EXCLUSIVE: We can tell you first that the Camila Mendes is returning to SXSW with her latest production and co-headlined feature Idiotka which stars Anna Baryshnikov (Love Lies Bleeding). The movie, which is set in the vibrant, eccentric world of West Hollywood’s Russian enclave, unspools against the high-stakes drama of a ‘Project Runway’-style reality show. Idiotka, which reps the directorial debut of Nastasya Popov, is making its debut in the Narrative Spotlight section.
Mendes was at SXSW last year with her Prime Video movie, Musica, which she executive produced and starred in.
Popov crafted the story for Idiotka alongside her creative partner Tess Cohen. Owen Thiele (Theater Camp), Benito Skinner (Overcompensating), Mark Ivanir (Emilia Pérez), recording artist Saweetie, and Julia Fox (Uncut Gems) also star. The ensemble is rounded out by Soviet-era screen legend Galina Jovovich and rising talent Nerses Stamos, with obligatory cameos from it-girl Gabbriette and music exec Zack Bia.
Popov and Cohen produced under their Virgo Films banner alongside Mendes and Rachel Matthews under their Honor Role banner. Saba Zerehi also produced.
EPs are Robina Riccitiello and Josh Peters for Spark Features; John Terzian, Brian Toll, Jeremy Allen, and Emma Silvers for h.wood Media; Bill Bindley and Mike Karz for Gulfstream Pictures; Lisa Kleiner Chanoff; David Kaplan; Baryshnikov, and Fox. Co-EPs include Shelby Rachleff for the Westridge Foundation and Jack Defuria.
CAA Media Finance represents the film’s distribution rights.
Baryshnikov is represented by CAA, Brookside Artist Management, Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman; Mendes by CAA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox; Thiele by UTA, Entertainment 360, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox; Skinner by WME and Entertainment 360; Saweetie by UTA, Range Media Partners, and Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks; Ivanir by A3 Artists Agency and Thruline Entertainment; and Fox by WME, Framework Entertainment and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.
