Berlin Winner ‘Sweet Thing’ Lands at Film Movement for North American Release (EXCLUSIVE)

Elsa Keslassy
·2 min read
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Film Movement has acquired North American rights to Alexandre Rockwell’s “Sweet Thing,” which won the Berlin Film Festival’s Crystal Bear in 2020.

The movie is slated for a theatrical release this summer, followed by a rollout on all digital and home entertainment platforms. An ode to childhood, “Sweet Thing” marks Rockwell’s directorial comeback since his 2013 movie “Little Feet.”

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“Sweet Thing,” which stars Lana and Nico Rockwell, Karyn Parsons and Will Patton, follows two children in contemporary New Bedford, Mass., who spend an eventful summer in a beach house with their mother and her boyfriend. They soon meet up with another adolescent, who’s run away from home, and together roam the area free from their parents’ watchful gaze, discovering freedom and enchantment among New Bedford’s boats and railway tracks.

After world-premiering at the Berlinale, the movie went on to play at the Tribeca, Mill Valley and Tokyo film festivals.

“We’re excited to be representing Alexandre and his truly affecting film,” said Michael Rosenberg, the president of Film Movement, who announced the acquisition with Rockwell for Black Horse Productions.

“Long one of the most talented auteurs of his generation, with ‘Sweet Thing,’ (Rockwell) has crafted a rich ode to childhood that’s certain to resonate with moviegoers of all walks and ages,” Rosenberg said.

Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Rockwell said, “after the film won the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival a year ago, (they) entered into the unknown, as did everyone who makes films.”

“There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I am excited to work with Film Movement to get ‘Sweet Thing’ out into the world,” Rockwell added.

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