John Malkovich And Sean Bean Music Biopic ‘The Yellow Tie’ Heading To Cannes Market With VMI Worldwide

Zac Ntim
·3 min read
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EXCLUSIVE: VMI Worldwide has boarded worldwide sales on The Yellow Tie, a biopic about the famed Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache starring John Malkovich, Sean Bean, and Ben Schnetzer.

Scott Freije and Julie Paquit at VMI are handling sales and will introduce the pic to buyers at the forthcoming Cannes market. The film is directed by Celibidache’s son, Serge Ioan Celebidachi, who also co-wrote the screenplay with James Olivier. The cast is rounded out by Kate Phillips, Miranda Richardson, and Charlie Rowe.

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The film’s synopsis reads: The Yellow Tie follows the extraordinary life of Sergiu Celibidache, one of the most celebrated classical music conductors of the twentieth century. Brilliantly portrayed by John Malkovich and Ben Schnetzer, he was a unique artist, revered and misunderstood in equal measure. From his childhood in Romania under the draconian authority of a disciplinarian father (Sean Bean), to his painful flight from home to pursue his dream of a career in music, his struggle for survival in wartime Germany, and his rise, fall, and rise again, in an unimaginable career and life path, spanning seven decades and all four corners of the globe. This is the true story of a singular individual with a remarkable destiny. An artist’s battle against prejudice, compromise, convention, and commercialism. A man’s inspirational, lifelong quest to follow his dream and win the elusive acceptance of those dearest to his heart.

The film is produced by Adela Vrinceanu Celebidachi, Cristina Dobritoiu, Andrei Boncea, James Olivier, and Robert W Cort. The deal was negotiated by Jessica Bennett and Andre Relis on behalf of VMI and by Adela Vrinceanu Celebidachi and James Olivier on behalf of the film’s production company Oblique Media.

“The Yellow Tie is a harmoniously constructed picture telling the true journey of renowned artist Sergiu Celibidache,” Andre Relis, CEO of VMI Worldwide, said.

“What sets this film apart from all of the other classical movie biopics is the universal story-telling that is understood by all regardless of your music taste. The Yellow Tie deals with betrayal, love, and the journey of a man who craves validation from a father who has utter disdain for his son’s dedication to a career in the arts, many can relate to that. The film encompasses an impressive all-star cast each giving award-worthy performances. The Yellow Tie will be one of the many sought-after films at the market.”

Adela Vrinceanu Celebidachi added: “The Yellow Tie was a labor of love of almost six years. A labor that we feel has delivered the movie we had dreamt about. For this, we are grateful to a magnificent cast and crew that poured their hearts and souls into its making. Their commitment and dedication to helping us bring this incredible story to life is matched only by the inspirational, steadfast integrity of our main character in the pursuit of a dream. We believe audiences will feel equally uplifted. At a time of conflict and polarization, few stories have the power to unite and inspire. We are delighted to have found in VMI Worldwide a partner with similar beliefs that The Yellow Tie is a movie of universal appeal that belongs to the widest and most diverse audiences.”

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