Strand Releasing Acquires North American Rights to ‘Fantastic Machine,’ Sundance Documentary Produced by Ruben Östlund (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Strand Releasing has acquired North American rights to “Fantastic Machine,” a documentary which is executive produced by Ruben Östlund (“Triangle of Sadness”) and won Sundance Festival’s Creative Vision Award.

Directed by Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck, “Fantastic Machine” went on to win both the Youth Jury Special Mention and the Cinema Vision 14+ awards at the Berlin Film Festival.

The documentary examines humanity’s infatuation with images of itself, and the impact that has on an untethered free market flooded with photos from 45 billion cameras worldwide each minute. “Strand is thrilled to be handling this innovative documentary: ‘Fantastic Machine’ is truly an original vision that Danielson and Van Aertryck have fashioned, and we look forward to taking it out theatrically,” said Strand co-founder Jon Gerrans, who negotiated the North American deal with Ioanna Stais at Heretic.

Strand is planning to release the documentary in late 2023 or early 2024. “I’m delighted we have made this match between Strand Releasing and the bold social commentary and filmmaking of Axel and Max so entertainingly on display in ‘Fantastic Machine,’” Stais said. “I’m excited for audiences in North America to have their opportunity at seeing the film and debating its message!” Danielson and Van Aertryck previously directed the documentary short “Ten Meter Tower,” which was shortlisted at the Oscars in 2018 and played at Sundance as well as the Berlinale. “Strand’s legendary reputation for bringing smart, commercial art films to audiences made them our first choice – our journey to audience is in good hands under their stewardship,” said Van Aertryck.