Festival favorite The Song of Names premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) last week, following its debut earlier this season at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Based on a novel, The Song of Names beautifully weaves the story of a lifelong friendship between two boys during World War II as they connect through classical music. The disappearance of one of the boys, however, prompts a decades-long search by the other; as adults, portrayed by Tim Roth and Clive Owen, respectively, the characters reconcile their past and cope with the atrocities of the war.
The film was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics after viewing just 15 minutes of footage, according to The Song of Names producer Robert Lantos.
The Sony Pictures Classics distribution company is leading the festival circuit with Song of Names prior to its Christmas Day release date, generating awards season buzz. “We are so fortunate to have Sony on board. They are the best distributors for a movie like this,” The Song of Names director François Girard said.
Director François Girard on set
Montreal-based Girard’s last six previous films each opened at TIFF, yet the weekend marked his first venture to the Hamptons International Film Festival. “It’s always interesting to compare the reactions, and we had a really warm ovation [at TIFF],” Girard explained. “The film was well-received and then to come and bring it here, it’s very exciting.”
Producer Robert Lantos similarly echoed the sentiment while also applauding The Song of Names novelist Norman Lebrecht for his involvement during the festival season. “It’s a source of satisfaction to us both,” Lantos said. “You rarely see a novelist so eager to promote the film.”
As The Song of Names continues with its festival screenings, the critical acclaim grows too. The Hamptons International Film Festival only solidified the film’s resonance with audiences and the powerful story it tells.
“The Song of Names” opens Christmas Day, December 25th, in select theaters.
