Red Water Entertainment has snapped up North American distribution rights to the single take thriller “Failure!” led by Ted Raimi (“The Quarry”).
This Mexico-U.S. co-production, shot in an unbroken 87-minute take, follows business tycoon James (Raimi) as he faces a crushing bank debt deadline. With time running out, he contends with treacherous associates, deceitful friends and haunting pasts, and is forced to choose between financial collapse or murder.
Directed by Alex Kahuam (“Forgiveness”), “Failure!” is believed to be the first time a Mexican filmmaker has made a feature film without cuts in the U.S.
The cast also includes Merrick McCartha (“Senior Year”), Melissa Diaz (“Ruthless”), John Paul Medrano (“Seven Days”), Daniel Kuhlman (“Voodoo Macbeth”) and Noel Douglas Orput.
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The film gained a boost after bowing at the inaugural Fantastic Pavilion Galas, the Cannes Film Festival market’s genre showcase that was introduced in 2023. It has since screened at Frightfest, Morbido Film Fest, Fantaspoa and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
Produced by Alex Kahuam and Marco De Molina alongside Kayli Fortun, Raimi and Jose D. Rodriguez, via Kahuam’s Promotora NAE and De Molina’s Spacebrain Entertainment, the film will be released in the first quarter of 2025. The deal was negotiated at the Cannes market by Red Water Entertainment’s Avi Federgreen, and Miguel Angel Govea and Brett Walker, who are partner and president respectively, at sales agent Alief.
Federgreen said: “We are thrilled to bring Kahuam’s captivating thriller to North American audiences. Its unique storytelling and Ted’s compelling performance make it a standout addition to our roster.”
“I’m very excited to work with Red Water Entertainment, they believe in films that push boundaries in a unique and innovative way,” said Kahuam. “I can’t wait for audiences in North America to watch ‘Failure!’ and feel the experience of our one-take film.”
“Red Water Entertainment has this awesome way of shaking up the film industry,” said Raimi. “Teaming up with them promises to be an exhilarating ride. I’m glad we’re on that horse.”
Kahuam is represented by Christian Rodriguez from AAO Entertainment and Raimi by Steve Smith at Stagecoach Entertainment.