Sokurov's "Sun" To Shine In U.S.

A scene from Aleksandr Sokurov's "The Sun." Image courtesy of Lorber HT Digital.

Richard Lorber announced in Cannes today that Lorber HT Digital has acquired all U.S. rights to "The Sun," the third feature film in Aleksandr Sokurov's "Dictator Trilogy."

"We have been pursuing this remarkable film for over three years and are delighted to finally make it available to long time Sokurov fans who have been clamoring for it as well as film lovers who may be new to his oeuvre," Lorber said in a statement. "Since 'Russian Ark' which was released by my former company every new Sokurov is an event but 'The Sun' we believe will shine the brightest."

The film focuses on Japanese emperor Hirohito and his climactic surrender to General MacArthur at the end of World War II. The first two films in Sokurov's trilogy are "Moloch" (1999), about Hitler and Eva Braun and "Taurus" (2001), which focused on Vladmir Lenin at the end of his life. "The Sun" will be first in the series to enjoy a U.S. theatrical release. "The Sun" first screened at the 2005 Berlin Film Festival, and has been slowly making the festival rounds ever since.

The deal was negotiated by Joy Wong, Head of U.K.-based The Works International and Richard Lorber and Ray Privett, Director of Sales and Distribution, on behalf of Lorber HT Digital for release by the company's theatrical releasing arm, Lorber Films.

"The Sun" will premiere theatrically at New York's Film Forum in November followed by a national release continuing into 2010.