Focus Features has acquired the sci-fi thriller "Hot Spot," directed by the visionary Agnieszka Smoczyńska. Starring Noomi Rapace, Andrzej Konopka, and Reika Kirishima, the film recently concluded its production journey last week in the picturesque landscapes of Greece. This marks Focus's reunion with Smoczyńska, following the successful release of her debut English-language film "Silent Twins," which showcased breakthrough talents Letitia Wright (of "Black Panther") and Tamara Lawrance.
"Agnieszka is a unique creative force whose work, whether it's about vampire mermaids, silent twins, or a society controlled by technology, is both visually breathtaking and thematically prescient. We eagerly anticipate sharing her latest masterpiece with the global audience," exclaimed Kiska Higgs, President of Production and Acquisitions at Focus Features, in a statement.
The American studio has secured worldwide distribution rights for "Hot Spot," excluding Poland, Greece, and France. Based on a script penned by Robert Bolesto, this indie flick is set in a near-future society dominated by sentient artificial intelligence. It follows a private investigator delving into a murder case that unravels to reveal a rebel faction capable of challenging the digital overlord.
"I am deeply honored to collaborate with Focus Features, whose remarkable contributions to cinema are paralleled only by their steadfast respect and support for directors. With 'Hot Spot,' my ambition is to craft an immersive cinematic experience that mirrors our current world, where advanced technology borders on magic, and love is intricately intertwined with fear," Smoczyńska added in her statement, expressing her enthusiasm.
Produced by Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, Smoczyńska's long-standing producing partner who also worked on "Silent Twins," alongside Bogna Szewczyk-Skupień from the Polish production company Madants, the film boasts an impressive array of co-producers, including Amanda Livanou from Neda Film, Kristina Börjeson from Film i Väst, Lizette Jonjic from Zentropa, Beata Ryczkowska and Filip Bałdyga for Canal+ Polska, and Adam Gudell from Moderator Inwestycje. Gregory Jankilevitsch, Marcin Czernik, and Christos V. Konstantakopoulos share executive producer credits, while Michelle Momplaisir from Focus oversees the project.
The distribution deal was expertly negotiated by Iddo Arad, Focus's Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, and Przybecki & Partners on behalf of the producers. Smoczyńska is represented by UTA, Black Bear, and High Spot, while Konopka is represented by Cont-act. Rapace, represented by CAA and Stella Hernström, had her deal brokered by Kurt Selling, and Kirishima is represented by Nest Co.
This narrative-driven acquisition promises to thrill audiences with its blend of sci-fi intrigue and human emotion, setting a new benchmark in cinematic storytelling.
