12/06/2023 - Remy van Heugten’s sophomore feature marks the second original acquisition this year for Sumerian’s new film and streaming division

At first glance, Jerry seems like a very normal teenager. He lives with his single mother, Abbey, and younger sister in a quiet coastal town and helps out at an institution for the intellectually disabled. But deep inside, Jerry, who was born with deformed teeth, feels lonely and frustrated. Looking for a form of release from this, he participates in illegal hooligan fights. When Abbey, who has always given him unconditional but also overwhelming love, starts to let go more and more, something snaps. Jerry’s behaviour becomes so radical that it not only puts himself at risk, but also disrupts the stability of his entire family.

This is the premise of Remy van Heugten’s sophomore feature, Mascot [+see also:
trailer
film profile], which had its world premiere earlier this year at Slamdance, and later celebrated its international premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Mascot stars Liam Jeans, Maartje Remmers, Geert Van Rampelberg, Leopold Witte and Joes Brauers in the leading roles. The picture was penned by Gustaaf Peek. Sumerian, which has acquired the film’s North American rights, is planning a limited theatrical release in 2023 under the film’s English title, Fortunate Son, with opening dates to be announced soon.

The feature was produced by Joram Willink for BIND (Netherlands), in co-production with Savage Film (Belgium) and Dutch broadcaster BNNVARA. It also received backing from the Netherlands Film Fund, the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, CoBO, the Flanders Audiovisual Fund and the Flanders Tax Shelter.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sumerian founder Ash Avildsen said: “Mascot is a dark, brutally authentic and beautifully shot independent film centring on troubled youth in unorthodox households. It will undoubtedly hit a nerve with audiences who appreciate gritty arthouse drama, as it did with me. We are thrilled to help bring this movie to North America.”

Meanwhile, Willink added: “After a very warm reception by the audience as well as press at Slamdance, I am thrilled that Mascot is being brought to a big audience in US cinemas and on VoD. Its topic – the psychology of the radicalisation of a youngster – is more urgent than ever. We are very grateful that Sumerian shares the same vision for the film, with its contemporary theme, strong impact and high quality.”

The deal was negotiated by producer Joram Willink on behalf of the filmmakers and Ryan Anthony Menge on behalf of Sumerian.

Sumerian is an independent US entertainment company specialising in the production of music, films and comics. In 2023, Sumerian launched its streaming division as a way to highlight the significance of music and culture in the visual arts, and will premiere its dedicated VoD platform later this year. Sumerian announces its recent acquisition of Mascot on the heels of its partnership with Utopia and its purchase of Eddie Alcazar’s sci-fi thriller Divinity.

Check out the English-subtitled trailer for the film below: