Paul Schrader’s ‘The Basics Of Philosophy’ Gets Key Support Ahead of Venice Film Festival

Ahead of its launch at the Venice Film Festival, Paul Schrader’s drama ‘The Basics Of Philosophy’ has secured significant backing. Noora Films has come on board to represent international sales, while Schrader’s longtime collaborator, Martin Scorsese, is set to serve as an executive producer.

Scorsese and Schrader formed one of the most influential writing-directing partnerships of the 1970s and 1980s through their work on films such as ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Raging Bull,’ and ‘The Last Temptation Of Christ.’ This marks the second time Scorsese has joined one of Schrader’s movies as an executive producer, following his role in 2021’s Venice entry ‘Card Counter.’

The Project’s Key Cast and Crew

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Jack Huston (‘House of Gucci’), Sofia Boutella (‘Rebel Moon’), Daniel Zovatto (‘Woman of the Hour’), Bill Pullman (‘Lost Highway’), Dana Delany (‘Tulsa King’), Shiloh Fernandez (‘The Odyssey’), and Karl Glusman (‘Nocturnal Animals’). Schrader wrote and directed ‘The Basics Of Philosophy,’ which is part of his ‘man in a room’ stories that began with his script for Scorsese’s ‘Taxi Driver’ and have included features such as ‘First Reformed,’ ‘The Card Counter,’ and ‘Master Gardener.’

CAA Media Finance will represent the U.S. rights to the film, which is premiering out of competition. Braxton Pope is producing under his Film Maudit banner, alongside Redline Entertainment’s David Wulf. Both previously collaborated with Schrader on ‘The Card Counter,’ which Focus Features released.

Executive producers include Steven Demmler for Talon Entertainment Finance, Santosh Govindaraju for Convergent Media, Franklin Laviola, Nicholas Laviola, Jeff Rice for Jeff Rice Films, Brando Eaton and Richie Walls for Seen Entertainment, Landon Ash, Joel Michaely, Kyle Stroud for Carte Blanche, and Francis Chapman.

Noora Films boss Pia Patatian expressed the company’s excitement to work with Schrader again and support a film with genuine international potential. Noora Films recently represented sales on Schrader’s Cannes competition title ‘Oh, Canada.’ Patatian has also led pre-sales on action-thriller ‘The Savior’ with Kate Beckinsale and on feature ‘Unmerciful Good Fortune,’ set to star Rosario Dawson, Antonio Banderas, Susan Sarandon, and Scott Eastwood.

With Scorsese’s involvement and Noora Films’ backing, ‘The Basics Of Philosophy’ is poised to make a significant impact at the Venice Film Festival.

Noora Films’ Commitment to International Sales

Noora Films has established itself as a key player in international sales, with a focus on supporting films with genuine global potential. The company’s recent collaborations with Schrader and other acclaimed filmmakers demonstrate its commitment to promoting innovative storytelling on the international stage.