EXCLUSIVE: Vantage Media has acquired North American rights to Polish feature Exotic, about a woman’s journey toward self-discovery through pole dancing, ahead of its premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
The picture follows a writer whose quest to master pole dancing evolves into something far more profound when the process and community of dancers she encounters help her figure out her true self. It is the first feature of Sonja Orlewicz-Zakrzewska and grew out of her personal fascination with pole dancing.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Russo, COO of Productions and Acquisitions at VMI Worldwide and Vantage Media, and Daniel Vadocky, Head of Sales at Berlin-based Pluto Film, which has also unveiled a first international trailer to coincide with the announcement. Gutek is handling the Polish release.
“At a time when women’s rights and freedoms are increasingly being challenged in America, Exotic delivers a timely and empowering message about the importance of embracing who we truly are,” said Russo at Vantage/VMI.
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“Through the art of dance, the film celebrates female strength, confidence and self-expression, reminding us that empowerment often begins with the courage to step outside our comfort zones. Exotic is more than a story about pole dancing; it’s a celebration of sisterhood, self-discovery, and the freedom to unapologetically be yourself.”
“We are very pleased to have secured a North American distribution deal ahead of the film’s world premiere,” added Vadocky at Pluto Film. “It is a strong sign to its international appeal and audience potential. We have full confidence that Vantage/VMI will successfully distribute the film across all platforms.”
Exotic was shot during a recent real-life edition of a pole-dancing Exo Stars Camp featuring real participants and instructors, maintaining the authenticity of this vivid bubble.
“As soon as I discovered exotic pole dance, I got so invested that I went straight to Exo Stars Camp,” explains the writer-director. “I was fascinated by the clash of the fragile, intimate universes we carried within us around the camp. It soon became clear that the camp itself was a perfect place to confront fears, leave one’s comfort zone and express oneself more than daily life ever allows. “
The film stars Jaśmina Polak, Magdalena Koleśnik and Monika Frajczyk. Director of Photography is Adam Suzin, with Tomasz Kajetan Naruszewicz as Editor and Tymek Papior as Composer.to here. It received support from the Polish Film Institute’s microbudget scheme aimed at first-time directors.
Director, scriptwriter, visual artist and photographer Orlewicz-Zakrzewska holds a master’s degree in photography from the Cinematography Department of the Łódź Film School.
Her first short, Cross’n’Carry (2019), screened at festivals including New Horizons, HollyShorts and BEAST Portugal. She also took part in the script training lab Atelier Scenariuszowe and the EAVE Producers Workshop (2021).
As a cinematographer, she worked on Enthusiasts, a documentary series for Canal+. Her video art and photography have been shown in numerous exhibitions including the Leica Gallery Warsaw.
Exotic will debut in the First Feature Competition of Estonia’s Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival running from November 6 to 22.
