At the 2024 European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, Pinnacle Peak Pictures has unveiled a diverse sales slate featuring acclaimed actor Ethan Hawke and new films under its Panoramic Pictures banner. The lineup includes high-profile action and sci-fi titles starring Dolph Lundgren and Christopher Lambert, alongside Hawke’s upcoming projects, marking a significant presence at the event and emphasizing the company’s strategic focus on wide audience appeal.
Overview of Pinnacle Peak’s Key Films at EFM
The Pinnacle Peak slate showcased at EFM highlights several major titles designed to attract both international buyers and global audiences. Among these is the action thriller Straight Shot, starring Dolph Lundgren, Rachael Leigh Cook, co-founder David A.R. White, and Tyrese Gibson. The film follows a former bodyguard who must battle mercenaries throughout a skyscraper to rescue his ex-fiancée trapped inside an experimental device. Directed by Gabriel Sabkloff, Straight Shot offers intense action sequences supported by a cast with strong genre credentials and is being screened during the market from Thursday to Sunday.
Another notable feature is the sci-fi movie Zoners, led by Christopher Lambert, known for iconic roles in Highlander and Ghost Rider. The film centers on a young woman tasked with transporting a mercenary and a stolen alien artifact through a perilous, monster-ridden landscape. The cast includes Kim Bonifay and Bogdan Farcas, with direction by Stephan Zlotescu. Screenings are scheduled on Friday and Saturday during EFM.
Highlighting Ethan Hawke’s New Projects and Market Presence
In addition to the thrillers and sci-fi entries, Pinnacle Peak presents several projects featuring Ethan Hawke, including continued discussions around She Dances, co-starring Steve Zahn. Hawke, nominated for a 2025 lead actor Oscar for his role in the Berlinale world premiere Blue Moon, is also attending the festival with the European premiere of the Depression-era drama The Weight. This film, which debuted at Sundance last month, tells the story of a single father trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter during a road trip to a dance competition. The ensemble cast features Mackenzie Ziegler, Rosemary DeWitt, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Audrey Zahn, who is Steve Zahn’s daughter. Pinnacle Peak holds worldwide rights and plans a U.S. theatrical release on March 27.
Industry Perspectives and Sales Strategy at EFM
Ron Gell, Pinnacle Peak’s EVP of international sales, distribution, and acquisitions, emphasized the appeal of the company’s lineup by citing the inclusion of well-known actors and diverse genres. This approach aims to generate strong interest among buyers, especially as the European Film Market looks to attract significant investment and participation from U.S. companies ahead of 2026.
“With audience favorites such as Steve Zahn, Ethan Hawke, David A.R. White, Dolph Lundgren, Rachael Leigh Cook and Christopher Lambert starring in our films, we are looking forward to a successful EFM,” said Gell.
Implications for Pinnacle Peak and the European Film Market
Pinnacle Peak Pictures’ comprehensive slate at the 2024 EFM underlines the company’s strategy of combining established talent with accessible storytelling. By leveraging stars like Ethan Hawke, Dolph Lundgren, and Christopher Lambert, alongside rising actors, Pinnacle Peak aims to secure robust distribution deals across international territories. The presence of these varied projects also reflects the dynamics of the European Film Market as it seeks greater involvement from U.S. buyers to stimulate growth and global exchange in the coming years.
