MSC Secures Global Rights for Kelly Marie Tran's Thriller 'Forge' and Time-Loop Drama 'Desert Road' at EFM
Roger EbertPulitzer Prize-winning film critic whose reviews and essays defined cinema criticism for decades.
MSC Unleashes Thrilling Cinematic Ventures: 'Forge' and 'Desert Road' Take Center Stage at EFM
MSC Strengthens EFM Presence with Two Major Acquisitions
London and New York-based sales powerhouse, The Mise En Scène Company, has strategically secured the international distribution rights for a pair of captivating genre films. These highly anticipated titles, the crime thriller 'Forge' and the psychological time-loop drama 'Desert Road,' are poised to make a significant impact at the European Film Market.
'Forge': A Crime Thriller Starring Kelly Marie Tran
Jing Ai Ng, a distinguished graduate of the AFI Conservatory, makes her directorial debut with 'Forge.' This enthralling crime thriller, which had its world premiere at SXSW, features a talented cast including Kelly Marie Tran, known for her roles in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' and 'The Rise of Skywalker,' and Andie Ju from 'Beef.' The narrative follows siblings Coco, an exceptionally gifted painter, and Raymond, a cunning hustler, as they accept a millionaire's proposition to illicitly replace and vend his family's art collection. Their high-stakes endeavor is further complicated by the relentless pursuit of an ambitious FBI agent determined to make a name for herself.
'Desert Road': A Psychological Journey Through Time
Shannon Tripplett's 'Desert Road,' also a SXSW premiere, plunges viewers into a mind-bending psychological drama. The story centers on a young photographer whose car breaks down on a desolate desert highway, only for her to discover she is trapped in a persistent time loop. To escape this perpetual cycle, she must unravel its intricate rules and manipulate them to her advantage, or face an eternity of entrapment. The film boasts a notable ensemble cast, including Kristine Froseth from 'The Assistant' and 'How to Blow Up a Pipeline,' with veteran actors Beau Bridges and Ryan Hurst in pivotal supporting roles. Renowned producers Steven Schnider, known for 'Paranormal Activity' and 'Insidious,' and Roy Lee, recognized for 'Barbarian' and 'The Long Walk,' are behind this project.
MSC's Expanding EFM Lineup
These new acquisitions significantly enhance MSC's already robust EFM slate. The company's impressive roster also includes 'Forelock,' featuring David Krumholtz of 'Oppenheimer' fame and Caleb Alexander Smith, as well as 'Billy Knight,' a star-studded production led by Al Pacino, Charlie Heaton from 'Stranger Things,' and Diana Silvers from 'Booksmart.'
A Testament to EFM's Enduring Legacy
Paul Yates, CEO of MSC, expressed his enthusiasm for launching 'Forge' and 'Desert Road' at EFM. He reflected on the market's foundational role in his own career and paid tribute to Beki Probst, EFM's founder. Yates emphasized that EFM provides an unparalleled platform for introducing these exceptional films and MSC's diverse portfolio to the international film community, reaffirming its status as a premier event in the global film industry.
U.S. Distribution for 'Desert Road'
Firebrand Media Group, under the leadership of Josh Clayton, is set to handle the theatrical distribution of 'Desert Road' across the United States later this year, ensuring that domestic audiences will have the opportunity to experience this captivating time-loop dram

