First UK Review
First UK Review
Embedded Files
South of Hope Street (2024) - A Dystopian Vision from Jane Spencer Premiering in the UK
South of Hope Street (2024) - A Dystopian Vision from Jane Spencer Premiering in the UK
By Jon Donnis
Prepare for a gripping cinematic experience as South of Hope Street, the latest film from acclaimed indie writer and director Jane Spencer, lands on Amazon Prime in the UK on 12 November 2024, followed by a release on Paramount+ from 15 November. With Spencer's unique flair for blending bold storytelling with intense, character-driven narratives, South of Hope Street promises to be a standout in the realm of dystopian cinema, courtesy of Ward9 Productions.
Set in the near-future year of 2038, Spencer's film unfolds against the ominous backdrop of World War III. In this new world order, individuality is stifled, conformity is enforced with an iron fist, and an eerie celestial mystery, two moons hanging in the sky, is blithely ignored by the state. As the government's obsession with control escalates, it goes to unprecedented lengths, constructing a "wall in the sky" to block the truth from citizens' view. Against this surreal landscape, the protagonist Denise, played by Tanna Frederick, finds herself rallying a group of outcasts, among them Tom (portrayed by The Breakfast Club star Judd Nelson) and a band of defiant mountain-dwelling hippies led by Benjamin Flowers (the ever-charismatic Michael Madsen). Together, they mount a rebellion that probes both the nature of truth and the cost of freedom.
South of Hope Street boasts a formidable international cast, featuring William Baldwin, Jack McEvoy, Patricia Sluka, Meredith Ostrom, Pascal Ulli, and Angelo Boffa. With acclaimed actors Asser Yassin, Gianin Loffler, Barry O'Rourke, and Craig Conway also contributing, the ensemble cast promises a rich array of compelling, complex performances that are sure to captivate audiences.
Spencer, celebrated for her directorial achievements and awarded the Producers Without Borders Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2023, is known for her offbeat cinematic style and thought-provoking narratives. Her previous films include Little Noises, which premiered at Sundance and earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize, as well as Faces on Mars and The Ninth Cloud, the latter nominated for Best Independent Feature at the Chicago Arthouse Festival. Shot across striking locations in Zurich and the atmospheric Swiss Alps of Maloja, South of Hope Street promises to deliver visually arresting landscapes alongside its thrilling narrative.
Behind the camera, Spencer collaborates with cinematographer Frank Glencairn, whose work here captures the haunting beauty and starkness of a world on the edge. The editing team, comprising Patricia Rommel and Stefan Kaelin, brings precision to the pacing, while the evocative soundtrack, featuring songs from Donovan, Thunderclap Newman, and Laura Nyro, weaves a fittingly otherworldly soundscape for this dystopian drama.
With a running time of 101 minutes, South of Hope Street explores urgent themes of power, deception, and resistance, weaving an engaging narrative that feels as much a warning as it does an enthralling piece of cinema. Spencer's latest work is an unmissable addition to this year's film landscape, and with its impressive cast and arresting visuals, it promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
South of Hope Street now on Paramount + and Amazon Prime
South of Hope Street now on Paramount + and Amazon Prime
SOUTH OF HOPE STREET - staring Tanna Frederick (Two Ways Home), Judd Nelson (Brakefast Club) Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs) Billy Baldwin (War of the Worlds), Jack McEvoy (Vikings) Gianin Loffler (Stargate, Babylon 5) Craig Conway (The Pentaverate) - will be released in the UK on Amazon Prime from November 12, 2024 and on Paramount+ from November 15, 2024.
SOUTH OF HOPE STREET is a Ward9 Production, written and directed by Jane Spencer; produced by Marc Holthuizen, Danijela Jasprica, Angelo Boffa and Patricia Reinhart; cinematography by Frank Glencairn; edited by Patricia Rommel & Stefan Kaelin.; composed by Marcel Vaid & Marc Holthuizen.
Music soundtrack includes songs by Donovan, Thunderclap Newman, and Laura Nyro.
FIRST REVIEW OF SOHS
FIRST REVIEW OF SOHS
The first review for South of Hope Street after the world premiere in Los Angeles... and wow, we are stoked.
"The visual aspects of South Of Hope Street are a feast. The majority of the film is in vibrant color, but a few scenes are in black & white, adding a distinct touch. The color cinematography in the cityscape has a gritty feel, mirroring the underlying grime of even the most polished and shiny surfaces. In contrast, the black & white sequences offer a sense of solace and unity, radiating warmth. Director of photography Frank Glencarin’s work impeccably captures Denise’s moods throughout the film.
South Of Hope Street feels like a hazy dream: the specifics are hard to recall or make sense of, but the experience is something new, unexpected, and most welcome. The cast is good, the movie looks incredible, and the thematic elements at play are intriguingly used. So sit down, prop up your feet, and take it all in."
https://filmthreat.com/reviews/south-of-hope-street/
Buffalo 8 Acquires SOUTH OF HOPE STREET
Buffalo 8 Acquires SOUTH OF HOPE STREET
Buffalo 8 has acquired North American rights to South of Hope Street, director Jane Spencer's new sci-fi allegorical film, starring Tanna Frederick, Judd Nelson, Billy Baldwin, Angelo Boffa and including Patricia Sluka, Egyptian star Asser Yassin, Michael Madsen, Craig Conway, Meredith Ostrom, Pascal Ulli, and Jack McEvoy. The film is slated for both theatrical release and available on demand on Amazon Prime on April 19th.
Written and directed by Spencer, and produced by Ward 9 Productions and Carm One Productions, South of Hope Street is a dystopian sci fi Impact film that tells of a mysterious event in the sky. Only a young woman and her alienated friends try to call attention to it - but they are voiceless misfits. As the sky gets stranger above, it becomes more fascist below, until, suddenly, the powers-that-be build a "wall" to cover the mystery of the sky...
The film has retro music alluding to a 'time of rebellion' by Donovan, Laura Nyro, an original score by Marc Holthuizen and award-winning composer Marcel Vaid, is edited by Patricia Rommel ('The Lives of Others'), DP was Frank Glencairn. Executive Producers include Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Remo Muggli, Steven Adams of AltaGlobalMedia and MAD Solutions.
South of Hope Street will have a Red-Carpet Premiere at the Westwood Bruin April 18th at 7PM, followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers and cast. The screening is being sponsored by LA Femme International Film Festival, the Swiss Film Fund, and Carm One Productions.
The acquisition deal was negotiated by Nikki Stier Justice of Buffalo 8 and Jason Ingber via Ward 9 Productions' Marc Holthuizen and Producer Angelo Boffa.
SOUTH OF HOPE STREET
SOUTH OF HOPE STREET
Theatrical world premiere April 18, 2024
Regency Bruin Theater, Los Angeles
DP Frank Glencairn harnesses Blackmagic cameras for Losgelassen
DP Frank Glencairn harnesses Blackmagic cameras for Losgelassen
Set in a small apartment during a blizzard, Losgelassen, tells the story of a group of women from different generations, who find themselves stuck together in the flat. All the conflicts, the fighting, the disputes between them must vanish – when they are confronted with saving a new life.
The film, which took the prize for Best International Feature at the 2021 Toronto Independent Film Festival, was lensed by DP Frank Glencairn, who came together to collaborate again with director Brigitte Drodtloff. Shooting took place over six days in Munich during Germany’s 2020 lockdown, and whilst the contained location fitted into restriction requirements, there were still plenty of challenges to overcome.
Read the complete CINEMATOGRAPHY WORLD article on the cinematography of "Losgelassen" here
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse