Together Films has acquired the international sales rights to Lowland Kids ahead of its World Premiere at the CPH:DOX later this month. Directed by emerging Danish filmmaker Sandra Winther and backed by producers Darren Aronofsky and recent BAFTA-winning Lizzie Gillett, the intimate film follows climate refugees in the American South.
The film follows two teenagers and their uncle – on Louisiana’s rapidly disappearing Isle de Jean Charles. They face an uncertain future as the U.S. government makes an unprecedented effort to resettle their entire community before the island succumbs to the sea.
The acquisition deal was led by Together Films Founder & CEO Sarah Mosses and Lizzie Gillett (Misfits Entertainment). Together Films will also lead an Impact Campaign for the film to activate audiences across the US affected by the issues in the film.
Lowland Kids has been over seven years in the making, following the acclaimed 2019 short film of the same name, which premiered at SXSW. Featuring music from revered American musician Moby, the film is a moving exploration of pain and togetherness. The journey of Lowland Kids brings to focus the historic moment of the first federally funded climate mass relocation alongside a unique and vibrant story of coming of age on an island being lost to the sea. The film will have its World Premiere later this month in Copenhagen at CPH:DOX with festival guests invited on a canal cruise to take a local look at the climate crisis and rising water levels.
The film brings together an acclaimed team of producers, including Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Whale), BAFTA Award®-winning Lizzie Gillett (Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, The Territory), Oscar-nominated Sigrid Jonsson Dyekjær (The Cave, Apolonia Apolonia), and Brendan Naylor of Protozoa Pictures (The Territory, Some Kind of Heaven). Also producing are William Crouse (Monster Factory, Lowland Kids), known for his compelling documentary work, and Lauren Avinoam (All These Small Moments, Lowland Kids) an independent producer with a track record of critically acclaimed films. Newly appointed National Geographic explorer, and co-founder and CEO of Earthrise Studio Alice Aedy joins the team as Executive Producer as well as Consulting Producer, Amber Morning Star Byars of this year’s Academy Award®-nominated film, Sugarcane. Executive Producers also include Marc Smit (Cineart) & Paul Wiegard (Madman) and Sons of Rigor.
Siblings Howard and Juliette, along with their Uncle Chris, face the emotional challenge of leaving behind their disappearing land as part of America’s first federally funded climate relocation. Their unbreakable bond is tested as they navigate an uncertain future at The New Isle. With striking cinematography by Andrea Gavazzi and a dynamic score by Katya Mihailova, Sandra Winther’s debut feature offers an intimate and visually stunning portrait of family, resilience, and the human cost of the climate crisis.
Lowland Kids is a co-production from Protozoa, Real Lava, Misfits Entertainment, Passion Pictures, and MBK, in association with Minderoo Pictures, Evoke Media, and RandomGood Films.
Director Sandra Winther said, “After six years in the field, I’m thrilled to finally share this story with the world and bring its impact to a wider audience. With the incredible support of my team and the expertise of Sarah Mosses and Together Films, I know this film is in the best hands to reach the people who need it most—now more than ever.”
Sarah Mosses, Founder and CEO of Together Films, said “Sandra Winther’s intimate approach to storytelling brings audiences into the heart of this historic moment, showing the strength and resilience of a family facing an uncertain future. This is one of the most cinematic and beautiful climate films we have seen in recent years, and is a timely reminder of the impending erosion of land that will result in many families facing a similar fate .”
Producers said, “Sandra’s talent is truly one of a kind, and with a fresh, youthful eye, she has created a film that humanizes a deeply urgent global issue. I couldn’t be more thrilled that someone as insightful and mission-driven as Sarah Mosses, along with her team at Together Films, will be guiding the film to ensure it reaches the audience it deserves.”
