Kirill Serebrennikov’s Latest Venture: “Après”

Renowned Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov is set to unveil his latest feature, The Disappearance of Josef Mengele, at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. In addition, he is currently in production for his first French-language film, Après, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast.

Star-Studded French Cast

Leading the French cast are notable talents including Ludivine Sagnier (known for Lupin and Peter Pan), Fanny Ardant (from The Young Lovers), Vincent Macaigne (featured in Maria), Guillaume Gallienne (of Yves Saint Laurent fame), and Louis Garrel (from The Dreamers).

Production Team Behind “Après”

Après is being produced by Ilya Stewart and Aleksandr Fomin for Hype Studios, alongside Serebrennikov. The film is co-produced by Julia Zaytseva and Igor Pronin for Forma Pro Films, in collaboration with Umedia. Executive producers include Vladimir Zemtsov for Gold Rush Pictures and Max Pavlov and Svetlana Punte for Forma Pro Films. The project also receives financial backing from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.

A Reunion of Creative Minds

This film marks a reunion for Serebrennikov with Hype Studios, the team behind his previous five features, all of which have competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or. These include the upcoming Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie, as well as The Student, Leto, and Petrov’s Flu. The film also sees Serebrennikov collaborating once again with several long-time associates, including cinematographer Roman Vasyanov and production designers Vladislav Ogay and Lyubov Korolkova.

Returning to Cannes

Serebrennikov and Hype Studios are back at Cannes with The Disappearance of Josef Mengele, which is set to premiere in the festival’s Cannes Premiere section. Based on Olivier Guez’s bestselling novel, the film features August Diehl portraying Mengele, the infamous Nazi doctor who sought refuge in South America post-WWII. The narrative unfolds from Mengele’s perspective, delving into his fugitive years.

New Collaborations and Projects

Earlier this year, Hype Studios initiated a co-production and financing agreement with Gold Rush Pictures, as reported exclusively by Variety. This partnership will also see collaboration with Polish filmmakers Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert on The Idiots, featuring Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn. Currently in production, The Idiots has also secured international sales representation from The Match Factory.

Expanding Horizons with “Phantom of the Opera”

Additionally, Hype Studios is collaborating with Pathé to develop Serebrennikov’s television debut, Phantom of the Opera, a contemporary adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s classic 19th-century novel. The company is also showcasing Kornél Mundruczó’s The Revolution According to Kamo at this year’s Cannes market, which is being sold by MK2.