Pierce Capital Entertainment (PCE), an independent film financing and production company founded by Thomas Pierce, who served as executive producer on Brady Corbett’s Oscar-winning film. Brutal And Olivier Assayas Wizard of the Kremlinand production company FilmCrew Media based in Munich, Germany, have entered into a co-production partnership for three films.
Founded by brothers Kevin Schmutzler and Tobias “Toby” Schmutzler, FilmCrew has become an award-winning hit in Nawi: Dear future mea drama about child marriage set in Kenya that was selected as the country’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
The partnership will be launched with Heroes of nothingnessa feature-length documentary directed by Academy Award-nominated Ugandan filmmaker and journalist Musa Buyo (Bobby Wine: The People’s President) via Los Angeles-based Jajja Productions.
The film is set against the backdrop of Kakuma refugee camp and football in Kakuma [aka Soccer] League [in Kenya], Heroes of nothingness It follows a community whose shared love of sports becomes a source of identity, resilience and hope, according to the synopsis. The project builds on FilmCrew’s existing relationships with the region through its work on I intend to.
“While Kakuma Refugee Camp is known for its harsh climate and diverse refugee community, its residents found their ambition through the Kakuma Football League,” Boyo said. “The once desolate semi-desert is now blessed with hope, identity, dignity and a fighting spirit that speaks the universal language of sport. “This project offers a window into what sport and fighting spirit can bring to a community.”
The three-picture partnership combines PCE’s independent film financing and production model with FilmCrew’s European production infrastructure and track record. In collaboration with producers Lydia Wrench and Carolyn Heim, the Schmutzler brothers focus on producing culturally significant stories that address pressing social issues.
“Partnering with Thomas and the team at Pierce Capital Entertainment gives us a tremendous opportunity to expand our vision and bring important stories to a global audience,” said Toby Schmutzler. Kevin Schmutzler added: “Our goal has always been to tell stories that are fun first, but also have the potential to inspire action. With PCE, we have found partners who understand both sides of that ambition.”
Other FilmCrew projects included to date Limits of cyclingReleased on Netflix and Amazon, Terbrook (Shelter), which documents animal rescue efforts during the war in Ukraine, and Robin: Pay attention to desiresa feature acquired by Electric Entertainment which supported an international campaign for children facing serious illnesses.
And most recently, the Schmutzler brothers’ original feature After day zero It was selected by the inaugural Next Narrative Africa Fund and is being developed in collaboration with Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions. The story revolves around the daughter of a water tycoon who joins a gangster in a town to challenge the powerful system that divides their community.
Pierce Capital Entertainment is a film financing and production company based in Los Angeles and New York that focuses on “commercially located independent films with global reach.” It targets projects with “cultural significance, awards potential and international marketability”.
“This partnership represents an exciting expansion for PCE,” Pierce said. “FilmCrew has proven that meaningful storytelling and commercial filmmaking are not mutually exclusive. Together, we look forward to building films that connect with audiences around the world and contribute to broader cultural conversations and positive societal change.”
Additional projects within the framework of the partnership will be revealed at a later stage.
