Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired the North American rights to Ira Sachs’ latest film, Peter Hujar’s Day, which made its world premiere in the prestigious Premieres section of the Sundance Film Festival. The film is set for a theatrical release in the fall. Starring Ben Whishaw as the photographer Peter Hujar and Rebecca Hall as writer Linda Rosenkrantz, this cinematic piece captures the essence of a crucial conversation recorded between the two in 1974.
The narrative of the film focuses on a single 24-hour period in the life of Peter Hujar, a pivotal figure in the vibrant cultural landscape of downtown New York during the 1970s and 1980s. Set entirely in Linda’s Manhattan apartment, Peter Hujar’s Day imaginatively recreates that afternoon, highlighting the engaging and philosophical dialogue exchanged between these two notable personalities. Hujar recounts vivid interactions with well-known cultural icons of the time, including Allen Ginsberg and Susan Sontag, as well as the realities of navigating life on limited resources in the New York City of the 70s.
The film gradually evolves into a profound exploration of both an artist’s existence and the nature of time itself, resonating with the spirit of Bloomsday celebrations. As audiences are immersed in this reflective journey, they gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of Hujar’s artistic endeavors.
“Sideshow and Janus Films represent a commitment to the kind of cinema that has meant the most to me, as audience and as filmmaker,” said Ira Sachs. He added, “To be a part of their future makes me feel both young and old, and full of hope both for this film and for the movies.”
In a joint statement, Sideshow and Janus Films expressed their excitement, stating, “Our team fell in love with Peter Hujar’s Day immediately. With its deceptively minimal premise, Ira Sachs has crafted a deeply profound, major work that illustrates how we navigate the past and present, contemplating the mysterious and remarkable nature of time.” They continued, “The film lingers with a magical, unprecedented sense of what storytelling on film can be. Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall deliver career performances, and we could not be more excited to work with Ira and his producer Jordan Drake to bring this unforgettable film to audiences this fall.”
The acquisition deal was facilitated by WME Independent, with production credits including Jordan Drake and Jonah Disend, alongside co-producers Fred Burle and Aaron Craig. The project is a presentation by Complementary Colors, Blink Productions, and Primo Content in association with We Are Films and Materia Cinema, and features a team of executive producers that includes Whishaw, Hall, and Adam Kersh.
This film represents not just an important artistic collaboration but also a new chapter in the exploration of Hujar’s enduring legacy within the realms of photography and cultural history. As audiences prepare for its release, the anticipation surrounding Peter Hujar’s Day continues to grow, promising a reflective experience that celebrates creativity and connection in a rapidly changing world.