Recently, Fremantle’s Rome-based company, The Apartment, has announced its involvement in Karim Aïnouz’s upcoming feature film, Rosebushpruning. In collaboration with The Match Factory, Mubi, Kavac Film, and Rai Cinema, this partnership marks a significant milestone for The Apartment since the appointment of Annamaria Morelli as its CEO in February. This announcement comes on the heels of Kristen Stewart, Josh O’Connor, and Elle Fanning signing on to co-star in the film, which is set to begin filming later this year.
Directed by Aïnouz, Rosebushpruning is based on a script penned by Efthimis Filippou, known for his work on films like Dogtooth and The Lobster. The screenplay is an adaptation of Marco Bellocchio’s debut feature, Fists in the Pocket, which delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional family. Viola Fügen and Michael Weber are onboard as producers for The Match Factory, which will also oversee the global distribution of the film. The rights to the adaptation have been secured from Kavac Film, with Simone Gattoni attached to the production team.
Joining the production are notable entities like The Apartment, with Morelli serving as an executive producer. Rachel Dargavel from Crybaby Films will co-produce the film in the UK. Financing for the project is provided by Mubi, along with Catherine Boily and Mitch Oliver’s Metafilms and Anna Films in collaboration with Fremantle. The film has received funding from Film und Medienstiftung NRW, Medienboard, and the German Federal Film Board.
Karim Aïnouz expressed his excitement about revisiting Bellocchio’s seminal work and shared his aspirations for the film. He emphasized the contemporary relevance of the original story and its potential to provoke thought and emotion in audiences. Aïnouz aims to craft a modern parable that explores the disintegration of traditional family structures, utilizing a bold and innovative approach to storytelling.
With the impressive lineup of talent both in front of and behind the camera, Rosebushpruning holds the promise of being a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The collaboration between esteemed production companies and creative minds ensures that this adaptation of a classic work will resonate with contemporary audiences. Aïnouz’s passion for the project, coupled with the support of industry partners, sets the stage for a film that is bound to make a significant impact in the world of cinema.
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