By Liza Foreman

London-based HanWay Films has taken on world sales for the Sundance-bound feature "Houston" by Bastian Günther (World Dramatic Competition). The film charts the epic melt-down of a German headhunter whose desperate pursuit of a Texas oil exec is hampered by booze, jetlag and a questionable sidekick. 

The film is Günther’s second feature, following "Autopilots," which premiered at the Berlinale Film Festival in 2007. The film picked up the MFG Star Award in Baden-Baden and a nomination for Best Film at the Banff Festival in Canada. Günther is currently in pre-production for a feature-length documentary which will be shot in California in Spring 2013, and is developing his next feature film "300HP" (working title), also set in Texas.

"Houston" was produced by Berlin-based Lichtblick Media led by Martin Heisler, with support from SWR’s commissioning editor Stefanie Gross and HR’s commissioning editor Jörg Himstedt. The film’s U.S. producing partner is Texas-based Anne McBay Walker (Richard Linklater).

As producer Martin Heisler comments, “We are very excited to work with the team at HanWay Films. They have a great track record in the film's segment, director-driven international arthouse." 

"Bastian Günther shows impeccable filmmaking skills combined with an impressive performance by Ulrich Tukur," says HanWay's Fabien Westerhoff. "Bastian represents an exciting new voice."