Fortissimo takes worldwide rights to Sandcastle

Fortissimo Films has signed a deal with Eric Khoo’s production outfit Zhao Wei Films for worldwide rights, outside Singapore, to Boo Junfeng’s debut Sandcastle.

The film, which is currently in production, is being produced by Khoo and will receive its market debut at the European Film Market, which opens on February 12..

Fortissimo chairman Michael J Werner, who brokered the deal with Khoo, and managing director Nelleke Driessen are also executive producers and Fortissimo also has an equity stake in the project.

Sandcastle tells the story of En, a 17 year old boy struggling to stay true to his beliefs in a country where ideologies are forged on constantly shifting sands. It is one of nine films to be funded under the Singapore Film Commission’s (SFC) New Feature Film Fund, which was launched in 2008 to provide first time directors with the opportunity to work with experienced production companies.

Werner said: “To us, getting involved with Boo Junfeng in his first feature harkens back to Fortissimo’s origins of seeking out and supporting young and gifted film-makers from all over the world. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to back Boo, producer Eric Khoo and the SFC in bringing this power and touching film to the world.”

Khoo added: “I believe that Fortissimo is the perfect platform for us to launch Junfeng’s touching first feature to audiences around the world.”

Junfeng has already picked up awards at the Singapore International Film Festival for his short films, including best director, the special jury prize and twice for best film.