The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnolia Pictures announced today that they have acquired US rights to A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE, a new film from Swedish master Roy Andersson. The film had its world premiere in Venice where it took home the top prize, the Golden Lion, and bowed in North America last month at TIFF. Filmmakers Darren Aronofsky and Alejandro González Iñárritu have leant their support as presenters of the film for its US release.
A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE is the third film in a trilogy from director Andersson, including the critically acclaimed Songs from the Second Floor and You the Living. Andersson has been described as one of the most distinctive Swedish filmmakers. Full of deadpan humor, absurdist comedy and at times shockingly powerful imagery, A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE is a wholly original film comprised of darkly comic vignettes that are tied together through the misadventures of Sam and Jonathan, traveling salesmen peddling novelty items, in search of an a shop called “Party.” As they wander through the town, the scenarios that surround take the viewer on a trip that shows the beauty of single moments, the pettiness of others, the humor and tragedy that is in us, and life’s grandeur, as well as the frailty of humanity.
“We were swept away by the humor, beauty, and sheer originality of this film,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “For admirers of Roy Andersson, a new film from him is a true cinematic gift. For people that haven’t experienced his films before, A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE is a terrific place to start.”
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia Director of Acquisitions John Von Thaden with Olimpia Pont Cháfer, Head of Sales at Coproduction Office.
Magnolia is eyeing a 2015 release.