30 aug 2019 mk2 films adds two new documentaries to its slate and launches a powerhouse documentary lineup, including Jia Zhang-Ke’s SO CLOSE TO MY LAND

In addition to unveiling 3 world premieres in selection in Venice and 7 films in selection at TIFF, mk2 films will unveil first images for two new documentaries BIRDS OF AMERICA and previously announced HELMUT NEWTON: THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. These feature documentaries are added to a rich slate of documentaries represented by mk2 films, including previously announced artificial intelligence doc THE BRAIN by Jean-Stéphane Bron and LOOKING FOR GILLES CARON by Mariana Otero.

mk2 films is on board for its sixth collaboration with Chinese master Jia Zhang-Ke for his upcoming film SO CLOSE TO MY LAND.

Jia Zhang-Ke’s latest directorial efforts include ASH IS PUREST WHITE (Cannes 2018 Competition), MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART (Cannes 2015 Competition) and A TOUCH OF SIN (Cannes 2013 Best Screenplay winner), all represented by mk2 films. His recent works have been deeply rooted in China’s contemporary society, observing its fast-paced socio-economical changes.

SO CLOSE TO MY LAND marks Jia Zhang-Ke’s return to the documentary genre, ten years after I WISH I KNEW (Cannes 2010 Un Certain Regard). This new feature documentary is the third and final installment in a trilogy focusing on different artistic disciplines in China, after Venice winners DONG (2006), following an acclaimed painter, and USELESS (2007), centered on the fashion and clothing industry.

In SO CLOSE TO MY LAND, prominent Chinese writers and scholars gather in a village in Shanxi, China. This starts an 18-chapter symphony about Chinese society since 1949. Narrated by three important novelists (Jia Pingwa, Yu Hua and Liang Hong) born in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s respectively, telling their own stories with literature and reality, the film weaves a 70-year spiritual history of the Chinese people.

The feature documentary has been shot between May and July 2019 and is currently in post-production. It marks mk2 films 6^th collaboration with Jia Zhang-Ke. The director reunites with long-time partner DoP Yu Lik-Wai, after their last collaborations on MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART and A TOUCH OF SIN. Zhao Tao serves as producer, along with Jia Zhang-Ke’s XStream Pictures, Huayi Brothers Media, Shanxi Film Group and Huaxia Film Group.

Mk2 films handles international sales, except Chinese speaking territories (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau).

mk2 films adds BIRDS OF AMERICA to its documentary slate

BIRDS OF AMERICA, a “river movie” along the banks of the Mississippi, follows the traces of now extinct birds painted by renowned 19^th century painter John James Audubon in his landmark work of the same name. The feature documentary unfolds like a counter history of the United States and its dramatic environmental changes.

At the beginning of the 19th century the discovery of the wide-open spaces of the United States and its incredible wildlife was key in the political development of the country.

Intent on painting all the birds of America, John-James Audubon became a central figure of America’s national identity. But as these birds started disappearing with the dawn of the industrial era, so did the original American dream.

Directed by Jacques Lœuille and produced by Météores Films, BIRDS OF AMERICA is set for delivery in 2020. mk2 films handles international sales.

This feature documentary is added to a rich slate of documentaries hold by mk2 films, including previously announced THE BRAIN by Jean-Stéphane Bron, HELMUT NEWTON: THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL by Gero von Boehm and LOOKING FOR GILLES CARON by Mariana Otero, currently in postproduction.

mk2 films has 3 films in selection in Venice:

GLORIA MUNDI by Robert Guédiguian (Official Selection – Competition)

ARAB BLUES by Manele Labidi (Venice Days)

TIME OF THE UNTAMED by Bartabas (Venice Days – Closing film)

Mk2 films also has 7 films in Toronto:

THE WHISTLERS by Corneliu Porumboiu (Masters)

SIBYL by Justine Triet (Special Presentations)

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE by Céline Sciamma (Special Presentation)

ATLANTICS by Mati Diop (Contemporary World Cinema, Mati Diop being the recipient of the Mary Pickford Award)

A GIRL MISSING by Koji Fukada (Contemporary World Cinema)

ARAB BLUES by Manele Labidi (Contemporary World Cinema)

VARDA BY AGNES by Agnès Varda (Special Events).