Bi Gan’s ‘Resurrection’ Boarded by U.S.’s Obluda Films

New York-based Obluda Films has boarded the long-in-production sci-fi detective film “Resurrection,” being directed by mainland Chinese auteur Bi Gan.

Obluda will join as co-producer and co-financier of the picture that counts mainland pop star-turned-leading actor Jackson Yee and Taiwan’s Shu Qi, as the lead cast. Another New York-based indie producer Jonathan Daniel Brown, of Party Crasher Films, will also join the partnership for the upcoming film.

After completing part of its shooting schedule, “Resurrection” is set to resume filming in the fourth quarter of this year. Paris-based Les Films du Losange recently came on board for international sales and distribution.

“Resurrection” tells the story of a woman whose consciousness enters an eternal time zone during a medical procedure. Trapped in a dreamscape, she encounters an android corpse and attempts to awaken it by recounting stories. As the android traverses these stories, its senses begin to awaken, driving a surreal journey of self-discovery.

Founded by Jeff Lichtenstein, Obluda Films is an independent film production company aimed at highlighting stories from underrepresented communities around the globe. It is operated by Ren Guang and Kaustubh “Vick” Singh.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Bi Gan’s Dangmai Films and other renowned international partners on Resurrection, a groundbreaking sci-fi film,” said Ren and Singh. “Beyond telling a powerful story with an incredibly talented cast and crew, we’re proud to introduce compelling Asian filmmakers to the unique and dynamic energy of New York’s film scene.”

“Resurrection” marks Bi’s first feature film since his 2018 Cannes sensation, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, with its bravura 59-minute single-take sequence in 3D.

The new project reunites Bi with key crew members, including cinematographer Dong Jingsong (“The Wild Goose Lake”), production designer Tu Nan (“Blossoms Shanghai”) and costume designer Huang Wen-Ying (“The Assassin”).

A photographer and poet, Bi made his debut feature with “Kaili Blues,” which won two prizes at Locarno in 2015 among a flurry of accolades.