Urgent: Hostage Thriller ‘Last Call’ Acquired by Picture Tree Intl.

UPDATE: Picture Tree International has just acquired international sales rights for the highly anticipated hostage thriller Last Call, set to launch ahead of the European Film Market (EFM). This gripping film, inspired by true events, is making waves in the industry just as its teaser debuts.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Sherif Francis, Last Call unfolds on New Year’s Eve 1999 in Athens, where a desperate fugitive armed with a live grenade takes a family hostage, demanding to go live on television. As the world counts down to the new millennium, the hostage situation escalates, captivating a nation and drawing in a young journalist, media executives, and a divided police force.

This harrowing narrative explores urgent themes of media influence and institutional failure, making it relevant to audiences worldwide. Francis, who co-wrote the script with Greek screenwriter Katerina Bei, shared his vision: “With Last Call, I wanted audiences to feel the same immediacy and uncertainty I felt watching the real event unfold as a child.”

The film features a talented ensemble cast including Orfeas Avgoustidis, Maria Nafpliotou, Yorgos Benos, and Dimitris Lalos. Produced by Dionyssis Samiotis for Tanweer Productions, Last Call emerged from the company’s “Tanweer Pitching Days” initiative, standing out among over 300 submissions.

Andreas Rothbauer, founder of Picture Tree Intl., expressed enthusiasm for the film’s potential: “Last Call immediately stood out to us for its gripping real-time structure, true-event hook, and international marketability.” The film is poised to resonate across both theatrical and premium platforms globally.

A domestic theatrical release in Greece and Cyprus is scheduled for March 19, targeting a nationwide rollout across over 80 screens. This strategic release is managed by Tanweer Alliances, emphasizing the film’s significance in the region.

As Last Call prepares for its market premiere, this urgent thriller is set to capture the attention of international buyers, promising a powerful cinematic experience that transcends borders. Keep an eye on this developing story as it unfolds in the coming weeks.