Picture Tree Intl. has picked up the global sales rights to Austrian horror movie “Smother” by up-and-coming director. The Glitter and Doom production is tentatively set for a local theatrical release in early 2023.
The story of one humble man’s journey over eight decades of the last century marked by poverty, war and violence, and a few moments of love, first published in 2014, has been translated into more than 40 languages and is produced by Austria’s Epo-Film in co-production with Germany’s Tobis Film, which will also distribute the film locally in fall 2023.
Also premiering in the market will be Iranian genre crossover “Without Her,” about a woman’s illusion of individual choice and the pressures to adapt or be replaced by the forces that choose for you. Directed by Arian Vazirdaftari, “Without Her” premiered at the Venice and Toronto film festivals, and is produced by Houman Seyedi of Fadak Films, who directed this year’s Iranian Oscar contender “World War III.