The Wagner/Cuban Companys Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that they have acquired U.S. rights to The Last Days on Mars, a sci-fi thriller starring Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola Garai, Olivia Williams and Tom Cullen from Focus Features International. Produced by Michael Kuhn and Andrea Cornwell, The Last Days on Mars is the feature film debut of Ruairi Robinson, an Academy Award-nominated director of several celebrated sci-fi short films and animations. Focus Features International handled worldwide sales on the film, which bowed in this years Directors Fortnight selection at the Cannes International Film Festival.
On the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, a crew member of Tantalus Base believes he has made an astounding discovery fossilized evidence of bacterial life. Unwilling to let the relief crew claim all the glory, he disobeys orders to pack up and goes out on an unauthorized expedition to collect further samples. But a routine excavation turns to disaster when the porous ground collapses, and he falls into a deep crevice and near certain death. His devastated colleagues attempt to recover his body. However, when another vanishes they start to suspect that the life-form they have discovered is not yet dead. As the group begins to fall apart it seems their only hope is the imminent arrival of the relief ship Aurora.
With a terrific ensemble cast and top-notch production values, ‘The Last Days on Mars’ is an exceedingly well-made and frightening science fiction film that will be a real pleasure for fans of the genre, said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. Ruairi Robinson is a talented director to watchwere very excited to be working with him on this film.
Alison Thompson, Co-President of Focus Features International said: After a successful Cannes premiere, were delighted to have Magnet on board. They are a perfect fit for the film and we have no doubt they will do an excellent job of ensuring that US audiences embrace this exciting new filmmaker.
Magnet is eyeing a release through its Ultra VOD program later this year.
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