Parallax Films Acquires International Rights to Kogonada’s 'Zi'

Parallax Films has secured the international sales rights for 'Zi,' the latest feature from acclaimed director Kogonada. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, marks a significant addition to the sales agency's portfolio, expanding the reach of the project beyond North America. Following the success of his previous works, 'Columbus' and 'After Yang,' Kogonada’s latest effort continues his exploration of memory, time, and human connection.

'Zi' is notable for its unconventional production model, which functioned entirely outside the traditional studio system. A small, core team of seven collaborators—including Kogonada, cinematographer Benjamin Loeb, and stars Haley Lu Richardson, Michelle Mao, and Jin Ha—self-financed and co-owned the project. By filming on location in Hong Kong over a tight three-week schedule and utilizing a disciplined 'one-take-per-day' approach, the production team prioritized creative spontaneity and fluid storytelling, allowing the script to evolve organically throughout the shoot.

This acquisition highlights a growing trend of high-profile independent films utilizing radical production structures to maintain creative autonomy. By eschewing external financing, Kogonada and his team were able to craft a deeply personal, experimental narrative that blends digital and 16mm formats. As the film moves into the international market, its success serves as a case study for how auteur-driven projects can thrive by leveraging collaborative ownership and minimalist, agile production techniques in an increasingly complex global film landscape.