Turning its tracks Stateside, Columbia Pictures announced it will release Fedor Bondarchuk’s Russian WWII drama “Stalingrad” for a one-week engagement in domestic Imax theaters starting Feb. 28.
“Stalingrad,” which is Russia’s official selection for best foreign language film at this year’s Academy Awards, became the highest-grossing film in its local country, with $66.1 million during its six-week theatrical run. Pic also marks the first Russian film to be released in Imax.
“We are delighted with the film and the partnership, and congratulate our friends Fedor Bondarchuk and Alexander Rodnyansky (producer) on the record-breaking success of this movie in Russia, followed by a phenomenal performance in China,” said Greg Foster, CEO of Imax Entertainment and senior exec VP of Imax Corp.
Rory Bruer, head of Sony worldwide distribution, credited the film’s 3D as a major draw for auds, as well as an ideal fit for Imax.
“Stalingrad” centers on the epic battle that helped turn the tide for the Allied Forces during WWII. The film stars Thomas Kretschmann (“The Pianist”), Petr Fedorov, Sergey Bondarchuk, Mariya Smolnikova and Yanina Studilina.
Producers on the film include Alexander Rodnyansky, Sergey Melkumov, Dmitriy Rudovskiy Anton Zlatopolskiy. Nataliya Gorina exec produced, along with Paul Heth and Michael Schlicht.
