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Studio Finalizes Deals with Key International Distributors to Open the Psychological Thriller in Theaters Worldwide

Solstice Studios is driving full speed ahead, taking the Russell Crowe starrer Unhinged to cinemas around the world, after locking in major theatrical distribution partners and territories in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and Asia. Derrick Borte’s psychological thriller, which marks Solstice’s first feature film, is set to open America’s movie theaters nationwide on July 10^th. Today Solstice confirmed key global territories, with many partners set to adopt the same distribution strategy as the US, releasing Unhinged in theaters as they reopen.

Top international distributors for the film include: Leonine [Germany & Austria]; SND [France]; The Searchers [Benelux]; StudioCanal [Australia & New Zealand]; Altitude Films [UK]; Nordisk Film [Scandinavia]; Leone Films [Italy]; VVS [Canada]; Sun Distribution [LatAm]; DeAPlaneta [Spain]; Eagle Films [Middle East]; Kadokawa [Japan]; Noori [South Korea & Vietnam]; Volgafilm [Baltics & C.I.S.]; Ascot Elite [Switzerland]; Monolith [Poland]; Vertical Distribution [Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary & Romania]; Blitz [Former Yugo]; Movie Cloud [Taiwan]; PT Prima [Indonesia]; Empire [South Africa]; VR Films & Studios Ltd [India]; United King Films [Israel]; Tanweer [Greece & Turkey]; Pris [Portugal]; Metropolis Television Inc [Malaysia]; Edko Films [Hong Kong]; Sahamongkol [Thailand]; Pioneer [Philippines]; Sam Film [Iceland]; Pasatiempo Pictures [West Indies]; and MM2 [Singapore] — making Unhinged the premiere theatrical event of the summer.

“It is a privilege to be working with the top independent distribution companies around the world on our first feature,” said Solstice’s Acquisitions & International Head Crystal Bourbeau.  “The film’s tremendous reception is a true testament to its universal relatability and global appeal.  We are thrilled to be bringing Unhinged to cinemas worldwide with these partners, giving audiences everywhere a good reminder of why they love going to the movies.”

Leonine CEO Fred Kogel added: “Unhinged will be the first major theatrical release after the lockdown in Germany. This film enables us to present the audience with a great cinematic experience after a long stretch of hardship. At the same time, we are supporting the exhibitors with such a high-profile release to be able to reopen their theatres as profitable as possible. It takes courage to be the first mover into a new normality and I believe this signal is important for the people and our industry.”

“We at Nordisk Film are 100% behind the bold and smart decision to offer the fun ride of Unhinged in theaters as soon as possible, effectively making it one of the first new films in our markets,” added Nordisk’s Klaus T. Odegaard, VP Acquisition, Marketing & Theatrical Distribution.  “Solstice has shown great commitment in making this happen with a very short turnaround towards us and exhibitors, which is exactly what we all need to get audiences back into the theatres.”

Unhinged is a psychological thriller starring Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe from Carl Ellsworth, the writer of Red Eye and Disturbia and Lisa Ellzey, the producer of Warrior and Kingdom of Heaven. It takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy. "Road rage" doesn't begin to describe what he's about to do to her and everyone she knows. The film is directed by Derrick Borte (American Dreamer) and also stars Caren Pistorius, Gabriel Bateman, Jimmi Simpson and Austin P. McKenzie.

Solstice Studios is an independent movie company based in Los Angeles, founded in October 2018. The studio develops, fully finances, produces, sells internationally and distributes feature films in the U.S. on a wide-release basis.  Solstice plans to produce 3-5 movies per year for a global audience—generally in the $20-80M budget range.  It also plans to co-finance or acquire another 1-2 films per year for wide U.S. distribution.  The company has a partnership with Ingenious Media.

Solstice will start production in summer 2020 on Robert Rodriguez’s mind-bending action thriller, Hypnotic, starring Academy Award winner Ben Affleck.  It recently acquired the futuristic thriller Mind Fall, written by Academy Award-winner Graham Moore with Cedric Jimenez set to direct.

The Solstice team has a $5 billion production track record. The company’s senior team includes President & CEO Mark Gill, Head of Production Lisa Ellzey, Co-Production Head Guy Botham, Marketing/Strategy Head Vincent Bruzzese, Acquisitions & International Head Crystal Bourbeau, Head of Physical Production Dana Belcastro, Business & Legal Affairs Head Karen Barna, Chief Financial Officer Shaun Williams and Head of US Distribution Shari Hardison.