David Kaplan's "Josephine": A Journey from Concept to Competition

"Josephine," produced by David Kaplan and directed by Beth de Araújo, recently garnered significant attention after winning two awards at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, which tells the story of an 8-year-old girl who witnesses a traumatic event, has faced considerable challenges in its production and financing. Kaplan announced that the U.S. distribution rights for "Josephine" were acquired by Sumerian Pictures for a mid-to-high seven-figure sum, marking a pivotal moment for the film as it prepares for its international premiere at the Berlinale.

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The development of "Josephine" spanned 12 years, with Kaplan joining the project in its final three years. The film's journey accelerated when de Araújo secured actors Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, prompting Kaplan to prioritize the project. Despite its compelling narrative, the film encountered significant resistance from potential financiers, with Kaplan noting that "99% of the people we went to... said, ‘Absolutely not.’”

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Kaplan highlighted the skepticism surrounding the film's commercial viability, particularly due to its serious subject matter. He noted an "inherent bias against films that are perhaps more geared towards women and assault survivors," which contributed to the difficulties in securing funding. Ultimately, the film was financed by three equity partners: Spark Features, Kinematics, and Yintai Entertainment, with financing closing just six days into principal photography.

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Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan played crucial roles not only as actors but also as producers. Kaplan praised their commitment, stating that Tatum actively pitched the film to potential investors, a rarity in the industry. Chan's long-standing dedication to the project further solidified its development. The casting of Mason Lily Reeves, who was discovered just weeks before filming, added another layer of complexity, as her age necessitated adjustments to the production schedule.

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Kaplan expressed gratitude for the support of Sumerian Pictures, emphasizing their meaningful financial and promotional commitments. He stated, “It was very important to Beth always that our investors made their money back if they could. They took tremendous risk.” This sentiment reflects the collaborative effort to ensure the film's success while honoring the contributions of all involved.

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Despite the film's accolades, Kaplan acknowledged the prevailing concerns regarding its marketability. He remarked, “A film like this couldn’t possibly be commercial. Who wants to see something stark in stark times?” This perspective underscores the ongoing debate about the types of narratives that receive support in the film industry.

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Looking ahead, Kaplan's production company, Kaplan Morrison, is developing several projects, including a sequel to the cult film "It Follows" and "Triumph of the Will," a WWII drama directed by Gabriel Nussbaum. As Kaplan continues to navigate the complexities of independent filmmaking, "Josephine" stands as a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of impactful storytelling.

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