Alex Ross Perry’s ‘Pavements’ Secured by Utopia for U.S. Release After Venice Debut

Utopia has secured the U.S. distribution rights for Alex Ross Perry’s latest venture, “Pavements,” which premiered to enthusiastic responses at the Venice Film Festival. Perry, renowned for his work on “Her Smell” and “Listen Up Philip,” has crafted a film that stretches the boundaries of the traditional music documentary.

The film has been met with high praise, with Variety calling it a “mesmerizing display of juggling acts” and Screen hailing it as a “delightful, subtly subversive tribute.” “Pavements” delves into the story of the influential 90s indie band Pavement, offering more than just a typical music documentary.

It merges scripted drama, a meta-narrative, and musical elements to explore the band’s 2022 reunion tour preparations. Additionally, the film captures the creation of a musical inspired by their work, a museum dedicated to their legacy, and a high-budget Hollywood biopic based on their story.

The film’s cast includes Joe Keery, Nat Wolff, Fred Hechinger, Logan Miller, Griffin Newman, Tim Heidecker, and Jason Schwartzman in its scripted segments. The musical scenes feature talents like Michael Esper, Zoe Lister-Jones, and Kathryn Gallagher.

Kyle Greenberg of Utopia shared his excitement, stating, “Collaborating with a filmmaker we admire and a band with such lasting impact is a dream realized. Alex has created a film that goes beyond the conventional documentary, offering a fresh and inventive perspective on Pavement’s storied career.

‘Pavements’ is a vibrant and star-studded celebration of a band that defies easy categorization and continues to inspire.” The film is slated to make its North American debut at the New York Film Festival this fall.