Johnnie To's 'Two Gun Cohen' to Launch Todd Brown's Rawk Pictures

Film executive Todd Brown has launched Rawk Moving Pictures Corp., a new Canadian production house, marking a significant step in his independent production career. Brown, who also has a background as a film critic and festival programmer, spent 17 years as the head of international acquisitions at XYZ Films. During his tenure at XYZ Films, he was instrumental in acquiring and distributing a wide array of international films, building a reputation for identifying promising projects and talent.

Rawk Moving Pictures Corp.'s inaugural slate includes "Two Gun Cohen," which is notable for being the English-language directorial debut of acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To. To is renowned for his prolific career in Hong Kong cinema, directing numerous critically and commercially successful films, often within the crime and gangster genres. His distinctive visual style and narrative complexity have earned him a global following and numerous international awards. The collaboration with To on an English-language project signals a strategic move to broaden the reach of both the director and the new production company into new markets.

The establishment of Rawk Moving Pictures Corp. by Brown signifies a new chapter following his departure from XYZ Films. His extensive experience in international film acquisition and distribution is expected to inform the strategic direction of Rawk. The company aims to develop, finance, and produce a diverse range of feature films, with a particular focus on international co-productions and projects that bridge cultural divides. The choice of "Two Gun Cohen" as a flagship project underscores this ambition, pairing a visionary international director with a production entity designed for global engagement.

"Two Gun Cohen" is based on the true story of Morris "Two-Gun" Cohen, a Jewish immigrant from Poland who became a trusted associate and bodyguard of Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Republic of China. The film is expected to explore Cohen's extraordinary life and his pivotal role in Chinese revolutionary history, offering a unique historical narrative with potential for broad international appeal. The production is anticipated to leverage Johnnie To's signature cinematic approach to bring this compelling historical figure and his era to life on screen. The involvement of Rawk Moving Pictures Corp. in bringing this story to a global audience highlights the company's commitment to diverse storytelling and international cinema.