In telling the story of champion alpine ski racer Franz Klammer, one of Austria’s most revered and beloved sports heroes, director Andreas Schmied forewent the usual biopic tropes, focusing instead on a few fateful days that culminated in his victory at the 1976 Olympics in Innsbruck. It was that focus that ultimately convinced Klammer to give the film, “Chasing the Line,” a thumbs up. The movie world premieres at the Zurich Film Festival, which opens Thursday.
Other attempts had been made at telling Klammer’s story on film over the years, but none had succeeded. When producer Jakob Pochlatko of Vienna-based Epo-Film approached Schmied with the project, the director embraced the opportunity.
“I grew up with Franz Klammer – everybody in Austria did,” Schmied says, stressing Klammer’s enduring popularity in the country. “I knew what a big deal Franz is.”
Schmied and his wife and writing partner Elisabeth Schmied met...
Other attempts had been made at telling Klammer’s story on film over the years, but none had succeeded. When producer Jakob Pochlatko of Vienna-based Epo-Film approached Schmied with the project, the director embraced the opportunity.
“I grew up with Franz Klammer – everybody in Austria did,” Schmied says, stressing Klammer’s enduring popularity in the country. “I knew what a big deal Franz is.”
Schmied and his wife and writing partner Elisabeth Schmied met...
- 9/22/2021
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency Picture Tree Intl. has kicked off sales for action biopic “Chasing the Line,” about the Austrian skiing champion Franz Klammer, which will make its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival.
Pti has closed its first deal on the film with Praesens Film taking rights for Switzerland, and will launch its international campaign with an exclusive work-in-progress buyer screening at the Toronto Film Festival. The Austrian release will start on Oct. 26 via Constantin Film Austria.
“Chasing the Line” will make its world premiere as a gala screening in Zurich on Sept. 27. It is anticipated that Klammer – who was an advisor on the project – will be present as well as his Swiss skiing rival Bernhard Russi. Also in attendance will be the director, Andreas Schmied, and key cast, including up-and-coming Austrian actor Julian Waldner, who plays Klammer, and Valerie Huber, who plays Klammer’s girlfriend and later wife Eva.
Pti has closed its first deal on the film with Praesens Film taking rights for Switzerland, and will launch its international campaign with an exclusive work-in-progress buyer screening at the Toronto Film Festival. The Austrian release will start on Oct. 26 via Constantin Film Austria.
“Chasing the Line” will make its world premiere as a gala screening in Zurich on Sept. 27. It is anticipated that Klammer – who was an advisor on the project – will be present as well as his Swiss skiing rival Bernhard Russi. Also in attendance will be the director, Andreas Schmied, and key cast, including up-and-coming Austrian actor Julian Waldner, who plays Klammer, and Valerie Huber, who plays Klammer’s girlfriend and later wife Eva.
- 8/19/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The Zurich Film Festival has unveiled its lineup of Gala Premieres, including the world premieres of Florian Gallenberger’s relationship comedy “It’s Just a Phase, Honey,” and Andreas Schmied’s skiing champion biopic “Chasing the Line,” as well as a German-language territories premiere for Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch,” which will close the festival.
The Gala section focuses on auteur films with broad audience appeal, with the filmmakers presenting their films in person. “We’re celebrating the comeback of great auteur cinema this year,” said artistic director Christian Jungen. “Thanks to the Zff’s reputation on the international film scene, it has now become easier for us to get important movies that go on to play a crucial role later in the award season.”
“It’s Just a Phase, Honey,” which stars Christoph Maria Herbst and Christiane Paul, focuses on Emilia and Paul, whose marriage has broken down.
The Gala section focuses on auteur films with broad audience appeal, with the filmmakers presenting their films in person. “We’re celebrating the comeback of great auteur cinema this year,” said artistic director Christian Jungen. “Thanks to the Zff’s reputation on the international film scene, it has now become easier for us to get important movies that go on to play a crucial role later in the award season.”
“It’s Just a Phase, Honey,” which stars Christoph Maria Herbst and Christiane Paul, focuses on Emilia and Paul, whose marriage has broken down.
- 8/19/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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