U.K.-based film production and distribution company Sovereign is expanding across the Atlantic with the launch of a distribution arm in the U.S.
With a plan to release two to three titles a year theatrically and across VOD platforms, the first film slated for release from the new entity is Laurent Nègre’s World War II thriller “A Forgotten Man,” which Sovereign also produced. Set in 1945 after the surrender of Nazi Germany, the story follows the Swiss ambassador (played by Michael Neuenschwander) after he leaves Berlin, but finds himself haunted by his past.
The film, which recently had its U.S. premiere at the Miami Jewish Film Festival and first bowed in Zurich, was released in the U.K. by Sovereign with support from the Swiss Confederation and Swiss Films. Its U.S. release is now slated for April.
Andreas Roald, who first founded Sovereign in 2008, and the head of U.K. distribution Chee Keong Cheung will lead the U.S. expansion. They will also be joined by Chloé Galloy, who becomes global distribution coordinator, tasked with developing and coordinating Sovereign’s worldwide growth. Galloy was previously on Odeon Cinemas’ U.K & Ireland film booking team, where she specialized in the diversification of content on screen.
“The expansion of Sovereign into the U.S. distribution market is the next logical step for us, and we are delighted to bring our titles to American audiences,” Roald said in a statement. “We believe that Sovereign’s films will resonate strongly and we look forward to working with our partners to bring these films to a wide and diverse audience.”
Added Cheung, “Sovereign’s goal is to provide audiences with a diverse range of films that challenge, inspire and entertain. We’re excited to share the magic of storytelling far and wide, contributing the unique perspective of the filmmakers we work with and creating memorable moments on the big screen for audiences across the U.S. We are delighted that Chloé can join us in Sovereign’s expansion.”
Sovereign’s library includes Berlinale Golden Bear winner “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn” from director Radu Jude, and Cannes Jury Prize winner “Memoria” starring Tilda Swinton from Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Sovereign was also one of the producers of Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning dark comedy “Triangle of Sadness” and previously produced “Effie Gray” starring Dakota Fanning, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters.
