verdict

Source: ASAC/La Biennale di Venezia

‘Verdict’

Award-winning Pilipino drama Verdict has been secured for the UK and Ireland by Sovereign Film Distribution, in a deal with Films Boutique.

The feature debut of Raymund Ribay Gutierrez premiered at Venice in 2019, where it won the special jury prize in the Horizons strand, and went on to screen at Telluride, Toronto and Busan. It was also the Philippines submission for the Academy Award.

Sovereign is planning a day-and-date release for Verdict on March 12, with any theatrical element dependent on an easing of pandemic restrictions.

The story centres on a battered wife, played by Max Eigenmann, who navigates the justice system after fleeing her abusive husband, played by Kristoffer King in his final film role before his death.

It was produced by Brillante Mendoza’s Centerstage Productions and co-produced by Films Boutique and Bord Cadre.

Sovereign Film Distribution is a recently established offshoot of Sovereign Media Group, founded by Andreas Roald and former Merchant Ivory president Donald Rosenfeld. Sister company Sovereign Films is known for productions including Effie Gray, written by and starring Emma Thompson, and backed Terrence Malick’s Palme d’Or winner The Tree Of Life and Voyage Of Time.