Leaning into the Wind - Andy Goldsworthy

Mongrel International has acquired international sales rights to LEANING INTO THE WIND, director Thomas Riedelsheimer’s follow-up to his now legendary RIVERS AND TIDES- ANDY GOLDSWORTHY WORKING WITH TIME.

World-renowned land artist Andy Goldsworthy and his works are the subject of both films.

In an exciting development, the San Francisco Film Society announces that the film will have its World Premiere at the 2017 San Francisco International Film Festival (April 5–19).

The Festival will celebrate not only the premiere of LEANING INTO THE WIND, but also the rich history of Riedelsheimer and Goldworthy with a special anniversary screening of RIVERS AND TIDES (SFIFF 2002) for San Francisco audiences.

LEANING INTO THE WIND was shot over four years between 2013-2016 and is a Scottish-German co-production produced by Leslie Hills and Stefan Tolz with support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Robert Hiscox, Roger Evans and Aey Phanachet, Sakurako and William Fisher, Miel de Botton, John Caulkins and Leslie Hills.

Fred Frith, who worked with the production of Rivers and Tides and whose music played such a part in the film, has once again been in charge for Leaning into the Wind.

RIVERS AND TIDES was a surprise hit, catching the world off-guard with its immersive, experiential and meditative beauty. The late Roger Eberts described the phenomenon:

"Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy Working with Time" is a documentary that opened in San Francisco in mid-2002 and just kept running, moving from one theater to another, finding its audience not so much through word of mouth as through hand on elbow, as friends steered friends into the theater, telling them that this was a movie they had to see. I started getting e-mails about it months ago. Had I seen it? “

Sixteen years after that release Thomas Riedelsheimer returned to work with Andy Goldsworthy. LEANING INTO THE WIND—ANDY GOLDSWORTHY follows Andy on his exploration of the layers of his world and the impact of the years on himself and his art. As Goldsworthy introduces his own body into the work it becomes at the same time even more fragile and personal and also sterner and tougher, incorporating massive machinery and crews on his bigger projects.

“"LEANING INTO THE WIND’ will be a joy both to lovers of "RIVERS AND TIDES” and Andy Goldworthy, but it will also welcome, delight and move newcomers. I am very happy to be working for the first time with Thomas and Stefan, to work again with Leslie Hills and I am so thrilled to help bring this movie to a world in need of a spiritual and aesthetic tonic.”- Mongrel International president Charlotte Mickie.

“Thomas’s exquisite film illuminates Goldsworthy’s mind as it reveals his art. I am very pleased to be working once again with Thomas, a long-term collaborator and to be doing so on such a fine film.” Producer, Skyline Productions, Leslie Hills

"In 2011, during a shoot in Scotland, I met Andy Goldsworthy again. It had been ten years since we released Rivers and Tides and we had not seen each other in the interim. From the very first moment I felt like no time has passed at all – it felt as though we had just waved farewell a few days before. It felt intimate immediately and I became aware of my never-ending interest in this man and his work. People who know "Rivers and Tides" think they know Andy Goldsworthy. And so we both felt that adding a new perspective to him and his work would be fascinating.

"It has been a great time, an unforgettable experience. LEANING INTO THE WIND offers a different angle, a different perspective, another perception on many levels. It is not only an expansion of the former film but stands by itself. Another moment in time, of Andy´s life - and of my life." Director, Thomas Riedelsheimer.

Piffl is the German distributor and Eurozoom the French distributor of LEANING INTO THE WIND. Releases are planned for late 2017.

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com . Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland

San Francisco Film Society

The San Francisco Film Society champions the world’s finest films and filmmakers through programs anchored in and inspired by the spirit and values of the San Francisco Bay Area. Building on a legacy of nearly 60 years of bringing the best in world cinema to the local audiences, the Film Society is now a national leader in film exhibition, media education and filmmaker services.

The Film Society presents more than 100 days of exhibition each year, reaching a total audience of more than 100,000 people. Its acclaimed education program introduces international, independent and documentary cinema and media literacy to more than 11,000 teachers and students. Through the Film Society’s filmmaker services programs, essential creative and business services, and funding totaling millions of dollars are provided to deserving filmmakers at all stages of their careers.

The Film Society seeks to elevate all aspects of film culture, offering a wide range of activities that engage emotions, inspire action, change perceptions and advance knowledge. A 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, it is largely donor and member supported. Membership provides access to discounts, private events and a wealth of other benefits.

For more information visit sffs.org.

Filmpunkt GmbH aims to support and produce meaningful and high-quality films. The two filmmakers Stefan Tolz and Thomas Riedelsheimer ensure creative integrity and smooth technical production. They are supported by line producer Katharina Jakobs. Filmpunkt GmbH emerged from
Filmquadrat GmbH and Filmquadrat GbR and commenced its activities in 2008 since when it has produced many award-winning documentaries.Filmpunkt is based in Cologne, Germany. For more information www.filmpunkt.com.

Skyline is one of the longest-surviving independent production companies in the UK with many award-winning films and programmes to its credit. Leslie Hills, producer, has several decades experience in co-production with Germany and has been working with Thomas Riedelsheimer since she co-produced his first film with Andy Goldsworthy, Rivers and Tides. The company is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. www.skyline.uk.com

www.leaningintothewind.com

Variety.com - Magnolia Nabs Andy Goldsworthy Documentary

Screen Daily - Magnolia Pictures acquires ‘Leaning Into The Wind’