BREAKING: Picture Tree International has just announced its acquisition of the highly anticipated hostage thriller ‘Last Call’, a gripping real-time narrative inspired by true events. The film is set to launch to international buyers just ahead of the European Film Market (EFM), with market premiere screenings slated to draw significant attention.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sherif Francis, ‘Last Call’ unfolds on New Year’s Eve 1999 in Athens, where a desperate fugitive armed with a live grenade takes a family hostage, demanding to go live on television as the world counts down to the new millennium. As the tension escalates, a young journalist and a divided police force become embroiled in the unfolding drama, with the entire nation watching as events spiral toward a tragic conclusion.
“This film interrogates the intersection of media influence, power dynamics, and institutional failure — themes that resonate globally beyond the story’s original setting,” Picture Tree stated. The film’s narrative is designed to evoke the same immediacy and uncertainty that many experienced during the real-life events that inspired it.
Co-written by Katerina Bei, ‘Last Call’ features a notable ensemble cast including Orfeas Avgoustidis, Maria Nafpliotou, Yorgos Benos, and Dimitris Lalos. Produced by Dionyssis Samiotis for Tanweer Productions, the film emerged from the company’s “Tanweer Pitching Days” initiative, standing out among over 300 submissions for its high-stakes real-time structure and international market appeal.
Andreas Rothbauer, founder and managing partner at Picture Tree Intl., expressed excitement about the acquisition: “‘Last Call’ immediately stood out to us for its gripping real-time structure, its true-event hook, and its international marketability. It’s the kind of elevated European thriller that can travel strongly across theatrical and premium platforms.”
The domestic theatrical release in Greece and Cyprus is scheduled for March 19, targeting over 80 screens nationwide, managed by Tanweer Alliances. ‘Last Call’ is produced in co-production with ERT, the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece, NOVA, and View Master Films, with additional support from EKKOMED.
As anticipation builds, audiences are urged to stay tuned as the teaser for ‘Last Call’ debuts, promising an intense cinematic experience that echoes the urgency and unpredictability of real-life events. This film not only aims to entertain but also to challenge viewers to reflect on critical societal issues, making it a must-watch in the upcoming film market.
With its compelling premise and powerful storytelling, ‘Last Call’ is set to make waves, positioning itself as a significant player in the international thriller genre. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this remarkable film as it unfolds on screens across Greece and beyond starting in March.
