17/05/2009

From his usual stand at the Cannes Market’s Riviera Pavilion, Bavaria Film International Managing Director Thorsten Ritter is proud to introduce his latest international gems, such as the Spanish/Uruguayan co-production Bad Day to Go Fishing [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by debut director Alvaro Brechner, which has its world premiere tomorrow in Critics’ Week.

“We met the director in Locarno a few years ago and have followed him since, says Ritter. “Brechner has a real vision, and his film is a warm-hearted accomplished first work, reminiscent of Aki Kaurismäki’s work. Critics Week is an excellent section accessible to a broader audience, where people can discover little gems. Last year, we had Moscow, Belgium [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] in the section and we did really good business from its selection.”

Ritter, who tastefully balances Bavaria’s productions with international pick-ups, is screening no less than 16 films at the market, including five premieres. Ole Bornedal’s dark thriller Deliver Us from Evil [+see also:
trailer
film profile] is screening to selected buyers, as well as Van Diemen’s Land, the directorial debut of Australian filmmaker Jonathan auf der Heide.

Other market premieres include Phantom Pain by first-timer Matthias Emcke, starring Til Schweiger. Released in Germany by Warner Bros, the film was in the domestic top ten its opening weekend.

A few days in the Cannes Market, Ritter was optimistic: “There are definitely fewer staff members around, but all the big companies are here. Berlin was tough, but Cannes has the depth and capacity to make people perceive that business has to continue and it’s time for buyers to stack their slates!”