Mister Smith’s ‘Riddle of Fire’ Sells Major Territories (EXCLUSIVE)
01.11.2023 - 05:59
/ variety.com
John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Mister Smith Entertainment has clinched first key international sales on Weston Razooli’s “Riddle of Fire.” Among major territories, Mister Smith has closed Japan (Klockworx), France (ASC Distribution) and Spain (Flamingo Films). Deals build on a co-U.S acquisition by Yellow Veil Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome, which plan a domestic theatrical bow in early 2024, releasing the film on 35mm.
“Riddle of Fire” has also been sold to Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), Greece (Odeon) and Femeway/The Film Group and Front Row Filmed Entertainment for the Middle East, Singapore (the Shaw Organization), ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz Film) and worldwide airlines and ships (Anuvu). The film made its debut in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and its North American premiere as the Toronto Festival’s Midnight Madness closing-night film.
A highlight on Mister Smith’s AFM slate, “Riddle of Fire” has additional territories in negotiations, which MSE will attempt to close in Santa Monica. Shot on 16mm and set in Wyoming, “Riddle of Fire” is an epic adventure following three mischievous children as they embark on an odyssey when their mother asks them to find her favorite blueberry pie in exchange for letting them play their newly stolen video game.
Hunting for the pie, the children are kidnapped by an Enchanted Blade Gang of poachers, battle their ringleader, a real witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy and bond together to become best friends forever. Since Cannes, “Riddle of Fire” has became a 2023 festival favorite, screening at Melbourne, SXSW, Sydney, Hong Kong, Toulouse’s Fifigrot, Austin’s Fantastic Fest, Bergen, Lucas in Germany, Molodist Kyiv and Ghent, and winning at Austria’s Slash Filmfestival,
.