Film Movement secures North American rights to ‘The Sparrow in the Chimney’
A new gem from Swiss director Ramon Zürcher
Indie distributor Film Movement has acquired the North American rights to Swiss director Ramon Zürcher‘s latest film, The Sparrow in the Chimney, following its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival. This acquisition marks another significant step for Film Movement in bringing international cinema to North American audiences.
A darkly engrossing psychodrama
Described as a “darkly engrossing psychodrama of pent-up domestic tensions,” The Sparrow in the Chimney delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, Karen and Jule. Their reunion at a family gathering stirs up old conflicts and deep-seated emotional turmoil, making for a gripping narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced familial strife.
Exploring invisible forces within the family
Zürcher expressed his excitement about the film’s North American release, stating, “This film is an exploration of the invisible forces that shape us, particularly within the family structure.” The film’s ability to capture these subtle yet powerful dynamics is what makes it a standout piece in contemporary cinema.
A potential arthouse breakthrough
Sold worldwide by Cercamon, The Sparrow in the Chimney is poised to be an arthouse breakthrough. The film’s intimate storytelling and visually captivating scenes are expected to resonate deeply with audiences who appreciate emotionally authentic cinema.
Sebastien Chesneau of Cercamon, who negotiated the deal with Film Movement, remarked, “This film offers a beautifully crafted, intimate story that will resonate with audiences who appreciate cinema that is both emotionally authentic and visually captivating.”
A deeply personal yet universally relatable depiction
Michael Rosenberg, president of Film Movement, shared his thoughts on the film: “What drew us to The Sparrow in the Chimney was its deeply personal yet universally relatable depiction of family conflict. Ramon Zürcher’s filmmaking transports you into a world where every glance, every silence, is charged with unspoken tension.”
The third installment in the ‘animal trilogy’
The Sparrow in the Chimney is the third film in the “animal trilogy” by Ramon Zürcher and his brother Silvan, who served as producer. The duo co-directed their previous feature, The Girl and the Spider (2021), while their debut feature, The Strange Little Cat (2013), was directed solely by Ramon with Silvan as producer. In all three films, the natural world encroaches on human life in ways that feel equalizing rather than invasive, as social conventions and restraints gradually give way to base instincts.
Film Movement’s recent acquisitions
Film Movement has been on a worldwide shopping spree, recently acquiring several notable films. These include Lou Ye’s pandemic-set docu-drama An Unfinished Film, which had its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, and the 4K restoration of the cult classic Candy Mountain by Robert Frank and Rudy Wurlitzer. Other acquisitions include the Sundance Grand Jury-nominated documentary Agent of Happiness, Robin Campillo’s Red Island, legendary Spanish filmmaker Victor Erice’s Close Your Eyes, Lisandro Alonso’s Eureka from Argentina, and the Chinese noir thriller Green Night featuring Fan Bingbing.
Cercamon’s lineup
Cercamon’s impressive lineup includes the Toronto official selection title Crocodile Tears by Tumpal Tampubolon, set in a crocodile farm in West Java. This diverse selection of films highlights the distributor’s commitment to bringing unique and compelling stories to a global audience.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
For those who cherish the art of cinema, The Sparrow in the Chimney offers a profound exploration of family dynamics that is both relatable and thought-provoking. The film’s ability to capture the unspoken tensions and invisible forces within a family makes it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates emotionally rich storytelling.
To get a glimpse of this captivating film, check out the trailer for The Sparrow in the Chimney.
In-depth analysis for TV series and music enthusiasts
While The Sparrow in the Chimney stands out in the realm of cinema, it’s also worth noting the broader context of Film Movement’s recent acquisitions. Each film in their lineup offers a unique perspective, from the pandemic reflections in An Unfinished Film to the nostalgic restoration of Candy Mountain. These films collectively enrich the cinematic landscape, providing audiences with a diverse array of stories and experiences.
For music enthusiasts, the emotional depth and narrative complexity of these films can be likened to the layers of a well-composed album. Just as a great album takes listeners on a journey through various emotions and themes, these films invite viewers to immerse themselves in different worlds and perspectives.
Final thoughts
In a world where cinema continues to evolve and push boundaries, The Sparrow in the Chimney and Film Movement’s recent acquisitions serve as a testament to the power of storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of psychodramas, documentaries, or classic restorations, there’s something in this lineup for everyone. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported into the rich and diverse worlds these films have to offer.