Hungarian Oscar Entry ‘Four Souls Of Coyote’ Acquired By Juno Films

Matt Grobar
·2 min read
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EXCLUSIVE: Juno Films has claimed U.S. rights to Four Souls of Coyote, the animated feature that marks Hungary’s official entry for the Best International Feature Oscar in 2024. Premiering at the Annecy Animated Film Festival, where it won the Jury Award for Best Feature, the film is now poised for an extended festival run into the spring of 2024, when it will be released in theaters.

Aron Gauder directed this retelling of the Native American creation myth set in the modern context of environmental crises. The film goes back to the creation of the world, when Old Man created life from mud. His every creation is new and unknown and affects the rest of the world. Desire and emotions are unknown as well, and with the evolution of those, the world becomes more complicated. Through adventures filled with animals, magic, hunger, greed and the sacred circle of all creations, the story gives us hope that it is not too late to correct our course — though it is the last minute to save Earth.

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Producer Reka Temple shares that “Four Souls of the Coyote is a film born of a desire to retell an ancient creation myth that does not place humans at the apex of creation. The Native American myth is a complex narrative warning that man is a fallible creature who has responsibility for other creatures too.” She adds that the hope is for U.S. audiences to “connect with the story and its contemporary relevance as we face global warming, a result of rampant capitalism,” also noting that the filmmaking team is “very pleased to be working with Elizabeth at Juno Films to bring this special film to US audiences.”

Added Juno Films’ CEO, Elizabeth Sheldon, “The animated retelling of the Native American myth in a modern context makes the story relevant and accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation style is a striking blend of 2D and 3D, evocative of the work of mid-century artist Charlie Harper. It is a beautiful reminder of the necessity of living harmoniously with the natural world.”

Sheldon negotiated the distribution deal for Juno Films, with Jason Bressand on behalf of Gebeka International.

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