Constantin Film launches two prestigious new projects to buyers in Cannes

Constantin Film is reimagining two diverse, well-respected brand name properties: the feature film »Black Beauty«, which is a fresh, contemporary take on Anna Sewell’s classic novel starring Mackenzie Foy with Kate Winslet as the voice of Beauty; and »Wrong Turn«, a gripping new twist on the cult horror film franchise. Mister Smith Entertainment will commence sales on the both projects, currently in pre-production, to buyers at the upcoming 2019 Cannes Film Market next week. 

»Black Beauty« is a modern spin on Anna Sewell’s classic and best selling novel about the deep and enduring bond between a 17-year-old girl and the beloved wild horse who helps her overcome the trauma of her loss following the death of her parents. Iconic teen beauty Mackenzie Foy (»The Nutcracker and the Four Realms«, »Interstellar«, »The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2«) stars as Jo, with Academy Award® winner Kate Winslet (»Titanic«, »The Holiday«, »Sense and Sensibility«) lending her warm and instantly recognizable voice to Beauty. Written and directed by Ashley Avis (»Adolescence«, »Deserted«), »Black Beauty« is an intensely emotional family adventure that will captivate audiences of all ages. 

When 17-year-old Jo’s parents die, she’s sent to live with her estranged uncle John at the equestrian center where he works. Jo is not the only one who feels forlorn and out of place at the stable. Beauty, a wild mustang has been captured in the plains of Wyoming and brought all the way to Montauk, New York to be tamed. Beauty and Jo forge a unique relationship that gives solace to Jo in her grief, and brings joy and trust back into Beauty’s life. Jo learns to ride and Beauty learns to be ridden. Their bond is tested when they are eventually separated and are forced to live their lives apart from each other. The years go by, but the connection between them remains powerful and true. No matter how impossible the odds, Jo is determined to find Beauty and be reunited with the cherished horse who gave her reason to live. 

The film is being produced by Jeremy Bolt (»Polar«, »Resident Evil Franchise«) and Robert Kulzer (»The Silence«, »Resident Evil Franchise«) with Martin Moszkowicz (»Resident Evil Franchise«, »Monster Hunter«, »Polar«) executive producing. 
Jeremy Bolt stated: ‘Ashley has written an inspiring tale of friendship and strength against adversity with humor, stunning visuals and deep emotion. It will make you laugh and cry. It is an honor to bring this timeless classic to a new generation of cinema goers.’ 
Robert Kulzer added: “The unique relationship of Jo and Beauty is loaded with emotion and our filmmaker Ashley Avis is committed to creating an immersive and visually arresting experience.” 
Martin Moszkowicz stated: “As the leading theatrical distributor in our home territory we know that Black Beauty is a theatrical feature film with a very clearly defined and dedicated target audience.” 

On »Wrong Turn«, the original franchise screenwriter Alan B. McElroy (»Tekken«, »Halloween 4«, »Spawn«) teams with the producers of »Resident Evil« for a new twist on the cult horror film to be directed by Mike P. Nelson (»The Domestics«). 
The terrifying, edge-of-your-seat thriller follows six friends from New York taking a hiking trip to the beautiful West Virginia Mountains who unwittingly fall prey to a savage sect known as The Foundation. »Wrong Turn« taps into the most basic human fear of being hunted, and delivers a taut horror with relentless adversaries, nightmarish twists and turns, and devastating consequences. 

New Yorkers Jes, Darius, Milla, Adam, Gary, and Luis are best friends embarking on a hiking trip in the West Virginia Mountains. Eager to begin and awed by the beauty around them, they instantly forget the advice of the local innkeeper to “not to stray from the path.” When Darius veers off the trail, he leads his friends into a deadly trap, pitting them against a cruel and secretive mountain cult. When the friends are put on trial for the death of one of the cult members, Jes must make a life changing choice to save her friends. 

The film is being produced by Robert Kulzer (RESIDENT EVIL FRANCHISE), and James Harris (47 METERS DOWN). Martin Moszkowicz (RESIDENT EVIL FRANCHISE, MONSTER HUNTER, POLAR) is executive producing. 
Robert Kulzer stated: “In a world of ‘Get Out ‘and ‘Us’, we want to convey that one person’s dream can be another’s worst nightmare.  True evil lies within us.” 
James Harris stated: “I’m very excited at the direction Mike and Alan have taken with this reboot, it moves Wrong Turn in an exciting direction for a new generation of fans. Working with Robert and the whole team at Constantin has been a fantastic collaboration, and I’m thankful they brought me on board to help shape this. Mike’s vision for this project is going to give audiences something they have never seen before.” 
Martin Moszkowicz added: “Wrong Turn has been one of the most profitable feature film franchises in Constantin Film’s history. This reboot combines a strong theatrical concept, a very up-to-date twist and an experienced horror director.” 

About Constantin Film:
Constantin Film has been synonymous with quality and success for over 40 years. It has played a crucial role in establishing German cinema both nationally and internationally. Between 1977, when Bernd Eichinger established the company, and today, Constantin Film has emerged as the most successful independent production and distribution company in the German media industry. Constantin Film’s operations include German and English language motion picture theatrical production, theatrical distribution, home entertainment distribution, licensing and television production. 
Constantin Film’s diverse slate includes box office hits and award-winning films alike, ranging from comic book to literary adaptations, historical dramas, action and genre, among them THE NEVERENDING STORY, THE FANTASTIC FOUR film franchise, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, NOWHERE IN AFRICA, DOWNFALL, PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER, THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX, POPE JOAN, THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS, FACK JU GOEHTE 1-3, three of the biggest ever German box office hits, the RESIDENT EVIL film franchise, MONSTER HUNTER and the TV series SHADOWHUNTERS – THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS.

About Mister Smith Entertainment:
Led by CEO David Garrett, Mister Smith Entertainment (MSE) launched in May 2012. The company is involved in the financing, co-financing and licensing of high-quality mainstream feature films and filmmaker driven movies for the global market. The current MSE film slate includes Terrence Malick’s highly-anticipated drama, A HIDDEN LIFE, which will debut in official selection at the upcoming 2019 Cannes Film Festival; Max Minghella’s directorial debut TEEN SPIRIT starring Elle Fanning; Grant Sputore’s I AM MOTHER starring Hilary Swank, Rose Byrne and Clara Rugaard; THE SILENCE starring Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka, directed by John Leonetti; Constantin Film’s sci-fi epic, HAVEN — ABOVE SKY from director Tim Fehlbaum; Romulus Entertainment’s features: JUNGLELAND starring Jack O’Connell and Charlie Hunnam, directed by Max Winkler; and George Nolfi’s THE BANKER, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long; and award-winning filmmakers Mark Deeble and Victoria Stone’s epic and inspiring feature film THE ELEPHANT QUEEN. 

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