Festivals - Cannes 2023: The Calm by BMW films with Pom Klementieff, Uma Thurman and the BMW i7 M70 xDrive in world premiere

By Mulder, 12 may 2023

12/05/2023 11h47

BMW Films' latest production will have its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France. The short film The Cal" will offer audiences a captivating dose of Hollywood action in the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive (combined electric consumption: 23.8 - 20.8 kWh/100 km according to WLTP cycle). The Bavarian carmaker's all-electric top-of-the-line model will host the most spectacular scenes in the film, which stars Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Uma Thurman (Kill Bill).

With the premiere of The Calm, BMW is writing a new chapter in the history of BMW Films productions. With Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) as executive producer and Sam Hargrave (Marvel Cinematic Universe) as director, the seven-minute film boasts stars that BMW Films fans know well behind the camera. But that's not all: the soundtrack for "The Calm" is by two-time Oscar-winning film composer Hans Zimmer.

"Being part of BMW Films' legacy of filmmaking was an incredible opportunity," said The Cal" executive producer Joseph Kosinski. "What Sam Hargrave has done with Pom, Uma and the rest of the cast and crew is a perfect evolution of what BMW Films has always strived to offer fans. We are honored to be working with BMW Films on the return of these celebrated productions."

In The Calm, Pom Klementieff and Uma Thurman play two secret agents who have been separately summoned to a meeting point in Cannes. But first the duo must fight mysterious adversaries. Pom Klementieff narrowly escapes a hijacking after a fierce struggle in the back of the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. Later, she discovers that Uma Thurman had a similar altercation (off-screen) in her hotel room, getting the better of two bad guys. The two protagonists reunite at the Hotel Martinez to piece together the story of their secret mission, which also keeps the audience on its toes.

"BMW Films is an integral part of BMW's rich history in the film world," said Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer & Brand BMW. With the presentation of 'The Calm' at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, we are returning to an important part of our heritage. The creative and innovative nature of this short film illustrates the forward-thinking approach this series has taken from the beginning. Re-launching BMW Films in 2023 with two powerful female characters is particularly poignant. And the fact that our all-electric vehicles are at the heart of the world's first all-silent car chase sequence gives "The Calm" added relevance.

"We're thrilled that all movie fans can experience The Calm,'" said Stefan Ponikva, vice president of communications and brand experience for BMW. "When we began this project, we knew we were working within a set of high standards, and we are proud to continue that tradition with this exciting new script. It's a return that I'm sure we'll all have a lot of fun with!"

This is a world premiere with a twist: not only was "The Calm" filmed in a BMW i7 (among other things), but it will also be screened for the first time exclusively in the back of the all-electric luxury sedan on May 17, 2023. The BMW Theatre Screen offers the incredible cinematic experience. This 31.3-inch panoramic screen, which descends from the roof and extends horizontally across virtually the entire width of the cabin, combines with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System integrated audio system with 36 speakers to provide an unparalleled entertainment experience in the second row of seats. The Bavarian automaker - which, as an official partner of the film festival, is also rolling out a shuttle service of more than 200 electrified vehicles for the event - will transform the luxury sedans into exclusive private cinema lounges in Cannes, offering a very special premiere experience.

The Calm is the latest installment in BMW Films' long history of productions. For example, The Hire - a series of short films hailed by fans and critics alike - marked its place as a pioneer in the digital film space even before social media platforms existed. It was released exclusively online at BMWfilms.com and generated more than 100 million views before it was released on YouTube. More recently, The Escape captivated audiences with a suspenseful story around themes such as love, war, fear and death. The Calm" continues the tradition of BMW Films' original productions, which have been made by some of Hollywood's brightest talents.

Moviegoers will be able to watch the full-length version of "The Calm" on BMW's YouTube channel starting May 17, 2023. Prior to that, a teaser of the film will be released on BMW's social media channels, offering a taste of what's to come.

(Source: press release)