U.S. specialty distributor Shadow Distribution has acquired the North American rights to the Italian director Giorgio Diritti's powerful drama 'Lubo.' The film, which premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, centers around the story of a young man named Lubo, portrayed by Franz Rogowski, who belongs to a group of Yenish nomads. Set in 1939, Lubo is forced to serve in the Swiss military under the threat of the Nazi army.
Tragically, Lubo learns that his children have been taken away by Swiss authorities due to their ethnicity. His wife, who opposed the authorities, was also killed. Devastated by these events, Lubo decides to defect from the army and embarks on a 30-year-long journey to find his children.
Valentina Bellé, known for her role in the Disney+ series 'The Good Mothers' and recognized as a European Shooting Star at this year's Berlinale, also stars in the film as Margherita, a young woman with whom Lubo has an affair.
Shadow Distribution's president, Ken Eisen, expressed his excitement about acquiring the film, stating, 'It is an honor and a pleasure to take on this magnificent film for North America. We were struck by 'Lubo's' depth and ambition and, of course, transfixed by the central performance of Franz Rogowski.'
The distribution rights for 'Lubo' have already been sold to several territories by True Colours, the Italian production company behind the film. Among the territories are Spain (Filmin), Brazil (Imovision), Portugal (Outsider), and Taiwan (Swallow Wings).
'Lubo' is a co-production between Italy's Indiana Production, Arancia Film, RAI Cinema, and the Swiss company Hugo Films. The film sheds light on the ethnic cleansing that occurred during World War II and explores themes of identity, loss, and resilience.
True Colours has also recently closed deals for other notable films. Edoardo De Angelis' 'Comandante,' the opening film at the Venice Film Festival, secured distribution in Greece with Weirdwave and in the Czech Republic and Slovakia with Foxx Media Group. Laura Luchetti's Locarno title 'The Beautiful Summer' has been acquired by Outplay for distribution in France. Additionally, Leonardo D'Agostini's noir film 'A Dark Story,' starring Laetitia Casta, has been sold to Alfa Pictures in Spain, and Lyda Patitucci's action/thriller 'Like Sheep Among Wolves' has found a home with HBO Eastern Europe.
With its thought-provoking narrative and compelling performances, 'Lubo' promises to captivate audiences as it shines a light on a lesser-known chapter of history. Shadow Distribution's acquisition ensures that North American viewers will have the opportunity to experience this poignant and ambitious film firsthand.
