Theatrical release of “Megalopolis” gets a boost from Utopia

EXCLUSIVE: Utopia will partner with Lionsgate to bring Francis Ford Coppola's dystopian epic to theaters in the United States. Big city when the film hits theaters on September 27th.

Utopia will develop and implement special marketing, word of mouth and non-traditional theatrical distribution initiatives aimed at moviegoers.

Utopia is behind films like the critically acclaimed Shiva-Baby and the Oscar nominee Holy spider.

Coppola said: “I am confident we are in good hands at Lionsgate, and Robert and his team at Utopia will be a tremendous asset. They have proven that an artist-first approach can be successful while taking bold steps, particularly at a time when our film industry often shies away from bold ventures. I know Utopia will help Big city Discover untapped audiences and theatrical release opportunities with Lionsgate.”

Co-founder Robert Schwartzman added: “The visionary, inventive and cinematic epic that Big city is exactly the kind of film that excites us at Utopia. It can only come from a storyteller like Francis, who is known for taking business and creative risks to support his vision. We are already in deep discussions with the incredible team at Lionsgate and working together on a special campaign to support this once-in-a-lifetime cinematic experience.”

Utopia’s upcoming program includes the surf documentary Trilogy: New Wave, Fantasia hit thriller Red rooms, Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl with Pamela Anderson, which celebrates its TIFF world premiere, and the fraternity drama The line with Alex Wolff and Halle Bailey. There is also the current release The good half starring Nick Jonas, Oscar nominee Elisabeth Shue and David Arquette. Earlier this year, the US-based independent distribution, production and sales company released the critically acclaimed Woman with Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George Mackay, the stars of Cannes 2023 The sweet east by Sean Price Williams and omen by Baloji, in addition to the Sundance debut drift with Cynthia Erivo, all in cinemas.

Big city will have its North American premiere at TIFF. The film will also be shown in IMAX format when it opens on September 27th.