Renowned Hong Kong director Johnnie To is set to make his English-language debut with the film 'Two Gun Cohen', a true story of Jewish immigrant Morris Cohen, who played a pivotal role in the Chinese Revolution as Dr. Sun Yat-sen's protector and confidant. This exciting new project marks a significant milestone in the career of Johnnie To, who has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of action and drama.
Background & Context
Johnnie To's collaboration with Rawk Moving Pictures Corp, a new Canadian production house, is a testament to the evolving landscape of global cinema. The company's founder, Todd Brown, a seasoned film executive with a keen eye for bold storytelling, has brought together an impressive slate of projects that showcase the company's commitment to innovation and artistic expression.
Rawk's launch is a significant development in the film industry, with Brown's 17-year tenure as head of international acquisitions at XYZ Films providing a solid foundation for his new venture. His credits include critically acclaimed films such as 'The Raid: Redemption', 'Mandy', and 'The Night Comes for Us', which demonstrate his ability to identify and champion unique storytelling voices.
Key Details
The English-language debut of Johnnie To, 'Two Gun Cohen', is a 'dim sum Western' based on the true story of Morris Cohen, a Jewish immigrant to Canada who settled on the Prairies and met Dr. Sun Yat-sen before he rose to become the father of modern China. To has described the project as a fascinating blend of cultural influences, with a narrative that spans continents and generations.
The producing team for 'Two Gun Cohen' includes Chris Yurkovich of Fiera Stranga and Michael Solomon of Band With Pictures, with Solomon serving as executive producer. Patrick Whistler is attached to write the screenplay, and the project has received development backing from Telefilm Canada. The film is set to be showcased at the Frontieres co-production and market showcase at the Toronto market in September, where Rawk will seek financiers, co-producers, and sales partners.
Rawk's early slate also includes 'Necropolis', a sci-fi horror feature marking the directorial debut of writer-director Solmund MacPherson, co-produced by Lee Marshall of Returning Productions. Corey Adams, director of 'Machotaildrop' and 'The Edge of Sleep', is set to follow up with the cult comedy 'The Barbarian King', written by Tim Cairo, with Michael Peterson of Peterson Polaris on board as co-producer. Writer-director Hal Haberman returns to features with 'Mr. Magnificent', described as absurd yet heartfelt, following his Sundance-selected debut 'Special', produced in partnership with Amber Ripley of Goodbye Productions.
What Experts Say
Todd Brown's approach to filmmaking is built on a passion for championing new voices and bold storytelling. 'Unusual stories from striking talent is the entire fun of this industry', Brown said in an interview. 'Rawk will be far less driven by scale or model than by the simple question of whether the story and the talent behind it are great.' This commitment to artistic expression is reflected in the company's early slate, which showcases a diverse range of projects and talents.
Johnnie To's collaboration with Rawk is a significant development in the career of this renowned director, who has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of action and drama. The English-language debut of 'Two Gun Cohen' marks a new chapter in To's career, as he brings his signature style to a new audience.
Key Takeaways
- Rawk Moving Pictures Corp is a new Canadian production house founded by Todd Brown, a seasoned film executive with a keen eye for bold storytelling.
- The company's early slate includes 'Two Gun Cohen', Johnnie To's English-language debut, as well as 'Necropolis', 'The Barbarian King', and 'Mr. Magnificent'.
- Todd Brown's approach to filmmaking is built on a passion for championing new voices and bold storytelling.
- Rawk's commitment to artistic expression is reflected in its diverse slate of projects and talents.
What This Means For You
The launch of Rawk Moving Pictures Corp and its impressive slate of projects is a testament to the evolving landscape of global cinema. As the industry continues to shift and adapt, it's exciting to see new voices and talents emerging, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.
For fans of Johnnie To and his unique blend of action and drama, 'Two Gun Cohen' is a must-see. The film's English-language debut marks a new chapter in To's career, as he brings his signature style to a new audience. With its diverse cast of characters and sweeping narrative, 'Two Gun Cohen' is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
As the film industry continues to evolve, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve and discover new talent and projects. With Rawk Moving Pictures Corp at the forefront, we can expect to see innovative storytelling and bold new voices emerging in the years to come.
Whether you're a seasoned film enthusiast or just discovering the world of cinema, there's never been a more exciting time to be a part of this vibrant and dynamic industry. With Rawk Moving Pictures Corp leading the charge, we can't wait to see what the future holds.
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