and Christos V. Konstantakopulos function govt producers, with Focus Options’ Michelle Momplaisir overseeing the challenge.
The deal was negotiated by Focus Options’ senior VP of enterprise affairs Iddo Arad and Przybecki & Companions for the producers. Mid March Media, Madants, and New Europe Movie Gross sales brokered the movie, with Marcin Łuczaj and Jan Naszewski additionally govt producing. Faliro Home is dealing with Greek manufacturing providers. The Polish Movie Institute and the Hellenic Movie & Audiovisual Heart – Artistic Greece co-financed the manufacturing.
“Agnieszka is a singular visionary whose work – be it about vampire mermaids, silent twins or a tech-ruled society – is each visually astounding and thematically prophetic, and we are able to’t wait to share her newest with the world,” mentioned Kiska Higgs, president of manufacturing and acquisitions at Focus Options.
Smoczyńska added: “I’m honored to work with Focus Options. Their outstanding achievements in movie are matched solely by their unwavering respect and assist for administrators. With ‘Scorching Spot,’ my aim is to create an immersive cinematic expertise that captures the essence of immediately’s world, the place superior expertise appears like magic, and love is intricately tied to worry.”
Smoczyńska is represented by UTA, Black Bear, and Excessive Spot. Konopka is with Cont-act, whereas Rapace is repped by CAA and Stella Hernström, with Kurt Promoting negotiating the deal. Kirishima is represented by Nest Co.
Focus Options’ present slate contains Edward Berger’s “Conclave” with Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini; Morgan Neville’s Lego-themed Pharrell Williams biopic “Piece by Piece”; Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu”; Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag” starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender; Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia” with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons; Ronan Day-Lewis’ directorial debut “Anemone” that includes Daniel Day-Lewis; “Music Sung Blue” with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson; Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley; and a brand new “Downton Abbey” instalment.
