U.K. based sales and distribution outfit Blue Finch Films has boarded worldwide rights to thriller “Steppenwolf” from writer-director Adilkhan Yerzhanov, whose credits include the Cannes selected titles “The Owners” and “The Gentle Indifference of the World.” The film will have its world premiere at next month’s International Film Festival Rotterdam as part of the Big Screen Competition.
“Steppenwolf” is a brutal story of an unlikely duo who will stop at nothing to find what they are looking for. Tamara is searching for her missing son in a small town consumed by violence. In a desperate bid to get him back, she decides to offer a reward to an amoral former investigator whose methods prove to be sadistic. Determined, Tamara decides to complete the mission with the nihilistic detective, no matter what the cost.
Alexander Rodnyansky, who is best known for Oscar nominated “Leviathan” and “Loveless,” serves as producer on the project alongside Aliya Mendygozhina and Olga Khlasheva. The film is a co-production between the State Center of Support of the National Cinema of Kazakhstan and Kazakh film company Golden Man Media.
Yerzhanov is known for his Cannes Film Festival selected titles “The Gentle Indifference of the World” and “The Owners,” the latter of which was included in the 100 Best Asian Films published by Busan Film Festival as well as winning the Free Spirit Award at Warsaw Film Festival. He also attended Venice Film Festival with “Goliath” and “Yellow Cat,” and was a participant of Berlinale Talents program.
Yerzhanov said: “‘Steppenwolf’ is genre cinema in its purest form. It’s a Western, it’s ‘The Searchers’ with a psychopath at the center of the plot. But it is also a story about two main characters fighting against each other. A story about how a woman is forced to make a bloody journey with a maniac in order to save her child. I like that the film doesn’t have any other plot lines or backstories. This action is here and now.”
Rodnyansky said: “It has always been my goal to try and work with talented independent filmmakers whose unique vision can captivate international audiences. And on this film it was also my pleasure to get a chance to work with Kazakh producers. The film is a testament to their professionalism. I believe Adilkhan’s ‘Steppenwolf’ combines the adrenaline drive of pure action with a meaningful reflection of an established director who’s always strived to explore the most challenging contemporary topics.”
Blue Finch’s Mike Chapman said: “‘Steppenwolf’ is a fearless and boundary pushing piece of pure adrenaline soaked cinema. Adilkhan is a very assured auteur with whom we are thrilled to be working.”
Blue Finch’s international slate also includes the Sitges and Beyond Fest title “Last Straw,” Tribeca selected “You’ll Never Find Me,” and SXSW Narrative Competition winner and BIFA nominated “Raging Grace.”
