Frances McDormand last appeared on the big screen in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” a revenge drama that won her a Best Actress Oscar. Her latest pic could land her back on the awards circuit. “Nomadland,” which is written and directed by Chloé Zhao, is set to make its world premiere with simultaneous screenings at Venice International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11. A press release announced the news.
Based on Jessica Bruder’s 2017 non-fiction book “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century,” the pic tells the story of Fern (McDormand), “a woman who, after the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad.”
The Venice and TIFF screenings will feature virtual introductions by Zhao and McDormand. The pair are set to appear in-person at a “Telluride from Los Angeles” drive-in screening later that evening. “Nomadland’s” festival run will continue at New York Film Festival, where it will serve as the Centerpiece Selection. A domestic theatrical release is planned for the fall with an international rollout to follow.
“The American road fascinates me. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful and deeply complicated. I’ve traveled it for many years and always hoped to capture a glimpse of it. I’m thankful to be able to make ‘Nomadland’ and excited for audiences to join Fern on her adventure,” said Zhao.
TIFF Co-Heads Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey stated, “We can’t wait for Toronto audiences to fall in love with ‘Nomadland’ as we did. Frances McDormand’s heartbreaking performance and Chloé Zhao’s wise embrace of American outcasts make this a film everyone should see. We’re proud to join our colleagues in Venice, Telluride, and New York in presenting this terrific new film from Searchlight.”
Zhao and McDormand are among “Nomadland’s” producers.
McDormand took home her first Oscar in 1997 for “Fargo.” She’s also received nods for “North County,” “Almost Famous,” and “Mississippi Burning.”
Zhao helmed one of the best-reviewed films of 2018, “The Rider.” Named best picture by the National Society of Film Critics, the drama tells the story of a cowboy coping with the aftermath of a near-fatal rodeo accident. She made her feature debut with 2015’s “Songs My Brothers Taught Me.” Next up for Zhao is “The Eternals,” a Marvel pic about super-powered individuals fighting to control the universe. Its ensemble cast includes Angelina Jolie and Gemma Chan.
