Picture Tree Intl. has acquired international sales rights to “Rosemead,” the dramatic thriller headlined by Lucy Liu, alongside breakout newcomer Lawrence Shou.
The feature marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Eric Lin (“The Exploding Girl,” “The Sound of Silence,” “Hearts Beat Loud”). Vertical will release the film theatrically in the U.S. on Dec. 5 and has launched an awards campaign.
Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, “Rosemead” quickly gained momentum on the international circuit, winning best narrative feature at the Bentonville Film Festival, and capturing the Prix du Public UBS Audience Award at the Locarno Film Festival, where Liu was also honored with the Career Achievement Award.
Liu continues to be fêted with numerous awards for her performance in “Rosemead” and her career, including the Critics’ Choice Trailblazer Award, Bentonville’s Rising to the Challenge Award, Philadelphia Film Festival’s Artistic Achievement Award, Miami Film Festival’s Precious Gem Award, Belfast Film Festival’s Réalta (Star) Award, and Denver Film Festival’s John Cassavetes Award.
The next international festival outings for “Rosemead” include the Mexico premiere at Morelia Film Festival, Brazil premiere at São Paulo Intl. Film Festival, Germany premiere at Hof International Film Festival, U.K. premiere at Belfast Film Festival, and England premiere at Leeds Intl. Film Festival, to be followed by further regional premieres yet to be announced.
“Rosemead’s” screenwriter Marilyn Fu was also recently nominated for a Taipei Golden Horse Award for best adapted screenplay.
Critics have embraced the film, saying it “builds to a most unexpected crescendo, giving [Liu] her best role in years” (Deadline), and “forces its audience to hold its breath” and “will leave you speechless” (Loud & Clear). Liu’s performance has been cited as “a revelatory turn” and “career-redefining” (Variety) and “a highlight of her storied career” (Next Best Picture).
PTI will pick up negotiations at Mipcom this week and launch “Rosemead” at the upcoming AFM in Los Angeles.
Set against the quiet tensions of a Chinese American household, “Rosemead” tells the story of an ailing mother who uncovers a terrifying secret: her teenage son is consumed by violent impulses. As her health rapidly declines, she is forced into a desperate struggle—how far will she go to stop what she fears he is becoming, and what will she sacrifice to protect him?
“’Rosemead’ is both an intimate and urgent drama with global relevance. Lucy Liu delivers one of the most powerful performances of her career, anchoring a film that will resonate strongly with audiences worldwide,” said Andreas Rothbauer, managing partner at Picture Tree Intl.
Written by Marilyn Fu (“The Copenhagen Test,” “The Honor List”) and adapted from Frank Shyong’s award-winning Los Angeles Times article, the film is produced by Mynette Louie (“I Carry You With Me,” “Swallow”), Andrew D. Corkin (“A Vigilante,” “Martha Marcy May Marlene”), and Liu.
“Rosemead” is a production of The Population and Untapped, in association with MyVideo, Taiwan Mobile, and L.A. Times Studios.
Executive producers include Theo James, Eric Lin, Peng Zhao, Fanghua Jiang, Julia Xu, Chris Argentieri, Frank Shyong, Jamie Lin, Chiling Lin, Jeff Yang, Daniela Ruiz, and Julia Gouw. Co-producers are Tony Yang and Hao Zhang.
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