WonderHill Studios, Foresee Films Partner On Oscar-Contending Live-Action Short ‘About Mannequin

EXCLUSIVE: WonderHill Studios and partner Foresee Films have wrapped production on About Mannequin, a live-action short film out Kazakhstan, which will get a limited Academy-qualifying run at Lee Theaters Marina 7 in San Francisco from September 20-26.

Directed by Aruzhan Dossymkozha, About Mannequin is set in a mysterious bridal shop and follows the unsettling journey of a young family whose encounter with a cursed wedding dress triggers a series of tragic events. As the alluring but sinister garment exerts its influence, family bonds are tested, and reality itself is called into question. The silent, black-and-white short pays tribute to the art of filmmaking and the rich tradition of storytelling within Kazakh culture. Check out a trailer above.

Kazakhstan natives Ayanat Yesmagambetova Ksenbai (Nomad: The Warrior), Sanjar Madi and Arman Boranbayev star in the pic, which marks WonderHill’s expansion beyond its successful partnership with Georgia into Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.

In a statement to Deadline, WonderHill’s Marvin Peart shared, “I spent a couple of months in Central Asia late last year and what I found was a group of content creators the world needs to get to know. Its beautiful backdrops and landscapes are breathtaking. We are eager to ride the wave of content globalization by tapping into the rich history of cinema and creative minds in the region.”

Continued Peart, “There is a legion of undiscovered and untapped talent in this part of the world from writers to directors to producers to actors. WonderHill would like to let the whole world know, what it already knows, that when it comes to content creation in Kazakhstan, it’s lights, camera and action. About Mannequin represents the culmination of hard work, drive and talent. We hope the Academy of Arts and Science take note.”

Added Foresee Films’ Co-Founder Carr Bettis, who served as executive producer, “We filmed entirely in Kazakhstan, a country rich in beauty, charm, and talent, far removed from Hollywood’s bright lights. Despite being an ostensibly silent film, “About Mannequin” conveys a universal message of hope in the face of evil. Thanks to the dedication of our team and cast, and the support from the City of Almaty and Kazakhstan, we were able to produce this film efficiently – it was shot in only 10 days. We eagerly anticipate creating many more unique and distinctive films with the continued support of our creative and financial partners in Kazakhstan and Georgia.”

Script for About Mannequin was written by Giorgi Rtskhiladze and Ksenbai, who produced alongside Peart. Bettis, Maira Karsakbayeva and Anuar Yessirkepov are the EPs.

Prior to directing About Mannequin, Dossymkozha produced two feature-length films, including Madina, which premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival, and Joqtau, which won Kazakhcinema Kazakhstan National Film Funding, and is premiering at this year’s Locarno Film Festival. Her previous directorial efforts include Aliya and The Burden We Bear.

Founded by seasoned executive and producer Peart, WonderHill most recently came aboard to exec produce the upcoming series Young Martin, a prequel to the iconic, award-winning series Martin starring Martin Lawrence.