Introduction to Pilgrimage
The film Pilgrimage, a semi-autobiographical history directed by Carla Simon, has been making waves in the cinematic world. Recently, it was announced that MK2 films have secured deals for the film in various regions worldwide, including the UK, Ireland, Benelux, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Baltics, Poland, Hungary, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Global Distribution
Other notable sales include Australia and New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and all Latin American territories. Elastica films, which also produced the project, will handle distribution in Spain. Additionally, the film will be distributed in Germany via Piffl Medien and in France via Ad Vitam. The theater distribution in the USA is expected to be confirmed and announced soon, with the film set to premiere at the New York Film Festival.
The Story Behind Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage marks the culmination of Carla Simon’s family cycle, which began with Summer 1993 and the golden bear winner Alcarràs. The film follows Marina, an 18-year-old aspiring filmmaker who travels to Galicia in northern Spain to meet her family’s relatives, who died of AIDS when she was a child. Simon’s personal connection to the story is evident, as she explores the theme of memory and invention.
The Director’s Vision
In an interview with Screen International in Cannes, Simon shared her thoughts on the film, stating, "The great thing about Pilgrimage is that this memory was invented. I once believed that if you have no memories, you cannot create them. Now I think the opposite: invention is part of the memory, and cinema makes it possible." Simon’s vision for the film is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to shape our understanding of ourselves and our past.
Production and Distribution
The film is produced by Maria Zamora at Elastica Films, in co-production with Spain’s Dos Soles Media and Germany’s Adventure Cinema. Zamora, who also worked with Simon on Alcarràs, expressed her trust in MK2 films’ ability to secure the best deals for international author cinema. With the film’s official selection in Cannes and its first market screenings, the main territories were confirmed, solidifying Pilgrimage‘s presence in the global film market.
