Advanced Television

SF Studios acquires Nordic rights to The Entertainment System is Down

December 3, 2024

SF Studios has acquired the Nordic distribution rights for The Entertainment System is Down, the highly anticipated new feature film by two-time Palme d’Or-winning director Ruben Östlund (The Square, Triangle of Sadness).

With a star-studded ensemble, the film promises to deliver Östlund’s signature blend of sharp social commentary and compelling storytelling. Östlund serves as the film’s director and screenwriter with Erik Hemmendorff producing for Plattform Produktion. SF Studios is looking forward to once again collaborating with Plattform Produktion and Ruben Östlund after the success of films such as Involuntary (2008), Play (2011) and Triangle of Sadness (2022). The film is expected to have its Nordic theatrical release in the autumn of 2026.

The Entertainment System is Down is a contemporary satire that takes place during a long-haul flight where the entertainment system stops working. The passengers are forced to confront their own thoughts – and each other – which leads to unexpected and dramatic consequences. Through his satirical lens, Ruben Östlund explores human behavior and society’s dependence on constant distraction. Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia), Keanu Reeves (John Wick) and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) lead an all-star ensemble cast featuring Samantha Morton (In America), Nicholas Braun (Succession) and Vincent Lindon (Titane).

“One of the highlights of Triangle of Sadness was the cinema tour around the country that we did together with SF Studios. Even before the new film is shot, we have already started discussions on how to make the tour even stronger. Among other things, I believe in offering the audience electric shocks when they get bored and hope to get everyone else on board with the idea,” says Ruben Östlund. With his unique imagery and sharp social analysis, Ruben Östlund continues to challenge and engage cinema audiences around the world.

“Plattform Produktion has had a long history of collaborations with SF Studios over the years, from Involuntary and Play to Pleasure and most recently Triangle of Sadness. I look forward to collaborating with SF Studios once again to launch The Entertainment System is Down in the best possible way across the Nordic region,” says Erik Hemmendorff, Producer at Plattform Produktion.

“SF Studios is incredibly happy and proud to once again collaborate with Ruben and Plattform Produktion as their preferred distribution partner in the Nordic region. With its unique vision, bold ambition, and originality, The Entertainment System is Down promises to deliver a cinematic experience beyond the ordinary. Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a “bumpy ride” – and this time, it’s quite literal!” says Yaba Holst, Head of Nordic Acquisition at SF Studios.

The film is produced by Plattform Produktion in collaboration with several partners, such as Film i Väst, Sveriges Television and SF Studios, with support from, among others, the Danish Film Institute and the Norwegian Film Institute. A24 is handling distribution in the United States, while global sales are managed by Philippe Bober’s Coproduction Office.

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