The English-language, post-apocalyptic thriller is directed by Filip Kovačević Vertical has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “Sanctuary,” an English-language, post-apocalyptic thriller starring “The Handmaid’s Tale’s” Nina Kiri. According to the synopsis, “Sanctuary” is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, where the discovery of a cryogenically suspended woman provokes fear in a desperate village, sending a young warrior and the mysterious woman on a quest for a lost city and answers that could restore humanity. Directed by Filip Kovačević (“Incarnation”), the film is produced by Đorđe Stanković, Filip Kovačević and Vukota Antunović for Void Pictures and TS Media, the production arm of telecommunications giant Telekom Srbija.
It stars Kiri alongside Dutch actor Jonas Smulders (“Luka,” “Paradise Drifters”) and Serbia’s Darko Perić (“Money Heist”). World sales are being handled by Sublimity, which has also secured several other international deals. Kovačević, who previously directed the 2016 action thriller “Incarnation,” described “Sanctuary” as an attempt to give “a fresh take on dystopian sci-fi, with an original story that takes place in a distinct ‘semi-far future.’” “The time is near enough so the events that led to the collapse of civilization are still relevant, but far enough that they have been shrouded in mystery and myth,” the director said.
Bringing together an international and domestic cast and a remarkable Serbian crew allowed us to make something that feels both rooted here and genuinely global.” The ambitious, English-language feature marks a big swing for Telekom Srbija’s TS Media. In a statement provided to Variety, the company said that “Sanctuary” “represents a notable shift in scale and ambition for Serbian production.” “The film is also part of a wider strategic ambition: to move Serbian scripted production further into the international marketplace, not only as a filming destination but as a source of original IP, creative talent and globally marketable projects,” the statement read. Its immersive world-building, remarkable production values and unforgettable performances carry the spirit of iconic sci-fi cinema.
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