Introduction to Urban
The film Urban has gained significant attention after its world premiere in Cannes, where it received the Fipresci Prize and the UN award. This achievement has led to Employed 1-2 Special acquiring all North American rights to the film.
Acquisition and Distribution
This marks the young distributor’s third Cannes acquisition since launching in February. They have already acquired the rights to Christian Petzold’s SPIEGEL No. 3 and Simón Mesa Sotos’ A Poet. 1-2 Special plans to release Urban theatrically in the autumn after the transaction with the GERSH agency, Uta Independent Film Group, and Charades on behalf of the filmmakers.
Film Overview
The drama Urban follows the story of Mike, a rough sleeper in London who is trapped in a cycle of self-destruction as he tries to turn his life around. The film was written and directed by Harris Dickinson, while Archie was produced by Devisio Pictures with Scott O’Donnell from Somesuch.
Production and Financing
The film was developed by the BBC Film and financed by BBC Film, BFI, and Tricky Knot. The executive producers include Eva Yates, Ama Ampadu, Alexandra Tynion, and Olivia Tyson. Harris Dickinson has established himself as a force in the film industry in recent years, with notable performances in Baby Girl alongside Nicole Kidman and Ruben Ostlund’s 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness.
Upcoming Release
With the acquisition of Urban, 1-2 Special is set to bring this powerful drama to North American audiences. The film’s release is highly anticipated, and its thought-provoking story is expected to resonate with viewers. As the distributor continues to expand its portfolio, Urban is likely to be a standout title in their collection.
