Hollywood has set itself as a hallmark when it comes to sci-fi movies. The first names that appear to us when anyone mentions’ sci-fi’ are very likely Interstellar or Inception. Very few outsides of Hollywood have gotten as much recognition. However, Austrian cinema has now leaped this boundary with Magdalena Lauritsch’s debut film Rubikon. This upcoming sci-fi disaster film is soon to be released in February 2022.
But even before its release, Rubikon has garnered much praise for both its plot and visual effects. After all, it is hard to think of sci-fi without elaborate and immersive digital art. Magdalena and her creative team have created a competitive outer space drama that raises moral questions regarding social commitments amidst a global disaster.
Why did IFC Buy the Rights of Rubikon?
A private screening of Rubikon was hosted in July 2021 during the Cannes Film Festival. The Playmakers Munich hosted this screening. Rubikon was among the seven international films selected for running in the Frontières Buyers Showcase. The Frontières Buyers Showcase provides funding for films that are looking for international release and selling.
Rubikon and its director received praise for their entertaining deep space experience. Soon after, IFC Midnight bought the North-American rights to Rubikon. This arrived as a huge success for the team. The whole project amounted to EUR 3 million, which is much compared to any similar Hollywood project.
Plot of Rubikon
The story is set in the year 2065. Rubikon is the name of the spacecraft, which shelters the story’s main characters. The environment of the spacecraft is made of an algae symbiosis system. One day, the crew discovers the spread of a toxic fog all around the globe. This fog disrupts the communication devices, and now the crew is faced with a dilemma.
Now the crew has to decide if they should stay in the autonomous craft’s safety or venture back into the catastrophic planet in an uncertain search of survivors. The film raises social commentary on moral differences and the dilemma of three people with varying viewpoints.
Cast and Team of Rubikon
The crew of Rubikon – Hannah, Dimitri, and Gavin – are portrayed by Julia Franz Richter, Mark Ivanir, and George Blagden, respectively. Other artists like Nick Monu, Daniela Kong, and Hannah Rang are also in the film. The film is produced by Samsara Filmproduktion GmbH and co-produced by Graf Filmproduktion GmbH.
Magdalena Lauritsch acts as the director and screenplay writer along with Jessica Lind. Johannes Mücke acts as the production designer. The film will be released on demand across theatres and PVOD by February 15, 2022.
About IFC Midnight
IFC Films is an American production house that aims at distributing independent films worldwide. It was established in 2002 from a predecessor label named Next Wave Films. IFC Midnight is a part of IFC Films, releasing various genres like horror, sci-fi, action, drama, and others.
IFC Midnight bought the rights to Rubikon during its running in the Frontières Buyers Showcase and is set to release it. The president of IFC Films, Arianna Bocco, highly praised Magdalena’s cinematic genius in her debut movie.
