THE BIKE THIEF finds UK home with Signature Entertainment

Beta Cinema has struck a deal with Signature Entertainment for UK/Ireland on writer and director Matt Chambers’ gripping debut, THE BIKE THIEF. The film celebrated its world premiere in competition, in cinemas, at the 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival. Signature Entertainment had already seen the film at a private screening in London and had the edge over their competitors at this year’s AFM.
 
Starring Alec Secareanu (God’s Own Country) and Anamaria Marinca (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days), THE BIKE THIEF is an intriguing and impressive drama set on the streets of contemporary London. Secareanu gives a stand-out performance as a nameless delivery driver whose moped is stolen. He must do everything he can to find it before his next shift starts – a twenty-four hour period that pushes him to the limit as he risks losing his family’s livelihood.
 
"Writer/director Matt Chambers has astutely turned his debut feature into an involving story about surviving in an unforgiving world (…) There is a lingering and soulful physicality to Secareanu’s on-screen presence”, Screen International stated in their review and described Matt Chambers’ work as “perceptive and thoughtful”.
 
THE BIKE THIEF is produced by Ugly Duckling Films and Ellipsis Pictures, in association with Twickenham Studios. The deal was brokered by Elizabeth Williams at Signature and Thorsten Ritter EVP at Beta Cinema.
 
Matt Chambers said: I couldn't be happier or more excited to be partnering with Signature on the release of our film, The Bike Thief. The world has changed unrecognisably since we wrapped. But watching it now, Alec's quest for help somehow seems even more relevant. What better time to urge each other to act with empathy and kindness? We truly hope that anyone who sees the film leaves carrying that feeling with them.
 
Peregrine Kitchener-Fellowes, Sophia Gibber, Lene Bausager (Ugly Duckling Films, Ellipsis Pictures):
We are so pleased to be announcing this deal with Signature Entertainment, particularly at such a difficult time for filmmakers, film fans and people all over the world. We are really excited and encouraged by Signature’s passionate response to the film amid this ever-changing climate. They have proven innovative and incredibly resourceful in their handling of films, and their ambition for this film parallels that of our own. We look forward to this collaboration. 
 
Elizabeth Williams (Signature Entertainment):
THE BIKE THIEF is a very timely film about the precarious nature of life on the margins of economic insecurity, told through a fantastic and intense central performance by Alec Secareanu. Matt Chambers’ assured and engrossing first feature conveys an important message, particularly during these times, and we are very proud to be releasing the film in 2021 to UK & Irish audiences.
 
Thorsten Ritter (Beta Cinema):
We are thrilled to be working with such a muscular and at the same time dedicated distributor, who has proven to adapt and react quickly in these challenging times. Signature will ensure the widest possible audience for this moving and important film, whether it be via cinema screens, when the circumstances permit, or, given Signature’s particular expertise, via all means of VoD and TV.