Charcoal

Source: Signature Entertainment

‘Charcoal’

Signature Entertainment has acquired UK and Ireland rights for satire Charcoal – the feature debut of Brazilian writer-director Carolina Markowicz.

The rights were picked up from Paris-based Urban Sales at this year’s American Film Market (AFM), with a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland planned for March 10 2023, followed by a digital release on March 20.  

It is produced by Zita Carvalhosa’s Superfilmes (Brazil), alongside Karen Castanho of Bionica Filmes (Brazil) and Alejandro Israel of Ajimolido Films (Argentina).

A family in São Paulo’s countryside accept a mysterious guest into their home, only to discovery he’s a wanted Argentine drug lord. With their house his new-found hideout, the family must learn how to live with a dangerous criminal while keeping up the illusion of an unchanged routine to their neighbours.

Brazilian actors Maeve Jinkings and Camila Márdila star alongside Argentina’s Cesar Bordon.

The title premiered in the Platform section at Toronto, having previously gone through Karlovy Vary’s First Cut lab.

Sao Paulo-based Markowicz’s previous work includes short The Orphan, which screened at Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes.