Ira Sachs’ film Peter Hujar’s Day has been acquired by specialty distributors Sideshow and Janus Films for North American release following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film stars Ben Whishaw as photographer Peter Hujar and Rebecca Hall as writer Linda Rosenkrantz.
Set to screen next at the Berlin Film Festival, Peter Hujar’s Day is based on a verbatim transcript of a conversation between Hujar and Rosenkrantz that took place in 1974. The dialogue captures Hujar recounting his activities from the previous day, including photographing poet Allen Ginsberg for The New York Times and discussing his connections within the vibrant New York art scene of the 1970s.
Critics have praised the film, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it one of Sachs’ best works. Reviewer David Rooney noted Whishaw’s “transfixing grace and subtlety” in the title role, highlighting the film’s ability to transform compacted time into a flowing and emotionally resonant narrative.
Produced by Jordan Drake and Jonah Disend, the film is a collaboration between multiple production companies, including Complementary Colors and Blink Productions. The deal for distribution was negotiated by WME Independent.
Sideshow and Janus Films have previously worked together on successful titles such as the Oscar-winning Drive My Car and this year’s Golden Globe winner for Best Animated Feature, Flow. They plan to release Peter Hujar’s Day in theaters this fall, with international sales being handled by SBS.
The movie offers an intimate glimpse into the life of an artist in 1970s New York, set entirely within Rosenkrantz’s Manhattan apartment. It promises to engage audiences with its exploration of friendship and the creative struggles faced by artists during that era.
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