Sally Potter’s latest film has secured distribution in the UK. ScreenDaily reports that “The Party” has been acquired by Picturehouse Entertainment, with a planned fall release. The star-studded dark comedy made its world premiere in competition at the Berlinale back in February.
Set in contemporary London, the black and white film centers on a celebration that goes horribly awry. “The Party” was shot in just 14 days. Its cast includes Patricia Clarkson (“Learning to Drive”), Emily Mortimer (“Doll & Em”), Cherry Jones (“Transparent”), Kristin Scott Thomas (“The English Patient”), Cillian Murphy (“The Dark Knight Rises”), Bruno Ganz (“Downfall”), and Timothy Spall (“Denial”).
The pic was produced by Potter’s production company with Christopher Sheppard, Adventure Pictures. Kurban Kassam (“20,000 Days on Earth”) also served as producer.
“I am thrilled to be working with Sally Potter on her wonderful new film. Over a long career, Sally has consistently led the charge in UK independent filmmaking, bringing us a body of films that are at once sharp, fun, and surprising,” commented Clare Binns, director of programming and acquisition at Picturehouse.
Potter is perhaps best known for her 1992 adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” starring Tilda Swinton. The film received two Oscar nominations. She most recently directed “Ginger & Rosa,” a 2012 coming-of-age drama set during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The film centers on the intense friendship between two teen girls, played by Elle Fanning (“Maleficent”) and Alice Englert (“Beautiful Creatures”). Potter’s other notable films include the BAFTA-nominated “The Tango Lesson,” “Yes” with Joan Allen, “The Man Who Cried,” starring Christina Ricci and Cate Blanchett, and “Rage” with Judi Dench.
We’re still waiting for “The Party” to get picked up in the U.S. The film was very warmly received at the Berlinale, and currently boasts a 100 percent “Fresh” rating at Rotten Tomatoes. With a cast this strong and great reviews, hopefully it’s only a matter of time before a U.S. distributor snags the film.
