It is a challenging time for specialty film releases, particularly after the holiday season and amidst the bustling awards season. However, there is one film that is demanding attention this weekend – “A Storm Foretold.” Directed by Christoffer Guldbrandsen and distributed by Abramorama, this documentary sheds light on the MAGA movement and the infamous January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. Guldbrandsen spent years capturing footage, including on-and-off access to Roger Stone, who was a close political confidante of former President Donald Trump. With over 20 playdates scheduled in the next two weeks, “A Storm Foretold” is making waves in the industry.
Through its depiction of the storming of the US government on January 6th, 2021, “A Storm Foretold” presents a compelling argument that the events that unfolded were not just an isolated incident but rather a logical conclusion to Trump’s presidency. The filmmaker intentionally chose this date to coincide with the ongoing court cases and the nature of the film itself. Karol Martesko-Fenster, CEO and co-chair of Abramorama, expressed enthusiasm for the film’s timing and its potential impact on audiences.
Abramorama has taken an unconventional approach to distributing “A Storm Foretold.” Rather than imposing restrictions on theaters, the film is being offered for one night or a week, depending on each theater’s preferences. Martesko-Fenster is delighted by the early pickup and hopes to release the documentary digitally around mid-March, effectively reaching a wider audience.
Christoffer Guldbrandsen’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the insurrection and the MAGA movement led him to become involved in the Select Congressional Committee investigation. The filmmaker faced numerous challenges, including a heart attack likely caused by the stress of the project. His initial collaboration with Roger Stone ended abruptly when the political figure requested a substantial sum and subsequently transferred the rights to another film crew. However, Guldbrandsen persisted, eventually resuming his project and capturing an extraordinary account of power, deception, and political influence in America.
Guldbrandsen’s journey through the halls of power and political influence in the United States left him with a profound realization. He noted that while dishonesty has always been present in democracies, the scale of lying and the manufacturing of narratives solely for political gain took on a new dimension in America. The magnitude of falsehoods and their impact on democratic processes both fascinated and alarmed Guldbrandsen. He became convinced that a substantive transformation of democracy in America is imminent, yielding both fear and uncertainty.
Guldbrandsen emphasizes that the political landscape in the United States has far-reaching implications for democracies worldwide. Despite being an outsider to American politics, he recognizes that developments in national presidential politics ultimately affect modern democracies around the globe. In a thought-provoking interview with Deadline, Guldbrandsen aptly observed that “the loudest liar wins,” highlighting the disconcerting nature of political discourse and its consequences.
Alongside “A Storm Foretold,” several other specialty films are vying for attention in the market. “Weak Layers,” a ski comedy distributed by Greenwich Entertainment, portrays three spirited female ski enthusiasts striving to win a renowned short ski film competition after facing eviction. This film captures the essence of mountain towns and challenges the male-dominated ski culture. IFC Films presents “Mayhem!,” a French action thriller by Xavier Gens, while Paramount releases “The Painter,” a gripping drama starring Jon Voight and Charlie Webber. Additionally, Jacob Elordi takes center stage in “He Went That Way,” a thrilling film distributed by Vertical. Each of these films adds its unique flavor to the diverse film landscape.
“A Storm Foretold” is a masterful documentary that delves into the MAGA movement and the January 6th insurrection. Christoffer Guldbrandsen’s portrayal of the events unfolds as a logical consequence of Trump’s presidency, leaving audiences captivated and alarmed. The film serves as a wake-up call to the erosion of truth and the manufacturing of narratives that influence political outcomes. As the documentary gains momentum and ignites discussions, it reminds the world that the battle for democracy extends far beyond American borders.