Johnny Ma’s latest film, The Mother and the Bear, has been picked up by FilmNation Entertainment for global sales, excluding Canada.Set against the icy backdrop of Winnipeg, this Canada-Chile co-production follows a Korean widow, played by Kim Ho-jung, who arrives from Seoul after her daughter falls into a coma.
As she attempts to find a suitable partner for her daughter, her well-intentioned efforts result in a series of misunderstandings and unexpected revelations.
Glen Basner from FilmNation expressed enthusiasm about the film, saying, “Johnny Ma’s unique combination of humor and insightful commentary offers a fresh take on contemporary issues. We’re thrilled to manage the domestic and international sales and are excited for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.”
Produced by Rhombus Media and Fabula in collaboration with Thin Stuff Prods., the film also benefits from the support of Telefilm Canada, Manitoba Film and Music, Ashland Hill Media Finance, Crave, and CBC Films. Elevation is handling the Canadian distribution.
Ma’s debut feature, Old Stone, was recognized with the Best Canadian First Feature award at TIFF in 2016. Having moved from China to Toronto at the age of 10, Ma has explored various creative disciplines before focusing on film. His works are known for their strong visual style.
Ma explained, “My previous films include a social noir and an old Chinese opera musical. This one is a cosmic fairy tale, yet they all feature characters who feel out of place in their own time.”
Ma and cinematographer Inti Briones, both new to Winnipeg, approached the film with a unique perspective. “Briones noted that our disconnection from nature reflects a larger societal disconnection, and telling a story about a mother helps us reconnect with our roots,” Ma said.
Envisioning Winnipeg as a winter village with elements akin to Sleeping Beauty, Ma sought to break from traditional Hallmark Christmas movie conventions. He drew inspiration from various cinematic styles, including 1950s screwball comedies and Juzo Itami’s Tampopo.