FilmNation secures global rights to ‘The Mother and the Bear’
A tale of love and discovery in wintry Winnipeg
FilmNation Entertainment has recently acquired the global sales rights (excluding Canada) to the highly anticipated third feature by Chinese Canadian filmmaker Johnny Ma, titled The Mother and the Bear. This Canada-Chile co-production is set against the frosty backdrop of Winnipeg and follows the poignant journey of a Korean widow, portrayed by Kim Ho-jung, who travels from Seoul to be with her comatose daughter. As she navigates this emotional landscape, her attempts to find a suitable husband for her daughter lead to unexpected twists and revelations.
A unique blend of humor and insight
Johnny Ma’s distinctive style, which combines humor with deep reflections on contemporary issues, offers a refreshing perspective in today’s cinematic world. FilmNation’s Glen Basner expressed enthusiasm about handling both domestic and international sales, highlighting the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as a significant milestone.
“Johnny Ma’s unique blend of humor and insightful reflections on contemporary issues offers a fresh perspective that stands out in today’s film landscape,” said Basner.
A collaborative production effort
The Mother and the Bear is a collaborative effort between Rhombus Media and Fabula, in association with Thin Stuff Productions. The film is produced with the support of Telefilm Canada and Manitoba Film and Music, alongside Ashland Hill Media Finance, Crave, and CBC Films. Elevation Pictures is set to distribute the film in Canada.
Johnny Ma’s cinematic journey
Johnny Ma’s journey into filmmaking is as compelling as his films. Having moved to Toronto from China at the age of 10, Ma explored various fields and countries before channeling his strong visual aesthetic into storytelling. His debut feature, Old Stone, won the Best Canadian First Feature at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016.
Reflecting on his diverse body of work, Ma shared:
“‘Old Stone’ was a social noir, my second was an old Chinese opera musical, and this one is a cosmic fairy tale. The one thing they share is a main character who seems born out of time.”
The visual allure of Winnipeg
For The Mother and the Bear, Ma collaborated with Peruvian-Chilean cinematographer Inti Briones. Both newcomers to Winnipeg, they brought an outsider’s curiosity to the film’s visual style. Briones emphasized the importance of reconnecting with nature, a theme that resonates deeply in the film.
“[Briones] told me people are disconnected in the world because they are disconnected from nature, and so telling a story about a mother reminds us to go back to our roots,” Ma explained.
Ma envisioned Winnipeg as a village in a winter forest, drawing parallels to the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. This nuanced approach required a different kind of storytelling, blending various cinematic languages, including comedy inspired by 1950s screwball comedies and Asian storytelling traditions like Juzo Itami’s Tampopo.
A fresh take on familiar themes
The Mother and the Bear promises to be a captivating exploration of familial bonds, cultural dislocation, and personal discovery. With its unique blend of humor, drama, and visual storytelling, the film is poised to make a significant impact on audiences worldwide.
For those eager to delve deeper into Johnny Ma’s latest work, you can watch the trailer for The Mother and the Bear here.
A look back at Johnny Ma’s previous works
Johnny Ma’s previous films have garnered critical acclaim and showcased his versatility as a filmmaker. Old Stone, a gripping social noir, and his second feature, an old Chinese opera musical, both highlight his ability to traverse different genres while maintaining a strong narrative voice.
For a glimpse into Ma’s earlier work, you can watch the trailer for Old Stone here.
Final thoughts
As The Mother and the Bear prepares for its world premiere, it stands as a testament to Johnny Ma’s evolving artistry and his ability to tell stories that resonate on a universal level. This film is not just a journey through the snowy landscapes of Winnipeg but also a profound exploration of human connections and the timeless quest for belonging.
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