Greenwich announced today the acquisition of US distribution rights to Light Pillar, the feature directorial debut of Xu Zao who also wrote the script.  The Shanghai-based Fengduan Pictures production had its World Premiere in the Perspectives section of the Berlinale. Greenwich will release the film in theaters across the country early next year.

In Light Pillar, a bankrupt film studio lies frozen and abandoned. Zha, a lonely janitor, escapes his empty life through a vivid virtual world, where he enters an online romance and dreams of traveling to the Moon. When the illusion collapses, the studio’s real destruction is turned into the set of a sci-fi film. The 2D-animated film also features dreamy live-action sequences starring veteran actor Da Peng.

“We’re glad that an independent hybrid film like Light Pillar will meet U.S. audiences with Greenwich,” said Xu Zao and Lu Xiaowei.  “We hope the film touches their hearts with its humor and warmth. Our “Old New East West Film Studios” welcomes everyone dreaming of soaring towards the stars.”

Light Pillar was produced by Lu Xiaowei (Fengduan Pictures) and executive produced by Da Peng.  The acquisition was negotiated by Greenwich’s Ed Arentz and Jasper Basch with Cercamon’s Sebastien Chesneau representing the filmmakers.