UPDATE: Picture Tree Intl. has just announced it will handle international sales for the gripping hostage thriller “Last Call,” set to premiere at the European Film Market (EFM). The film, based on true events, is poised to captivate global audiences with its real-time narrative, and the official teaser has debuted today.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sherif Francis, “Last Call” unfolds on New Year’s Eve 1999 in Athens. The plot centers around a desperate fugitive armed with a live grenade who takes a family hostage, demanding to go live on television as the world counts down to the new millennium. The live broadcast ensnares a young journalist and a divided police force, leading to a heart-pounding scenario that grips an entire nation.
“This film interrogates the intersection of media influence and power dynamics, themes that resonate globally,” officials stated. Francis, who co-wrote the script with Greek writer Katerina Bei, aims to evoke the same sense of immediacy and uncertainty he experienced as a child witnessing the real event unfold.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Orfeas Avgoustidis, Maria Nafpliotou, Yorgos Benos, and Dimitris Lalos. Produced by Dionyssis Samiotis for Tanweer Productions, “Last Call” emerged as a standout from over 300 submissions during the studio’s “Tanweer Pitching Days” initiative.
Andreas Rothbauer, founder of Picture Tree Intl., emphasized, “‘Last Call’ immediately stood out for its gripping real-time structure and true-event hook.” He added, “It’s an elevated European thriller that can travel strongly across theatrical and premium platforms.”
The film is set for a domestic theatrical release in Greece and Cyprus on March 19, targeting a nationwide rollout across more than 80 screens. It is produced in collaboration with ERT, the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece, NOVA, and View Master Films, with backing from EKKOMED.
With its intense storyline and powerful themes, “Last Call” is positioned to become a significant player in international cinema. As the film gears up for its market premiere, industry insiders and audiences alike are eagerly anticipating its release. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
