Russian World War II Actioner ‘The Pilot’ Sells in U.S., Europe and Asia

Ed Meza
·2 min read
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U.S. distributor Well Go USA Entertainment has nabbed all North American rights to Russian World War II actioner “The Pilot: A Battle for Survival.”

Directed by Renat Davletyarov and inspired by a true story, the film centers on an IL-2 pilot, played by Pyotr Fyodorov (“Sputnik,” “The Blackout”), who crash-lands in a remote forest clearing after an air assault, and must find his way back to friendly territory while battling hunger and extreme cold and evading packs of wolves and Nazi soldiers.

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“‘The Pilot: A Battle for Survival’ is a gripping story of survival, bravery and sacrifice in the face of chilling circumstances, made even more riveting due to its depiction of actual historical events,” said Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO of Well Go USA.

Koch Media will release the film in the U.K., Italy and Switzerland.

“The Pilot” has also sold to New Select for Japan, BoXoo Entertainment for South Korea, Foxx Media Group for the Czech Republic and Slovakia and Stars Media for the former Yugoslavia.

Davletyarov, Vladislav Ryashin and Dmitriy Pristanskov produced the film, with Interfest, Star Media and DaProduction co-producing. Davletyarov also co-wrote the script with Alexey Timoshkin and Sergey Ashkenazi.

Moscow-based Central Partnership is distributing the film, which is set to premiere in Russia on Nov. 4.

“As action-packed as the film is, it’s not only compelling due to high production value and dynamic plot, but also a strong yet relatable character,” said Central Partnership CEO Vadim Vereshchagin. “That’s the kind of national content we are keen on releasing internationally – high-end entertainment with a human story behind it.”

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