Films Boutique Acquires Venice Entries ‘January 2’ and ‘Wishing on a Star’

Berlin-based sales agency Films Boutique has acquired international rights to two new films, “January 2” by Zsófia Szilágyi and “Wishing on a Star” by Peter Kerekes. These acquisitions come just in time for their premieres at the prestigious Venice Film Festival.

“January 2” marks a significant return for Szilágyi to the festival circuit. Her debut feature, “One Day,” premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week in 2018 and won the Fipresci award. The film had a notable international run, with screenings at festivals in Sydney, Melbourne, Sarajevo (where it won the Heart of Sarajevo for best actress), Cineast Luxembourg (grand prix), the Hamptons, Denver, AFI, Cork, Cairo (best actress award), Cleveland (best film), and even the Berlinale in 2020.

“One Day” was part of the feature film selection for the 2018 European Film Awards and was nominated for the European Discovery – Prix Fipresci award.

For director Peter Kerekes, the Venice Film Festival is familiar territory. His last feature, “107 Mothers,” won the best screenplay award in the Horizons section in 2021. The film then enjoyed a successful international tour, featuring at San Sebastian, Chicago (best director award), Les Arcs (Crystal award for best film), the Viennale, Tallinn Black Nights, New Horizons (audience award), Cottbus (best film award), Goteborg, Cleveland, Seattle, Transilvania, Taipei, Pune, and Edinburgh. “107 Mothers” was nominated for the European Discovery – Prix Fipresci award in 2022.

“January 2” is featured in the Biennale College section of the Venice Film Festival, while “Wishing on a Star” is part of the Horizons section. Both films mark the second collaboration between their directors and Films Boutique.

“January 2” tells the story of Klára, who decides to move out of the home she shares with her husband. With the help of her friend, Ági, she undertakes seven car trips to complete the move. Though each trip takes the same route, every journey offers a unique perspective on her separation. The film presents a realistic view of a wife’s challenges during the emotional and logistical aspects of a separation.

On the other hand, “Wishing on a Star” is a documentary that follows Luciana, an astrologer from Naples. Luciana has a unique method to make her clients’ wishes come true: they must travel to a specific destination on their birthday to be reborn under a new sky. These journeys, whether to Taipei, Beirut, or a nearby village, bring unexpected transformations, helping the protagonists discover their true desires.

Gabor Greiner, the chief operating officer of Films Boutique, expressed pride in continuing their successful collaboration with Szilágyi. He praised her ability to depict the end of a relationship with freshness and extreme clarity, as seen in her new project, just as she did with “One Day.” Greiner highlighted Szilágyi’s talent as one of the most promising Hungarian filmmakers of her generation.

Regarding Kerekes’ new documentary, Greiner commended his unique storytelling and aesthetic skills, which allow audiences to form an intimate relationship with the characters.

Source: Variety