Original Film “FINESTKIND” to Celebrate World Premiere at TIFF Korean Series “BARGAIN” and Argentinian Film “EL RAPTO” Set for North American Premieres
August 14, 2023: Paramount+ today announced that three upcoming original titles will screen at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Original film FINESTKIND will make its world premiere as part of the Gala Presentations category on September 8 at 9:30 PM in Roy Thomson Hall; globally acclaimed Korean series, BARGAIN, will make its North American premiere on September 9 at 9:10 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto as part of the Primetime category; and Argentinian film EL RAPTO will also make its North American premiere as part of the Special Presentations category on September 11 at 6:30 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema.
- FINESTKIND tells the story of two brothers, played by Ben Foster and Toby Wallace, raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang. Along the way a young woman, played by Jenna Ortega, finds herself caught perilously in the middle. Sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers, and a father, played by Oscar® winner Tommy Lee Jones, and his son are put to the ultimate test. Written and directed by Oscar winner, Brian Helgeland, the film is produced by Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan of Bosque Ranch, David C. Glasser of 101 Studios, in association with MTV Entertainment Studios.
- BARGAIN revolves around a group of strangers who gather at a remote motel with ulterior motives – and each of them seeking to bargain. The series follows the characters after an unexpected earthquake traps them inside the building. With no one to trust, they must find a way to survive. The title’s North American premiere at TIFF comes on the heels of its European debut at Canneseries Festival and Seriencamp Festival, where it was awarded with ‘Best Screenplay’ and ‘Critics Choice Award,’ respectively. BARGAIN is a project developed by Paramount+ and TVING, out of Paramount’s global partnership with the Korean entertainment powerhouse, CJ ENM. The title is set to premiere on Paramount+ globally outside of South Korea on October 5. BARGAIN is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
- EL RAPTO is the story of Julio, who returns with his family to Argentina after the downfall of the brutal dictatorship that overpowered long-standing democracy. Things soon take an ugly turn as his brother is kidnapped and Julio becomes the lead negotiator with the criminals. Directed by the renowned filmmaker Daniela Goggi and starring Rodrigo de La Serna, EL RAPTO is produced by Paramount Television International Studios in association with Infinity Hills and Rei Cine. In addition to TIFF, the title will also screen at the Venice International Film Festival, making EL RAPTO the only Argentinian film to earn a selection in both festivals this year.
About Paramount+
Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows, and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and the Smithsonian Channel™, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and South Korea.