Paris-based MPM Premium has acquired world gross sales rights to hyperrealistic drama “Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream,” by Iraqi director-producer Mohamed Al-Daradji (“Son of Babylon”), forward of the movie’s world premiere on the present Locarno Movie Pageant.
Screening Aug. 12 in Locarno’s Piazza Grande part, the movie’s subsequent cease might be as a part of the Toronto Movie Pageant’s Centerpiece choice in September.
The function tells a narrative of loss and hope set in war-torn Baghdad’s streets in 2019, following Chum-Chum, a diabetic 9-year-old boy looking for his useless dad and mom by means of a legendary gate to Irkalla within the Tigris River, whereas pal Moody faces militia recruitment.
“Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream” groups corporations from Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, France, U.Ok. and Saudi Arabia, being produced by Al-Daradji-founded Iraqi Impartial Movie Heart, alongside Picture Nation Abu Dhabi and Humanfilm, in co-production with Lionceau Movies and Biet Ameen.
“‘Irkalla’ is my return to a wound that by no means healed –a fable reborn by means of the soul of a kid. Not only a movie, however a whispered resistance towards silence, and a dream that reminiscence, love, and fable can nonetheless save us,” Al-Daradji mentioned in a press release.
“It’s uncommon to search out companions who not solely acknowledge the creative energy of a piece but additionally share a deep dedication to bringing such tales to audiences worldwide. Having an organization that genuinely believes within the kids on the coronary heart of this movie provides me nice confidence as we deliver ‘Irkalla’ to the world,” he commented.
Born in Baghdad, Al-Daradji is well-known for his socially-engaged cinema. His sophomore movie, “Son of Babylon,” turned Iraq’s foreign-language movie Oscar entry in 2010 and a Sundance World Cinema participant, snagging a number of awards at key worldwide festivals corresponding to Berlin, Rotterdam, Seattle, Raindance, Tallinn and Seville.
“We had been profoundly moved by the movie’s creative energy, its distinctive cinematic language, and the emotional depth of its message,” added Jean-Charles Mille, managing director at MPM Premium, a gross sales firm with a robust concentrate on worldwide auteurist cinema, launched in 2018.
“The kids — the guts of the movie — are portrayed with extraordinary authenticity and emotional nuance, leaving an enduring impression. It’s a common story that transcends borders,” he defined.
Ben Ross, Picture Nation Abu Dhabi CEO, added: “We’re dedicated to supporting daring filmmakers who problem perceptions and produce cultural illustration to unheard voices. ‘Irkalla’ is a robust and well timed movie.”
“Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream” has been supported by the Ile-de-France Area, the Doha Movie Institute, the Purple Sea Fund, the Arab Fund for Arts and Tradition (AFAC) and the French Embassy in Iraq.
“Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream”
Courtesy of MPM Premium
