Launched in 2019, Metrograph Pictures is the distributing arm of NYC’s Metrograph theater, with classics in its catalog from auteurs like Claire Denis, Eric Rohmer, and Hou Hsaio-Hsien, among others. But the independent distributor wants in on new releases too, and they’re hoping a recent pick up will accelerate that process. Enter “The Black Sea,” Derrick B. Harden and Crystal Moselle‘s film from SXSW this year.
After unanimous praise from critics at the Austin-based festival, Metrograph Pictures swooped in on its distribution rights in May. Did they pick up a winner?
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Here’s an official synopsis for “The Black Sea,” courtesy of Metrograph Pictures:
Khalid, a charismatic big dreamer from Brooklyn, gets stuck in a small town on the Black Sea after chasing an opportunity for money that goes wrong. Being the only black guy in the town, he quickly becomes the center of the village’s attention. His New York City street bop is all he has to survive. In his pursuit to get home he finds connections he never expected, and goes on a surprisingly transformative journey…finding love, community, and a way to make his dreams come unexpectedly true.
“The Black Sea” stars Derrick B. Harden, Irmena Chichikova, Samuel Finzo, and Stoyo Mirkov. Harden also directs the film with Crystal Moselle. Moselle produces with Izabella Tzenkova. Executive producers on “The Black Sea” include Jonas Carpignano, Ted Hope, Andrea Leibof, Dana Hoegh, Josh Peters, Ribna Riccitello, and Ted Wright.
“The Black Sea” has its theatrical premiere in NYC at Metrograph on November 22. Watch a trailer for the film below.
