Totem Reveals Production Slate, With Projects by Nastia Korkia, Vytautas Katkus, Ernst de Geer, Anna Roller (EXCLUSIVE)
02.05.2024 - 08:29
/ variety.com
Leo Barraclough International Features Editor Paris-based international sales and production company Totem Films has revealed its production slate, with projects by Nastia Korkia, Vytautas Katkus, Ernst de Geer and Anna Roller. Totem brought together the directors and writers of the projects they are developing to take part in a Script Circle in Berlin, led by consultants Françoise von Roy and Franz Rodenkirchen. Totem partners Bérénice Vincent and Laure Parleani said that the production companies they are working with, Garagefilm, TamTam and Kalekone, were “enthusiastic about this collaborative idea, so were the directors and scriptwriters.” They added: “It is very nurturing to have a mix of different personalities, countries and backgrounds.
It is challenging for the creative process, and such international blend is at the core of Totem’s tribe.” Totem Atelier, the development and production arm of the company, has revealed that it has boarded Korkia’s “A Short Summer.” Korkia’s short documentary “Dreams About Putin” premiered at IDFA last year. Her first documentary feature “GES-2” premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021. “A Short Summer” is produced by Germany’s TamTam, which produced Albert Serra’s “Pacifiction,” and Serbia’s Art&Popcorn.
The film centers on eight-year-old Katya, who is going on vacation with her grandparents. In the summer heat, the war in Chechnya takes shape, while her grandparents’ relationship falls apart. Despite her youth, Katya wants to look at the world straight in the eyes.
“A Short Summer” has received support from Creative Europe MEDIA, BKM, Moin, CNC Aide au Cinémas du Monde, Ile de France and French-German Mini-Traité. Shooting should start this summer. Totem Atelier is also
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