Introduction to Sad Neighborhood
The international sale of the coming-of-age story, Sad Neighborhood, has been acquired by Magnify. This Colombian season is set to make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, which takes place from August 27 to September 9, in the Horizons category.
The Storyline
The film is the functional debut of the director, Still, a Colombian-American music video and photographer who has worked with notable artists such as Bad Bunny and Rosalía. Sad Neighborhood is set in Medellin in 1987 and follows the story of a teenager who steals a news camera to document their dangerous life.
Production and Cast
The film is produced by Harmony Korine’s collective, Edglrd, and features a cast including Juan Pablo Baena, Samuel Velazquez, Tomas Tinoco Higuita, Bryan Erlin Garcia, Samuel Andres Celis, Brahian Accedo, Samuel Ruiz, Estiven Salazar, and Jose Arley Marin Gonzalez. According to the film’s representatives, Sad Neighborhood explores the fears of a youth culture on the edges of society that long to be understood.
Premiere and Screenings
After its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Sad Neighborhood will receive its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and its US premiere at the New York Film Festival.
Presentation and Sales
The film is presented by Edglrds Korine, James Clauer, Eric Kohn, and Esteban Zuluaga, in association with the Miami-based production company, Weownthecity, and Stillz. Magnify’s Director of Global Sales, Austin Kennedy, has conveyed the deal with the UTA Independent Film Group, which represents the rights for North American sales.
Reception and Soundtrack
Kennedy expressed his enthusiasm for the film, stating that Sad Neighborhood is a hypnotic and visually breathtaking film that stays with you for days, thanks to the masterful score by Arca. The sound designer, Oscar-nominated Leslie Schatz, who worked on The Mom and Biutiful, has also contributed to the film’s unique sound.
Upcoming Titles
Magnify’s autumn slate includes Gaston Solnicki’s Venice Horizons world premiere, The Blunder, starring Willem Dafoe; and Bretten Hannam’s TIFF Platform selection, Wildhood, starring Forest Goodluck. Other upcoming titles include Ulrike Ottinger’s The Blood Founder, starring Isabelle Huppert; Rafael Manuel’s premiere, Filipiñana, made in collaboration with Film4; and Jealous White Men, a new adaptation of Charles Darwin’s expedition, currently in pre-production.
