Connection
Fortissimo Films
- Infos
- Best films
If you like this company, let us know!
Foundation date 1 january 1991
Fortissimo Films is one of the world's leading international film, television and video sales organizations specializing in the production, presentation, promotion and distribution of award-winning and innovative feature films. With offices in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, London and Beijing, the company has a truly global presence and reach.
Founded in 1991, the company is well known for its commitment to original and groundbreaking films and for nurturing relationships with talented new directors and producers. Fortissimo enjoys maintaining excellent relationships with key international distributors and film festivals, not to mention international and local journalists around the world. After more than twenty years of business, the company has experienced uninterrupted growth and continues to move from strength to strength.
Fortissimo Films’ library includes feature films, feature-length documentaries, animated films, and short subjects. The company currently represents over 300 films from every corner of the globe. These include features by Wong Kar Wai (2046, Chungking Express, In The Mood For Love); Martin Scorsese (Shine a Light); John Cameron Mitchell (Shortbus); Jim Jarmusch (Coffee And Cigarettes, Mystery Train); Iwai Shunji (Love Letter, Hana & Alice); Pen-ek Ratanaruang (6ixtynin9, Nymph); Tsai Ming-Liang (I Don’t Want to Sleep Alone, What Time is it There?); Diao Yinan (Black Coal, Thin Ice), and Tian Zhuangzhuang (The Blue Kite, Springtime in a Small Town).
Fortissimo's documentaries include Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me; Andrew Jarecki’s Capturing the Friedmans; Sydney Pollack’s Sketches of Frank Gehry; Julian Schnabel’s Berlin; Tamra Davis’s Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child; and Kevin Macdonald's Marley.
Additionally, the catalogue features a range of works by celebrated directors comprising Gregg Araki, Sergei Bodrov, Fruit Chan, Peter Greenaway, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Richard Linklater, Mira Nair, the Pang Brothers, Park Chanwook, Paul Schrader, Todd Solondz, Béla Tarr, Tsui Hark, Wang Xiaoshuai, Zhang Yang, Zhang Yuan and many other acclaimed filmmakers.
Fortissimo also manages existing libraries on behalf of independent producers and directors, such as Wong Kar Wai’s Jet Tone, Killer Films, Hart Sharp Entertainment and directors Jim Jarmusch, Hal Hartley and Alex van Warmerdam.
Approximately 15 films per year are added to the line-up. Upcoming titles include Driving Back from Dubbo by Sue Brooks, Schneider vs. Bax by Alex van Warmerdam, Djinn by Tobe Hooper, Sunset Song by Terence Davies, The Time of Their Lives by Roger Goldby, and How to Talk to Girls at Parties by John Cameron Mitchell.
Filmography of Fortissimo Films (35 films)
Production
Add to a movie list
, 1h30Directed by Tamra Davis
Origin USA
Genres Documentary
Themes Documentary films about the visual arts, Documentaire sur une personnalité
Actors Julian Schnabel, Peter M Brant, Kevin Bray, Rene Ricard, Andy Warhol
Pionnier de l’art contemporain par sa renommée et l’abondance de son œuvre, Jean-Michel Basquiat a produit une œuvre des plus riches en un temps très court. Tamra Davis, rend ici hommage à l’artiste qu’elle a très bien connu grâce à des images et entretiens inédits issus de ses propres archives. Un documentaire incontournable sur l’itinéraire d’un enfant de New York.
Battle of the Warriors (2006)
, 2h13Directed by Jacob Cheung(張之亮)
Origin Hong kong
Genres Drama, War, Martial arts, Action, Adventure, Historical, Martial arts
Themes Sports films, Martial arts films, Wuxia films
Actors Andy Lau, Fàn Bīngbīng (范冰冰), Ahn Sung-ki, Choi Siwon, Wang Zhiwen, Chin Siu-ho (錢小豪)
The film is set in China in 370 BC during the Warring States period. A massive army from the Zhao state is on its way to attack the Yan state. Liang, a city-state on the Zhao–Yan border, is in peril of being conquered by the Zhao army. Ge Li, a Mohist, comes to Liang to help defend the city. Although the King of Liang has already planned for peace talks with the invaders, Ge Li manages to convince him and the people of Liang to put up resistance by warning them of the consequences of surrendering. He also promises the King that the invaders will give up on Liang if they fail to conquer it within a month, because their main target is actually the Yan state. The King has doubts about Ge Li's idea but still puts Ge in command of his army.
Shortbus (2006)
, 1h41Directed by John Cameron Mitchell
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Erotic, Comedy, Comedy-drama, Romance
Themes Films about sexuality, Bisexuality-related films, Erotic films, BDSM in films, LGBT-related films, Transgender in film, LGBT-related films, LGBT-related film
Actors Sook-Yin Lee, Paul Dawson, PJ DeBoy, Peter Stickles, Jay Brannan, Mary Beth Peil
Set in contemporary New York City, Shortbus revolves around Sofia Lin (Sook-Yin Lee), who is married to the handsome but unambitious and slightly dim-witted Rob (Raphael Barker). She works as a couples counselor/sex therapist. She comes into contact with a couple: A slightly egotistical former child star Jamie (PJ DeBoy) and former prostitute James (Paul Dawson), the film's other lead character. At the outset, James suggests to his boyfriend that they open up their relationship to sex with others. During their first consultation, Sofia snaps, slaps Jamie, and then apologetically reveals her "pre-orgasmic" status. The couple suggests she attend a weekly social/artistic/sexual salon in Brooklyn called "Shortbus," which is hosted by drag performance artist Justin Bond (playing himself). Sofia slowly opens up to new experiences; this includes a friendship with a dominatrix who goes by the name Severin (Lindsay Beamish). Sofia's inability to achieve orgasm begins to cause conflict with Rob, who in turn begins attending Shortbus with Sofia.
The Night Listener (2006)
, 1h31Origin USA
Genres Drama, Thriller, Horror, Crime
Themes Films about writers, Films about sexuality, LGBT-related films, LGBT-related films, LGBT-related film
Actors Robin Williams, Toni Collette, Rory Culkin, Bobby Cannavale, Sandra Oh, Joe Morton
Gabriel Noone (Robin Williams), a popular gay New York City radio show host, is dealing with a separation from his partner, Jess (Bobby Cannavale). Noone is given a memoir written by teenager Pete Logand (Rory Culkin), who chronicles the many years of sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his parents and their friends. Diagnosed with AIDS, the youth has been adopted by Donna Logand (Toni Collette), the social worker who handled his case.
The Maid (2005)
, 1h33Directed by Kelvin Tong
Origin Singapore
Genres Drama, Thriller, Horror
Actors Alessandra De Rossi, Chen Shucheng, Hong Huifang
During the Chinese Seventh Month, the gates of hell open and spirits are set loose upon the unsuspecting world. Hailing from a small village in the Philippines, 18-year-old Rosa Dimaano arrives in Singapore on the first day of the Seventh Month to work as a domestic maid. She urgently needs money to save her younger brother who is ill back home. Her employers, the elderly Mr. and Mrs. Teo, appear kindhearted and sympathetic. Their mentally-handicapped son Ah Soon also takes to Rosa immediately.
Party Monster (2003)
, 1h39Origin USA
Genres Drama, Biography, Comedy, Documentary, Crime
Themes Medical-themed films, Films about music and musicians, Films about drugs, Films about sexuality, LGBT-related films, Musical films, LGBT-related films, LGBT-related film
Actors Macaulay Culkin, Seth Green, Chloë Sevigny, Wilmer Valderrama, Diana Scarwid, Dylan McDermott
Based on the book Disco Bloodbath, by James St. James, the film opens with Michael Alig as a small-town outcast who lived with his mom before moving to New York. Michael learns the New York party scene from James St. James, who teaches him the "rules of fabulousness", which mostly revolve around attracting as much attention to oneself as possible.
Vampire Hunters (2003)
Origin Hong kong
Genres Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Horror, Martial arts
Themes Sports films, Martial arts films
Actors Michael Chow, Danny Chan Kwok Kwan, Lam Suet, Anya Wu, Yu Rongguang, Ken Chang Tzu-yao
Au XVII siècle, en Chine, des vampires violents et sanguinaires sèment la terreur, ratissant chaque village. Mao Shan et sa bande, de courageux mercenaires, osent les affronter. Pratiquant les arts martiaux, ces guerriers ont été éduqués depuis la naissance dans un seul but, exterminer ces créatures démoniaques. Leur traque les amène jusqu’à la maison de Maître Jiang, où se sont cachés une horde de vampires, attendant le bon moment pour envahir la Terre. Quatre hommes contre une centaine de mort-vivants, l'affrontement risque d'être sanglant...
Distribution
Ned Rifle (2014)
Directed by Hal Hartley
Origin USA
Genres Drama
Actors Liam Aiken, Aubrey Plaza, Parker Posey, James Urbaniak, Martin Donovan, Lloyd Kaufman
Fay Grim (Parker Posey) a passé quatre ans en détention préventive pour des activités terroristes présumées et est transférée dans un pénitencier fédéral pour purger une peine d'emprisonnement à vie. Son fils, Ned Rifle (Liam Aiken), a été placé sous protection de témoins dans une famille chrétienne. Le film suit l'intention de Ned de tuer son père, Henry Fool (Thomas Jay Ryan), pour avoir ruiné la vie de sa mère, Fay Grim. Par la suite, Ned rencontre Susan (Aubrey Plaza), qui a une connexion au passé de Henry Fool.
Bwakaw (2012)
, 1h50Directed by Jun Lana
Origin Philippines
Genres Drama, Comedy
Actors Eddie García, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Gardo Versoza, Luz Valdez
Rene is a gay man who came out of the closet at age 60. Ailing in his twilight years, he thinks it is now too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is Death. He has made a will, bequeathing his few possessions to his even fewer friends. Everything is packed and labeled, ready for distribution. He has even paid for a coffin, taking advantage of a funeral home's Summer Sale. Nowadays the only companion Rene has is Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house and follows him wherever he goes. As Rene waits for the day of his death, he gets the surprise of his life when it is Bwakaw who suddenly falls ill and is diagnosed with cancer. Rene is surprisingly affected, and he realizes that he values Bwakaw more than he thinks. In his struggle to get Bwakaw cured, Rene finds comfort in the most unlikely person: Sol, a tricycle driver who helps him bring Bwakaw to the vet and befriends him. Buoyed by Sol's friendship, Rene starts living. Little by little he discovers simple joys. To the surprise of his friends, he even has his hair dyed to look younger. One day, he finally decides to make a move on Sol. The revelation that Rene is gay and has feelings for him surprises and disgusts Sol. He rejects Rene and leaves in anger. In the meantime, Bwakaw's condition gets worse. Not even Rene's ancient Santo Entierro (a supposedly miraculous statue of Jesus Christ) can save Bwakaw. Bwakaw dies, and Rene's neighbors help him bury the faithful dog. But Bwakaw's death, even while it was still only imminent, has made a difference. Rene has found a new appreciation for life and what is most important. He decides to unpack the things that he has already willed to other people and make his house more habitable. He is, after all, still alive.
, 4h36Directed by Wei Te-Sheng
Origin Taiwan
Genres Drama, War, Action, Historical
Actors Masanobu Ando, Bokeh Kosang, Vivian Hsu, Chie Tanaka, Jyunichi Haruta, Dean Fujioka
The film Seediq Bale depicts the Wushe Incident, which occurred near Qilai Mountain of Taiwan under Japanese rule. Mona Rudao, a chief of Mahebu village of Seediq people, led warriors fighting against the Japanese.
Lost in Paradise (2011)
, 1h43Origin Vietnam
Genres Drama
Themes Films about sexuality, LGBT-related films, LGBT-related films, LGBT-related film
The film is set in Saigon, where Khôi arrives from Nha Trang after being disowned by his family on account of his homosexuality. Đông befriends him and invites him to share an apartment along with Lam, who is—unbeknownst to Khôi—actually Đông's lover. At the apartment, Đông and Lam rob him of his money and belongings; Đông in turn abandons Lam and flees with the cash. Lam later happens upon an injured Khôi sleeping rough. In pity he returns the latter's clothes and identity papers and after a tentative reconciliation the two become friends and ultimately lovers. Lam returns to his life as a prostitute while Khôi attempts to work as a bookseller. A returning, manipulative Đông dogs the couple which culminates in Lam wounding his antagonist with a stab to the foot. Khôi eventually leaves Lam because of the latter's work as a prostitute. An increasingly desperate Lam takes to robbing his clients at knife-point; a gang of men in the employ of one such victim kills Lam at the film's climax.
Kidnapper (2010)
, 1h38Directed by Kelvin Tong
Origin Singapore
Genres Thriller, Action
Actors Christopher Lee, Phyllis Quek
Lim is a struggling 40-year-old taxi driver whose wife divorced him years ago. He has a close relationship with his son, Wei Xiang, whom he chauffeurs to school every day. Mistaken for a rich man’s son, Wei Xiang is kidnapped one day at an arcade and held for a ransom of S$1 million. Thus begins one father’s relentless quest to get his son back.
Air Doll (2009)
, 2h5Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
Origin Japon
Genres Drama, Fantasy
Actors Bae Doona, Arata Iura, Itsuji Itao, Joe Odagiri, Sumiko Fuji, Susumu Terajima
Middle-aged Hideo lives alone with an inflatable sex doll he calls Nozomi. The doll is his closest companion; he dresses it up, talks to it over dinner, takes it out for walks in a wheelchair, and has sexual intercourse with it.
The Man from London (2008)
, 2h19Directed by Béla Tarr, László Nemes
Origin Hongrie
Genres Drama, Thriller, Crime
Actors Tilda Swinton, Miroslav Krobot, János Derzsi, Volker Spengler
The film concerns a middle-aged railway pointsman, Maloin (Miroslav Krobot), who lives in a decrepit apartment in a port town with his highly-strung wife Camélia (Tilda Swinton) and his daughter Henriette (Erika Bók). One night while in his viewing tower at the port's rail terminus, Maloin witnesses a fight on the dockside. One of the shady combatants is knocked into the water along with the briefcase he carries; when the other flees the dark quayside, Maloin makes a clandestine descent from the tower and retrieves the briefcase, which he finds full of sodden English banknotes. Maloin conceals the money and tells no-one of what he has seen. The next morning, he visits a tavern where he plays chess with the barkeep (Gyula Pauer). On his way home, he stops by the butcher's where his daughter works, and finds to his indignation that they have her washing the floor. Later, from the window of his apartment, he notices Brown (János Derzsi) watching him from below. At dinner, Maloin is increasingly irascible, addressing Henriette brusquely and arguing with Camélia. Meanwhile Brown searches the water at the dock's edge without success before noticing the watchtower overlooking the quayside, and Maloin within.
Blood Brothers (2007)
, 1h35Genres Drama, Action, Adventure, Crime
Themes Gangster films
Actors Daniel Wu, Shu Qi, Liu Ye, Chang Chen, Sun Honglei, Jack Kao
Shanghaï 1930 Une ville somptueuse repaire du vice et de la décadence . Deux fréres et un ami debarquent dans cette ville qui semble être un paradis à la recherche d'un avenir meilleur . Mais au fur et à mesure que le temps passe leurs chemins divergent pour amener bientôt à une vie de criminalité . Les amis et fréres d'armes vont s'affonter ...