Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the U.S. rights to “Tangerines,” a 2015 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, the company announced on Friday.
Written and directed by Zaza Urushadze, the film tells the story of an older Estonian man who cares for two wounded soldiers from opposite sides of the 1990s-era war in Georgia, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
“Zaza has created a beautiful film with remarkable performances from his cast. The writing, directing and acting help balance both the humor and serious tones captured on film,” said Peter Goldwyn, Senior VP of Acquisitions for Samuel Goldwyn Films. “I am very excited to bring this film to a U.S. audience and wish Zaza and his team the best of luck at the Oscars next weekend.”
In addition to its Oscar nomination, “Tangerines” was also nominated for a 2015 Golden Globe Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
“The film has been received warmly by festival audiences in the US and worldwide, and I am sure it will be loved by American cinema-goers as well because of its important and timely message,” Urushadze said. “I have been waiting for this thrilling news for a long time and it makes me very happy!”
“Tangerines” was produced by Estonian film production company Allfilm and Georgian production company Cinema 24. It was produced by Ivo Felt and Zaza Urushadze. The cast includes Lembit Ulfsak, Elmo Nuganen, Mikhail Meskhi, Giorgi Nakashidze, Raivo Trass, and Zurab Bealishvili. The deal was negotiated by Ian Puente, Vice President and General Counsel of Samuel Goldwyn Films, and Nick Stiliadis, Chairman and Founder of Cinemavault, on behalf of the filmmakers.
Samuel Goldwyn Films plans to release “Tangerines” in the U.S. later in 2015.