Wildstar Sales Boards Tribeca Title ‘The Perfect David,’ from Oh My Gómez (EXCLUSIVE)

K.J.

Christopher Vourlias Memento International has acquired the international sales rights to “Captain Volkonogov Escaped,” from Russian writing and directing duo Natasha Merkulova and Aleksey Chupov, which will world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival, Variety can reveal.The film tells the story of the titular Captain Volkonogov, a well-respected and obedient law enforcer in the former Soviet Union, who witnesses his colleagues being suspiciously questioned.

Christopher Vourlias Marseille-based Films de Force Majeure has boarded “Blue Banks,” the buzzy feature debut from Romania’s Andreea Cristina Borțun, whose latest short film “When Night Meets Dawn” premiered in the Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight section, Variety can reveal.Pic is the story of a single mother trying to raise her son in a poor Romanian village who’s forced to leave him behind when she gets a job in Marseille.

Manori Ravindran International Editor“Killing Eve” writer Isis Davis is on board the first project out of “Tehran” executive producer Julien Leroux’s new company, Paper Entertainment.Drama “Your Eyes” is in development at Paper, with Davis set to serve as writer.

Rebecca Davis editorTop Chinese social media platform Weibo has banned the official account of the German consulate in Guangzhou for “violating community standards” after it posted information about a LGBTQ film festival jointly hosted with 16 other foreign governments.The ban, which has now been in effect for more than two full days, was instated after nationalist Weibo users flooded the platform’s censors with reports that the German consulate’s message was politically problematic.All of the

LeVar Burton is finally taking his place behind the podium.

EXCLUSIVE:  A busy week here for Judy Greer. Earlier we reported that she was starring in the indie film LA Bound, and today we hear she will play Mrs. G. in the Nicholas Ma directed feature Mabel. 

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle EditorOctavia Spencer has joined “Right to Try,” a documentary short about an HIV cure treatment trial, as a producer through her production company Orit Entertainment.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaKevin Lewis will follow up “Willy’s Wonderland” by directing “The Accursed,” a new horror movie about demonic possession that its creators predict will be like if “Sam Raimi and Dario Argento had a love child and James Wan was its uncle.”Mena Suvari (“American Beauty”), Sarah Grey (Netflix’s “The Order” and DC’s “Legends of Tomorrow”), and Alexis Knapp (“Pitch Perfect” franchise) head up the cast, which also includes Meg Foster (“The Lords of Salem”)

EXCLUSIVE: Signature Entertainment has boarded international sales rights and UK distribution on revenge thriller Bull, starring Neil Maskell (Kill List) in the lead alongside David Hayman (Fisherman’s Friends).

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentSamuel Goldwyn Films has acquired all U.S. rights to Pan Nalin’s (“Samsara”) India-set tale “Last Film Show” which world premiered at Tribeca last month.

Anna Marie de la Fuente Rio de Janeiro-based Habanero Film Sales has licensed  U.S.

Antonio Ferme editorEdgewood founder Dale A. Mott and NEWorks Productions announced that two industry readings of the upcoming musical “Grace” will be held on Aug.

Manori Ravindran International EditorFilmmaker/producer Steven Soderbergh is on board to executive produce a feature-length adaptation of buzzy Directors’ Fortnight short film “The Vandal,” Variety can reveal.Directed by American helmer Eddie Alcazar, the Quinzaine-premiering film — which is presented by filmmaker/producer Darren Aronofsky — is being tipped as an early contender for the best animated short Oscar.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief“Nocturna,” an Argentinian-made fantasy film that played last month in the Shanghai International Film Festival’s midnight fantasy section, has been picked up by Chinese company Naropean.Naropean, which shares executives with HGC Entertainment, one of the more prominent Chinese IP groups, has taken rights for China, Asia and Oceania, as well as remake rights.

Aberfeldy have been up early thinking what makes the best doughnut toppings and fillings. Tomorrow (Saturday 10) is the launch of Doughnut Week, seven days devoted to using the circular snack to raise money for The Children’s Trust.