Outplay Films Acquires Locarno Title 'I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming'

Outplay Films has acquired the worldwide sales rights for Isabelle Stever's "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming," a film that competed in the main competition at the Locarno Film Festival. The acquisition was announced this week, positioning Outplay Films as the global distributor for the European production. The film is produced by Tom Tykwer and Uwe Schott through their Berlin-based production company, X Filme Creative Pool. Anna Melikova penned the screenplay for "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming." The narrative centers on Olya and Oleh, a young queer Ukrainian couple whose lives are depicted in the film. The specific plot details beyond this central relationship and their Ukrainian heritage have not been extensively detailed in initial reports, but the film's inclusion in the Locarno competition signifies its artistic merit and potential for critical acclaim. The Locarno Film Festival, held annually in Locarno, Switzerland, is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, known for showcasing independent and auteur cinema. Its main competition features a curated selection of films from international filmmakers, making selection a significant achievement for any production. Tom Tykwer, one of the producers, is a renowned German filmmaker, celebrated for directing films such as "Run Lola Run" (1998), "Heaven" (2002), and "Cloud Atlas" (2012), the latter co-directed with the Wachowskis. His involvement as a producer suggests a commitment to quality filmmaking and artistic vision. X Filme Creative Pool is a prominent German production company with a history of supporting distinctive cinematic projects. The film's subject matter, focusing on a young queer Ukrainian couple, addresses contemporary themes of identity, relationships, and potentially the impact of geopolitical events on personal lives. The specific context of their experiences within Ukraine or as refugees is a key element of the film's narrative. The acquisition by Outplay Films, a French sales company specializing in international cinema, indicates that the film is being positioned for distribution across various international markets, including film festivals, theatrical releases, and potentially streaming platforms. The company's portfolio often includes arthouse and critically recognized films, aligning with the profile of "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming." The film's participation in the Locarno competition, which concluded on August 12, 2023, provided a significant platform for its unveiling to international buyers and critics. The festival's awards ceremony typically highlights standout films, though it is not specified if "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming" received any accolades during the festival. The world sales rights encompass the ability for Outplay Films to negotiate distribution deals in all territories worldwide, excluding any pre-existing rights that may have been secured by other parties. The film's narrative is expected to resonate with audiences interested in character-driven stories and explorations of diverse human experiences. The collaboration between director Isabelle Stever, writer Anna Melikova, and producers Tom Tykwer and Uwe Schott represents a confluence of established and emerging talent within the European film industry. The precise release strategy and target markets for "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming" will likely be determined by Outplay Films in the coming months, following its festival debut and initial market reception.