“Machan”, a Studio Babelsberg Co-Production, celebrated its world premier at the International Film Festival in Venice on August 29th. “Machan” is the directorial debut for producing veteran Uberto Pasolini ("The Full Monty"). The European co-production was made in only three months with the combined efforts of Studio Babelsberg, Studio Urania of Italy, and Redwave Films of the United Kingdom. Principal photography took place in Berlin-Brandenburg and in Colombo Sri Lanka. Studio Babelsberg Motion Pictures executed the production service of the German portion of principal photography. Managing Director Henning Molfenter and Carl Woebcken, CEO of Studio Babelsberg AG served as Co-Producers.
For Studio Babelsberg, “Machan” is an important film to establish and expand our business activities in the area of European co-productions.
Charlie Woebcken
CEO Studio Babelsberg AG
“Machan” follows the story of 23 young men from the slums of Sri Lanka that start a national handball team in order to receive an invitation to a Bavarian tournament and thus entry Visas into the EU. Shortly after the tournament begins, the team members disappear without a trace. When the tournament officials contact the Olympic committee of Sri Lanka to report the incident, they find out to their surprise: "We never had a national handball team."
"My impulse to make “Machan” came from a desire to find a comical angle to criticize the immigration laws of the West aimed at people that are usually associated with being economic refugees." explains director Uberto Pasolini.
"For Studio Babelsberg, “Machan” is an important film to establish and expand our business activities in the area of European co-productions", says Dr. Carl Woebcken, CEO of Studio Babelsberg AG. Henning Molfenter adds: "our competitive abilities on the international market, our trust-worthy reputation and our expertise in all areas of film production have expanded tremendously over past two years.
After Venice, “Machan” will have another international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. In Germany, Fox Searchlight has picked up the distribution rights.
