Grasshopper Film and the streaming platform DOCUMENTARY+ recently acquired the North American rights to the Oscar-shortlisted feature, “Apolonia, Apolonia.” Directed by Lea Glob, the film delves into the captivating journey of French painter Apolonia Sokol over a span of 13 years.
The documentary meticulously examines Apolonia Sokol’s relentless pursuit to maintain her artistic integrity within an art world and culture that often privileges the male gaze over the female. Through a moving meditation on friendship, personal and creative fulfillment, and the liberation and limitations of the female body, Glob presents a profound exploration of the complexities faced by women artists.
As the nomination voting window opens for the 96th Academy Awards, the acquisition of “Apolonia, Apolonia” by Grasshopper Film and DOCUMENTARY+ signifies a significant moment for the film industry. The movie sheds light on the entrenched inequalities that persist within both the art world and society at large.
Glob’s masterful storytelling takes viewers on a journey from Paris to Copenhagen to Los Angeles, unraveling the struggles and sacrifices that Apolonia Sokol and countless other women artists face. The film powerfully asserts that the road to artistic achievement is neither easy nor equitable, compelling audiences to confront the biases ingrained within artistic spheres.
Ryan Krivoshey, the founder and president of Grasshopper Film, lauds Lea Glob’s achievement with “Apolonia, Apolonia,” acknowledging its remarkable nature. Krivoshey describes the documentary as an incredibly nuanced and incisive portrait, meticulously crafted over a decade, which offers profound insights into the art world and the world beyond.
The collaboration between Grasshopper Film and DOCUMENTARY+ sets the stage for bringing this extraordinary film to audiences across North America. Through this unique partnership, “Apolonia, Apolonia” will find its way onto various screens, reaching viewers far and wide.
The Guardian aptly captured the essence of the film, noting that it beautifully charts the twin evolution of two women: Apolonia Sokol in front of the camera and Lea Glob behind it. This dual exploration lends the documentary a multi-dimensional perspective, illuminating the dynamic and transformational power of both art and storytelling.
The film has garnered critical acclaim and received numerous accolades. It won the top prize at the 2022 International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and continues to gather recognition at prestigious film festivals worldwide. The recent recognition from The New York Times as a Critic’s Pick further cements its significance in the world of cinema.
“Apolonia, Apolonia” stands apart from traditional documentaries in that it doesn’t seek to provide a mere biographical account of Apolonia Sokol’s life. Rather, the film invites viewers into a contemplative realm, offering insight into the creative process and the intricacies of living an artistic life.
Alissa Wilkinson, in her review for The New York Times, aptly captures the essence of the film. She writes that the documentary is not concerned with documenting the rise of a star; instead, it focuses on observing the process of making. By doing so, the film transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, immersing viewers in a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
The acquisition deal for “Apolonia, Apolonia” was executed by Ryan Krivoshey of Grasshopper Film and Shane Riley of DOCUMENTARY+, with negotiation support from Sigrid Dyekjær of Real Lava and Catherine Le Clef of CAT&Docs. The film’s production was led by Sidsel Lønvig Siersted for Danish Documentary Production and co-produced by Małgorzata Staroń for Staron-Film.
The filmmaking team’s collaboration with Grasshopper Film and DOCUMENTARY+ is an exciting endeavor that pushes the boundaries of distribution and exhibition. This partnership highlights the forward-thinking nature of both companies, as they support innovative storytelling and expand the reach of impactful documentaries.
Lea Glob expresses her delight and humility at seeing her film find a place in the U.S. market. Having followed Apolonia Sokol’s journey bringing her fine art to the U.S., Glob finds herself completing a circle as her own film makes its mark on American audiences.
The release of “Apolonia, Apolonia” signifies not just the conclusion of one chapter but the commencement of something new. It symbolizes the collective effort of talented filmmakers and the growing recognition of the power of documentaries to challenge societal norms and reshape cultural narratives.
The film’s success across festival circuits and its eventual release in North America indicate the resilience and endurance of stories that bring about change. As audiences embrace “Apolonia, Apolonia,” they become part of a larger movement to dismantle existing hierarchies and foster an inclusive artistic landscape.