Neophyte distributor 1-2 Special has picked up North American rights to Dracula, the upcoming horror comedy from Romanian auteur Radu Jude (Bad Luck Banging Or Loony Porn).
The film, which will have its world premiere in competition at the Locarno Film Festival, is billed as a very singular take on the legendary vampire, featuring “vampires, zombies, lots of blood, sex, AI images, car chases, and Jude’s trademark black comedy.”
“I am very happy and extremely grateful that Dracula will be brought to American audiences,” said Jude. “One can say ‘brought back’, since this myth circled the world and the American cinema changed it so many times. I hope it is now time to see the myth wearing new clothes, made in the heart of real Transylvania. When I am asked who is Dracula in the film, I always reply that the film itself is Dracula. I would also add that this film is my humble homage to some great American underrated auteurs: Ed Wood, Andy Warhol and the Fluxus filmmakers.”
The deal was negotiated by Luxbox on behalf of the filmmakers with 1-2 Special.
The acquisition marks the continuation of 1-2 Special’s relationship with Radu Jude, whose Kontinental ‘25 the company picked up out of the Berlin film festival this year, marking their first international acquisition. The modern-day drama, won Jude the silver bear for best screenplay.
Former Sideshow executive Jason Hellerstein launched 1-2 Special earlier this year, with backing from private equity, pitching the company as a new theatrical-first, all rights distributor, dedicated to domestic and international art house cinema.
Dracula is produced by Romania’s Saga Film, together with Austria’s Nabis Filmgroup, Luxembourg’s Paul Thiltges Distribution, Brazil’s RT Features, Luxembourg’s Samsa Film, Switzerland’s Bord Cadre Films, the UK’s Sovereign Films and Romania’s MicroFILM.
