Still Grappling With Loss, Fortissimo Moves Forward

Cannes Fest head Thierry Fremaux speaking at the memorial service for Wouter Barendrecht. Photo by Eugene Hernandez/indieWIRE.

Headlining Fortissimo’s Cannes lineup this year is Tsai Ming-Liang’s competition film, “Face,” shot in Paris and based on the myth of Salome. It is one of the first films shot at the Louvre, which also helped finance the film. Meanwhile, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda will premiere his latest, “Air Doll” in Un Certain Regard section.

Consistent with Fortissimo’s history of clever outreach, the company put together a blow up-bound cover for its press kit for the film, a life-size air doll that lives in a shabby apartment in Tokyo whose middle-aged master talks to her, gives her a bath and makes love with her every day after he returns from work. The film has already had pre-sales activity in some markets, in addition to other Fortissimo titles, which the company will announce during the festival.

Also screening in Cannes are the world premieres of Fortissimo’s “Nymph” by Pen-ek Ratanaruang in Un Certain Regard and Michel Franco’s “Daniel & Ana,” which Werner expects could see some controversy.

Fortissimo is aggressively pursuing the genre market with “Dream Home,” which Werner described as “horror with intelligence and artistic merit.” Another film depicted in a poster hanging in Fortissimo’s Cannes suite is Indian director Rajesh Jala’s “Children of the Pyre,” which has a not-quite-so-subtle headline, “Not Every Kid is Destined to be a Millionaire.” Werner noted that Indian cinema will be a key focus for the company going forward.

Additionally, Fortissimo will be handling all rights outside Asia and North America to Chinese production “The Warrior and the Worlf” from producer Bill Kong (“Hero,” “Lust, Caution”). Based on a short story from award winning author Yasushi Inoue, the film is written and directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang (“Springtime in a Small Town”). “Warrior” is currently in post-production and Fortissimo plans to launch the film at fall festivals.

Looking ahead, Fortissimo’s Werner also noted that the company is developing an English-language film with Michelle Yeoh, who will star in the project. Chris Doyle is on board to shoot it. They are also pursuing a development deal with John Woo and producer Terence Chang. And, Todd Solondz’ latest will debut at a fall film festival, Werner said.

Though North America is generally considered by many to be in the doldrums, Werner sees positive development in French markets, Benelux and Germany, where “Air Doll” and “Dream Home” have found interest. He also said he’s taken early meetings with North American companies who expressed interest in Fortissimo’s lineup, which may be a good sign.

“I’m personally positive because a strong [Cannes] Official Selection lifts all boats,” said Werner who added that this year’s roster of Fortissimo films is its strongest. “If [the festival] ends up being weak, then everyone will have to to re-think where things are going.”

[Eugene Hernandez contributed to this article.]