BREAKING: Picture Tree International has just announced their acquisition of international sales rights for the highly anticipated hostage thriller, “Last Call,” ahead of its launch at the European Film Market (EFM). The film, produced by Tanweer Productions, is set to captivate global audiences with its gripping, real-time narrative based on true events.
Directed by Sherif Francis, “Last Call” unfolds on New Year’s Eve 1999 in Athens, Greece. The plot centers around a desperate fugitive wielding a live grenade who takes a family hostage, demanding to go live on television as the world counts down to the new millennium. This high-stakes situation becomes a national spectacle, drawing in a young journalist, media executives, and a divided police force, as the chilling events play out in real time.
The film’s teaser has just debuted, showcasing its intense narrative that examines the intersection of media influence, power dynamics, and institutional failure—issues that resonate globally beyond its Greek context. Francis expressed his vision, stating, “With ‘Last Call,’ I wanted audiences to feel the same immediacy and uncertainty I felt watching the real event unfold as a child—no preparation, no escape, just the unpredictable pace of real time.”
The ensemble cast is led by notable actors including Orfeas Avgoustidis (“Card Postale,” “The Other Me”), Maria Nafpliotou (“Café 404,” “Card Postale”), Yorgos Benos (“Maestro in Blue”), and Dimitris Lalos (“Chlorine,” “Pack of Sheep”).
Produced by Dionyssis Samiotis for Tanweer Productions, “Last Call” emerged from the company’s “Tanweer Pitching Days,” where it stood out among more than 300 submissions. Andreas Rothbauer, founder of Picture Tree International, remarked, “It’s the kind of elevated European thriller that can travel strongly across theatrical and premium platforms, and we are very pleased to bring it to the global market.”
The domestic release in Greece and Cyprus is scheduled for March 19, 2024, targeting over 80 screens for a nationwide rollout. This film marks a significant entry into the genre, blending real-life urgency with cinematic storytelling that is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.
As the EFM approaches, all eyes will be on “Last Call” and its potential impact on the international film landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as it promises to be a riveting addition to the world of thrillers.
