Davos - Film producer Anant Singh announced on Thursday that the film Shepherds and Butchers will have its world premier at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival next month after being invited to feature on the official programme.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Singh said: “We are thrilled that the Berlin Film Festival has invited Shepherds and Butchers to participate in its official programme and host the world premiere of the film.
“We believe the film will resonate with the Berlin audience as it has powerful performances under the expert direction of Oliver Schmitz.
“Additionally, the film deals with capital punishment which is a universal, yet controversial issue, and Berlin has a tradition of embracing films of this nature. The discussion of social issues is always on the agenda at the Forum in Davos and the death penalty is no exception,” Singh said.
The film will feature as part of the official programme of the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival on February 13.
The film stars Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, Steve Coogan (Philomena, Alan Partridge: Welcome to the Places of My Life), Andrea Riseborough (Birdman, Oblivion) and talented newcomer, Garion Dowds, as well as Deon Lotz, Robert Hobbs and Eduan van Jaarsveldt of South Africa.
According to a statement from Singh’s company, The film, set in late 1980s, follows John Weber, a hotshot lawyer who faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a prison guard who has killed seven men.
“What ensues is a compelling charge against the death penalty itself, in a case that changes history.”