Big World Pictures brings ‘Most People Die on Sundays’ to North America
A new existential comedy from Iair Said
Big World Pictures has secured the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for Iair Said’s debut fiction feature, Most People Die on Sundays. This acquisition, facilitated by sales agent Heretic, marks a significant milestone for the film, which was an official selection in the ACID sidebar at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
A theatrical release on the horizon
The film is slated for a theatrical release in early 2025, following a series of fall festival screenings. Said, who previously directed the documentary feature Flora’s Life Is No Picnic, ventures into fiction with this new project, promising a blend of humor and existential reflection.
A story of existential struggle
Most People Die on Sundays centers on David, a young middle-class Jewish man who is described as corpulent, homosexual, and afraid of flying. Returning to Buenos Aires from Europe for his uncle’s funeral, David is confronted with the news that his mother has decided to disconnect his father’s respirator. The narrative delves into David’s existential anguish as he grapples with his new reality. For more details, you can watch the Most People Die on Sundays trailer.
The inspiration behind the film
Reflecting on the film’s origins, Said shared a personal anecdote: “When my dad died, we had to pay $10,000 to bury him in a Jewish cemetery. It took two and a half years to pay it off. My dad prepared us a lot emotionally for the day he was gone. But neither he nor anyone else told us that his death would be so expensive.”
Said further elaborated, “There is no talk of what it is worth to die in the middle class. What price do the living pay for the death of a loved one? That’s what my film is about: what happens when ‘ordinary’ people… die.”
Expanding global reach
Most People Die on Sundays has also secured distribution in France through JHR Films, and in Latin America and Spain via Star+ (Disney+) and A Contracorriente Films. This broad distribution strategy ensures that the film will reach a diverse international audience.
Big World Pictures: A champion of international cinema
Founded in 2013, Big World Pictures is a non-profit distribution company dedicated to bringing international cinema to U.S. and Canadian audiences. Their catalog includes works from renowned directors such as Ulrich Seidl, Radu Jude, Mohammad Rasoulof, Tsai Ming-liang, and Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The addition of Most People Die on Sundays to their lineup underscores their commitment to showcasing unique and thought-provoking films.
Heretic: A boutique film powerhouse
Athens-based Heretic continues to make waves in the film industry with a robust lineup that includes Locarno titles like New Dawn Fades and Radu Jude’s Eight Postcards From Utopia, as well as Cannes ACID selection Kyuka Before Summer’s End. Their collaboration with Big World Pictures on Most People Die on Sundays highlights their role in promoting innovative cinema on a global scale.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
For those who cherish cinema that challenges and provokes thought, Most People Die on Sundays promises to be a compelling watch. The film’s exploration of existential themes through the lens of a middle-class Jewish family offers a poignant commentary on the human condition. It’s a reminder of the often-overlooked financial and emotional burdens that accompany the death of a loved one.
As we anticipate the film’s release, it’s worth reflecting on how cinema can serve as a mirror to our own lives, prompting us to consider the deeper questions of existence. Most People Die on Sundays is not just a film; it’s an invitation to engage with our own fears, hopes, and the inevitable reality of mortality.
For more information and to stay updated on the film’s release, visit the Most People Die on Sundays page.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Most People Die on Sundays, offering insights and reflections that resonate with cinema enthusiasts. By integrating personal reflections and in-depth analysis, the article seeks to enrich the reader’s understanding and appreciation of this unique film.