FFF-funded feature film "The Weight" celebrates world premiere at Sundance

The Weight is set in Oregon in 1933: After the death of his wife and his imprisonment in a labor camp, Samuel Murphy fights to regain custody of his daughter Penny. Under the control of the unscrupulous warden Clancy, Murphy becomes involved in a risky gold smuggling operation. But in addition to the dangers of the wilderness, betrayal within his own ranks also threatens the venture. The screenplay for The Weight was written by Matthew Booi, Matthew Chapman and Shelby Gaines, based on a story by Matthew Booi and Leo Sherman. Directed by Padraic McKinley, the cast includes Ethan Hawke, Julia Jones, Russell Crowe, Veronica Ferres, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash and Sam Hazeldine. Filming took place entirely in Bavaria. With the help of the Film Commission of the FFF Bayern, the production team found ideal motifs in Viechtach, which served as a cover of Oregon’s landscape. Further filming took place in Bodenmais, in Tutzing on Lake Starnberg, at Schliersee and in the Bavaria Studios. The production companies are augenschein Filmproduktion and the Munich-based production company Construction Filmproduktion. From the USA, Fields Entertainment and Under The Influence Productions are involved. The producers are Simon Fields, Nathan Fields, Ryan Hawke, Jonas Katzenstein and Maximilian Leo. German distribution is handled by Capelight Pictures, world sales by WME International. The FFF Bayern supported the production with 2 million euros in the International Cinema Films and Series program. The funds for the program are provided by the Free State of Bavaria. The projects supported here also include The Happy Prince by and starring Rupert Everett and Colin Firth and Emily Watson, which also premiered at Sundance. The Sundance Film Festival was founded in the 1970s and promoted by Robert Redford. It takes place annually in January in Park City and Salt Lake City in Utah and is regarded as an internationally important stage for independent films. Media Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann: “The world premiere of The Weight at the Sundance Film Festival underlines the extraordinary creative and technical achievements that Bavaria produces as a film location. A production with a top-class international cast, shot entirely in Bavaria and supported by the FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, has found its way onto one of the most important stages of independent cinema – that speaks for the charisma of our location. Bavaria offers filmmakers reliable framework conditions, outstanding backdrops and excellent partners. I am delighted with this success and congratulate the entire team.” FFF Managing Director Dorothee Erpenstein: \”With appropriate funding and professional service from our Film Commission, we have equipped the production of The Weight very well in Bavaria. Now the film’s journey begins at Sundance, which is great. Congratulations to the entire team around Jonas Katzenstein, Maximilian Leo, Padraic McKinley, Ethan Hawke, Julia Jones, Russell Crowe and Veronica Ferres on this wonderful success. We wish the crew a great premiere in Utah!” Dr. Ronny Raith, District Administrator of Regen: “The Viechtach region has been promoting the term \’Bavarian Canada\’ for years. However, we would not have expected American movies with international stars to be filmed here in the district of Regen. As District Administrator, I am delighted that my home region is now moving into cinemas around the world. I hope that other film crews will get to know the beauty of the Arberland and that many more films – both small-scale and blockbuster – will be shot here. Our untouched nature and the people are very inviting.” Franz Wittmann, 1st Mayor: “It fills us with pride that our town and our \’Bavarian Canada\’ were able to embody the landscapes of Oregon in this project. The filming has shown that Viechtach, with its nature and character, can effortlessly immerse itself in global narrative worlds. The film crew not only found a backdrop here, but also a place that brings stories to life in a credible way. The collaboration with the entire film crew was unique, friendly and impressive!” Monika Häuslmeier, Head of Tourism, Culture & City Marketing: “For Viechtach, this filming is far more than just a cultural highlight. It shows that our town is a place where stories can take root. The result radiates beyond the region and strengthens our reputation as a lively, open location for creative projects.” More about The Weight on the website of the Sundance Film Festival Photo: The Weight © Matteo Cocco / Courtesy of Sundance Institute