Discover the Spirit of Friendship: A St. Bernard's Journey to the Big Screen!

Global Acclaim: Securing Distribution Across Continents

The distribution company, The Playmaker, has successfully finalized several significant international sales for the Swiss box office sensation "Barry & Me." These agreements were secured prior to the film's market premiere in Berlin, highlighting its strong appeal. Key territories now include the Baltics, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Spain, and the United States, with Estinfilm, Media Squad, Grand Entertainment for Motion Pictures, Big Rights, and Samuel Goldwyn Films handling the respective releases.

Domestic Success and Upcoming Releases

In its home markets, "Barry & Me" is distributed by Wild Bunch in Germany and Ascot Elite in Switzerland. The film has been captivating Swiss audiences since its release on January 14, where it quickly became a box office hit, attracting over 45,000 viewers in its second weekend alone. German audiences can look forward to its premiere next month.

A Tale of Canine Heroism and Childhood Friendship

This children's movie draws its inspiration from the revered Swiss accounts of St. Bernard dogs, celebrated for their heroic efforts in rescuing individuals caught in avalanches during the 19th century. However, this particular rendition focuses on the touching bond formed between a 12-year-old boy, Georg, and a St. Bernard puppy named Barry. Georg covertly cares for the puppy in a mountain infirmary, leading to a series of delightful escapades set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

Collaborative Production and Support

"Barry & Me" is a joint production between Switzerland and Germany, with Atlantis Pictures and MMC Zodiac at the helm. The project has received substantial backing from various cultural and film organizations, including the Zürcher Filmstiftung, the Deutscher Filmförderungsfonds, the Film und Medienstiftung NRW, the Bundesamt für Kultur, the Filmförderungsanstalt FFA, Suissimage, the Kanton Luzern, and the Valais Film Commission.

The Playmaker's Expanding Portfolio

Beyond "Barry & Me," The Playmaker's upcoming Berlin slate features another exciting project: "The Unicorn That Said No." This 3D animated family film is based on the internationally best-selling book by Marc-Uwe Kling, further diversifying the company's offerings.

Director Markus Welter's Illustrious Career

Markus Welter, the director of "Barry & Me," is a seasoned filmmaker with a notable career. His directorial debut, "Im Sog der Nacht," premiered at the Max Ophüls Festival and the Zurich Film Festival in 2009. He subsequently directed the television movie "Die Käserei in Goldingen" and the 3D horror feature "One Way Trip 3D."

Contributions to Television and Continued Success

Welter's impressive resume also includes significant contributions to television. He directed the first three seasons of the popular SRF series "Der Bestatter" starting in 2012, and his work on the SRF/ZDF co-production "Der Teufel von Mailand" premiered at the Zurich Film Festival in 2012. Other television credits include the SRF primetime feature "Altes Haus," "Tatort — Kleine Prinzen," and co-directing the comedy series "Seitentriebe." In 2018, he directed the TV film "Weglaufen geht nicht."