American Film Market Dailies

Spotlight Pictures launching sales starting at the AFM for the epic BITTER HARVEST, starring  Max Irons (THE RIOT CLUB) Academy Award® Nominee, Terence Stamp (WANTED), Barry Pepper (MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS) and Samantha Barks (LES MISÉRABLES).  .  

 Spotlight Pictures announced today that it will launch international sales for the highly emotive $21million dollar epic, BITTER HARVEST, at the American Film Market next month. Directed by George Mendeluk (THE KIDNAPPING OF THE PRESIDENT, JUDICIAL INDISCRETION), the film features an exceptional ensemble cast of established and rising stars including, young British sensation, Max Irons (THE RIOT CLUB, WOMAN IN GOLD) Academy Award® Nominee, Terence Stamp (WANTED, STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE), Golden Globe® Nominee, Barry Pepper (MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), Samantha Barks (LES MISÉRABLES) and Tamer Hassan (LAYER CAKE, CLASH OF THE TITANS). Edited by Academy Award® Nominee, Stuart Baird (SKYFALL, CASINO ROYALE, DIE HARD 2) with photography by Douglas Milsome (ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES, THE SHINING), BITTER HARVEST was produced on location in Ukraine and at Pinewood Studios.

Set between the two World Wars and based on true historical events, BITTER HARVEST is the first major dramatic film to convey the untold story of the Holodomor, the genocidal famine engineered by Joseph Stalin that killed millions in Ukraine.

The screenplay was developed and written by Richard Bachynsky-Hoover and George Mendeluk. Shot in authentic locations, using a principally Ukrainian crew, the film displays a powerful tale of love, honour, rebellion and survival at a time when Ukraine was forced to adjust to the horrifying territorial ambitions of the burgeoning Soviet Union.  Seen through the eyes of two young lovers, it powerfully captures one of the most dramatic genocides in the history of 20^th Century Europe.

The film follows the journey of Yuri (Max Irons), an artistic soul born into a family of Ukrainian warriors, who struggles to win the approval of his stern grandfather Ivan (Terence Stamp), father Yaroslav (Barry Pepper) and the heart of Natalka (Samantha Barks). Yuri finds his life changed forever with the invasion by the Bolsheviks and the subsequent persecution of his family and fellow countrymen as Stalin’s deliberate regime of terror extends across Eastern Europe.

Following a private screening of the film, journalist, author and Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Institute in Washington DC, Diane M. Francis, wrote in her article for Atlantic Council and The Huffington Post, “BITTER HARVEST is an important movie that everyone should see. Set during one of history’s darkest moments [it] portrays a history you don’t know and cannot imagine. Its relevance is undeniable and enlightening.” [See full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-m-francis/film-russia-ukraine_b_8288514.html ].

Ian Ihnatowycz, Stuart Baird, George Mendeluk, Chad Barager and Jaye Gazeley produced.  Douglas Milsome is responsible for the film’s striking cinematography, Benjamin Wallfisch (SUMMER IN FEBRUARY) wrote the film’s original score and Daniel Hubbard (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM) handled the casting – including rounding it off with Aneurin Barnard (THE WHITE QUEEN, WAR AND PEACE) and Tom Austen (IRONCLAD, THE ROYALS).

The deal was negotiated by Spotlight Pictures’ Carlos Rincon, Head of Acquisitions, and William J. Immerman, Production Attorney, on behalf of production company, Andamar Entertainment.

Upon confirming the deal, Spotlight’s CEO Matt McCombs commented, “We have been tracking this amazing BITTER HARVEST production for many months and watched carefully as the producers, using the incredible editing and post-production skills of Stuart Baird,  honed a very special film.  We even sat in on several NRG Focus Groups, increasingly excited by the audience reaction.  We are very proud to be presenting the film for sales at the AFM.”

In explaining his involvement, producer Ian Ihnatowycz said, “As the grandson & son of Ukrainians who fled the communists in the 40s, I had long been mystified as to the almost complete lack of awareness in the West about the Holomodor.   While the actual number of deaths is undetermined, even the most modest estimate is that over 6 million were deliberately starved to death.  These were innocent men, women and children and, in all conscience, I couldn’t let this period of Ukrainian history remain in the shadows”.

The film will have its world market premiere during the AFM on Monday, November 9, at the AMC Santa Monica at 3pm.

About Spotlight Pictures

Spotlight Pictures is a next-generation international sales agent of independent films. Founded on efficiency, transparency and effectiveness, Spotlight looks to take advantage of changing buying patterns and distribution pathways in global markets. The experience within the company has logged well over 25 years in the industry and maintains an impeccable reputation with the international community. Long established as one of the most successful distributors of genre product worldwide, Spotlight’s ambitions have moved it into the acquisition and sales of art house and theatrical product.

Our main focus is to maximize revenue for our producers through theatrical, DVD, VOD, pay television and free television sales. To accomplish this, Spotlight Pictures attends every major film market and sells to 750 distributors in 50+ territories worldwide. Our clientele range from the US studios, to local conglomerates, multi-territory buyers, niche buyers and TV channels. If there is an international company that acquires independent motion pictures, you can rest assured that they are part of the Spotlight network.

Spotlight understands that each film is unique and each producer deserves individual attention. When we represent your film you will receive a tailor-made sales strategy that will take into consideration the specifics of your film and overall goals. For this reason, we don't represent as many films as other sales agents and consider ourselves a boutique sales company rather than a high-volume operation, as is the case for most of our competitors.

Spotlight's reputation for service is outstanding and our accounting is pristine. We pay like clockwork and have excellent ongoing relationships, and friendships, with our producers.

Whatever stage your film may be in, one thing remains true, we are looking to become involved with the most talented and passionate filmmakers in the business.