Chloé Zhao’s “The Rider” was a surprise hit at Cannes back in 2017, so much so that her next film was hotly anticipated. Here was a female filmmaker with a keen, poetic eye for humanism. Marvel Studios, unfortunately, hired her to direct their upcoming “The Eternals,” but the real focus should be on “Nomadland,” starring Frances McDormand, which has just been announced to world premiere on September 11 at the Venice Film Festival, with a simultaneous screening at the Toronto International Film Festival as well.
Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced the landmark screenings today, with an additional bow at the New York Film Festival in October, where Zhao’s film has been selected as the centerpiece selection of the 58th edition of the festival.
In “Nomadland” Zhao decides to adapt journalist Jessica Bruder’s 2017 non-fiction book “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century”. The film, taking place during the 2008 economic recession, follows a woman (played by Frances McDormand) who packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life on the total outskirts of mainstream society, she, by in turn, becomes a Nomad.
A domestic and international theatrical release is expected for “Nomadland” this fall. A source has confirmed to me that the film will be playing “In Competition” at the Venice Film Festival, their lineup is set to be announced tomorrow.
Paul Greengrass’ "The Uprising," starring Andrew Garfield, opened to $3.2M from 2,068 theaters this weekend. Yikes. The budget hasn’t been disclosed, but is said to be in the $20-$30M range.