New York, NY – Grasshopper Film and streaming platform DOCUMENTARY+ have secured the North American rights to the Oscar-shortlisted feature film, “Apolonia, Apolonia.” The deal was announced as the nomination voting window opens for the 96th Academy Awards. Grasshopper Film will release the film theatrically at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema in New York, with a subsequent release on DOCUMENTARY+ on other platforms. The film, directed by Lea Glob, follows the life of French painter Apolonia Sokol over a 13-year period, exploring her struggle to maintain artistic integrity in a male-dominated art world.
The film is described as a “moving meditation on friendship, personal and creative fulfillment, and both the liberation and limitations of the female body.” It documents the journey of Sokol and Glob and the challenges they face in their pursuit of artistic achievement. Ryan Krivoshey, the founder and president of Grasshopper Film, praised the film as a remarkable achievement and emphasized its importance in shedding light on gender inequalities in the art world and beyond.
Director Lea Glob expressed her gratitude for Grasshopper Film and DOCUMENTARY+’s efforts to secure a position for her film in the US market. She sees this as an opportunity to connect with American audiences while sharing the story of Apolonia Sokol’s artistic journey. Glob believes that the acquisition marks the closing of one chapter and the beginning of something new.
“Apolonia, Apolonia” has garnered critical acclaim, winning top prizes at various international festivals including the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, and the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The film has been praised for its unique approach to storytelling, focusing on life and the artistic process rather than a traditional narrative.
The acquisition deal was executed by Ryan Krivoshey of Grasshopper Film and Shane Riley of DOCUMENTARY+. The film was produced by Sidsel Lønvig Siersted for Danish Documentary Production and co-produced by Małgorzata Staroń for Staron-Film. Executive producers include Sigrid Dyekjær, Hanka Kastelicova, Eva Mulvad, Pernille Rose Grønkjær, and Mikala Krogh.
The announcement of the distribution agreement has been met with great joy by the film’s producers, who have been overwhelmed by the warm response from American festival audiences. They believe that the film’s narrative of friendship and artistic growth deserves to reach a broader audience. Grasshopper Film and DOCUMENTARY+ are committed to bringing this beautiful and important film to American filmgoers.
In conclusion, Grasshopper Film and DOCUMENTARY+ have acquired the North American rights to “Apolonia, Apolonia” ahead of the 96th Academy Awards nomination voting. The film, directed by Lea Glob, tells the story of French painter Apolonia Sokol and her struggle to maintain artistic integrity in a male-dominated art world. The acquisition deal reflects the recognition of the film’s artistic merit and its potential to resonate with American audiences.