Following a successful 2013 including theatrical releases of the much lauded The Rocket and the French/Israeli co-production The Other Son, Curious has announced its recent slate of acquisitions and 2014 theatrical release schedule.
With a commitment to proudly curate the best independent world cinema for Australasian audiences, Curious plan to release approximately nine titles next year.
Films on the 2014 slate include NIGHT MOVES, directed by indie-queen Kelly Reichardt (Wendy & Lucy) and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning and Peter Sarsgaard, the London Film Festival major prize winner and Toronto Film Festival FIPRESCI winner, IDA, stunningly directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, and GOOD VIBRATIONS, the critically lauded, unmissable chronicle of legendary Terri Hooley – a chaotic but charismatic optimist, instrumental in developing Belfast's independent rock scene.
Other films include HANNAH ARENDT, which like IDA will premiere at the upcoming Jewish International Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival selection MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, directed by Thomas Imbach. HANNAH ARENDT, directed by Germany’s Margarethe von Trotta, is a portrait of the genius philosopher who, while covering the Eichmann trial for The New Yorker, coined the term ‘the banality of evil’, furiously dividing world opinion.
Forest Whitaker narrates the inspiring documentary feature RISING FROM ASHES, directed by TC Johnstone. Two worlds collide when American cycling legend Jock Boyer moves to Rwanda, Africa, to help a group of struggling genocide survivors pursue their dream of a national cycling team with the London Olympics as their goal.
Legendary French director Bertrand Tavernier brings us the hilarious QUAI D’ORSAY, set in the French Foreign Ministry. Another Toronto Film Festival 2013 selection.
Based on the 1962 novel by American literary icon Jack Kerouac, BIG SUR recounts the events surrounding Kerouac’s three brief sojourns to a cabin in Bixby Canyon. Directed by Michael Polish and starring Australia’s Radha Mitchell with Stana Katic, Kate Bosworth and Josh Lucas, the film premiered at the 2013 Sundance International Film Festival and will have its Australian premiere at the Brisbane International Film Festival later this month.
In FRIENDS FROM FRANCE Anne Weil and Philippe Kotlarski employ a light-hearted premise to explore the Cold War deep freeze of Brezhnev’s Soviet Union. By day, young French couple Carole and Jérôme are tourists, travelling to see the sights; by night they are activists, reaching out to help.
“Curious is quietly building its reputation as a successful boutique distributor of quality titles – Australian and international – with 2014 looking to be our busiest year yet. We are a nimble company with the capacity to really focus on the specialist marketing required by the kinds of films we like to both buy and watch,” said Curious’ Sarah Noonan.
“We’re very pleased with 2013 results, with The Rocket and The Other Son obvious highlights. The support for Curious titles from exhibition partners has been terrific and we’re looking forward to delivering strong box office across the slate in 2014.”
To view trailers for Curious’s 2014 slate, go to: https://vimeo.com/76831280