“Caught by the Tides” by Jia Zhang-ke acquired by Sideshow/Janus in the United States

Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired the latest film by great Chinese auteur Jia Zhang-ke, “Caught by the Tides”. The film was presented in competition at Cannes in May 2024.

A love story within film, “Caught by the Tides” features Jia’s wife, longtime actress Zhao Tao, in a story that unfolds over 23 years. Like his previous masterpieces “Platform”, “The World”, “A Touch of Sin” and “Mountains May Depart”, the film is a backdrop against which to depict China’s rapid changes during this century, a period of explosive economic and technological growth. Zhao and Li Zhubin find themselves in a romantic relationship in this setting, some of which was filmed by Jia over the past 23 years. As in “24 City,” it combines elements of fiction and nonfiction. In this case, there are even extracts from Jia’s previous films.

Jia is unique in that he is a mainland filmmaker deeply committed to exploring life in China today and expressing himself when he feels the need, despite the overwhelming and oppressive influence of the State. One of the themes of his films is how China’s rise out of poverty and wealth for significant sectors of the population resulted in the acceptance of authoritarian control: the improvement in the quality of life and access to luxury have certainly allowed complacency in the face of the lack of democratic freedoms. Nevertheless, he was able to make the films he wanted to make.

In a statement, Sideshow and Janus Films said: “Jia Zhang-ke is one of the most important filmmakers of the 21st century and with ‘Caught by the Tides’ he delivers what will surely be considered one of his great films that gives us the gift of watching Zhao Tao for over two decades, culminating with one of the best scenes of their career together. We’re excited to bring this to American audiences in the coming months. »

Sideshow and Janus Films had a very impressive track record at Cannes this year, acquiring Payal Kapadia’s Grand Prix winner “All We Imagine As Light”, Alain Guiraudie’s “Misericordia” and Leos Carax’s “It’s Not Me”, as well as the captivating animated film by Gints Zilbalodis. film, “Flow”, which, if played well, could especially have major potential at the box office.