Brian Cox’s Directorial Debut, ‘Glenrothan,’ Reveals First-Look Image as Protagonist Launches Sales Ahead of AFM (EXCLUSIVE)
Brian Cox’s feature directorial debut “Glenrothan” — billed as his “love letter to Scotland” — has wrapped production, with a first look revealed showing the “Succession” star alongside Alan Cumming in a room full of whisky barrels.
Alongside revealing a first look from the feature, Protagonist Pictures has come aboard for worldwide sales and is set to screen exclusive footage for buyers at the upcoming American Film Market.
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Lionsgate, which co-developed the project with London based studio Nevision, has taken U.K. rights on the family drama, which shot in Scotland.
In “Glenrothan,” Donal (Cumming) reluctantly returns to the Scottish Highlands after 35 years in Chicago to make amends with his estranged older brother, Sandy (Cox). Sandy needs Donal to take over the family’s whisky distillery or he will be forced to sell and give up on the family’s legacy. But their reunion forces the brothers to confront the past and the real reason Donal left Glenrothan.
“Glenrothan” is produced by Cox, Neil Zeiger, Crystine Zhang (“Prisoner’s Daughter,” “Lee”), Phin Glynn (“Argentina 1985,” “Kill The Jockey”), Nic Crum (“Book of Love”), James Cabourne and Vladimir Zemtsov (“Club Zero”). The film is co-produced by Nevision and Blazing Griffin Pictures in association with Screen Scotland, Oval-5, Gold Rush Pictures, Head Gear, Infinity Hill and Lionsgate.
“’Glenrothan’ is a poignant, funny and powerful story about the universal themes of family and heritage, set against the stunning backdrops of Scotland and steeped in the world of whisky,” said Protagonist CEO Dave Bishop. “Brian is an undeniable talent, both behind and in front of the camera, and is joined by the exceptional Alan Cumming — as such we are delighted to introduce buyers to this special film when we debut exclusive footage at the upcoming AFM.”
Neil Zeiger, lead producer added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed helping bring ‘Glenrothan,’ Brian’s ‘love letter to Scotland’, to the screen. Working with our incredible cast led by Alan, Shirley and Alexandra, Brian directed the film brilliantly. A universal story, wonderful performances and stunning images define the film. I am confident Glenrothan will compel and captivate audiences wherever in the world they are.”
Protagonist’s curren slate includes the Venice, TIFF and San Sebastian selection “Kill the Jockey,” directed by Luis Ortega and recently selected as Argentina’s feature film contender for the 2025 Academy Awards; Samir Oliveros’ TIFF title, “The Luckiest Man in America,” starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser; the genre-bending comedy “Sister Midnight,” which recently screened at the London Film Festival and was nominated for Cannes’ Camera D’Or; and from directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, the political horror-comedy “Rumours,” which debuted at Cannes before going on to screen at Toronto, San Sebastian, New York and London Film Festivals.
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