Distributor and Production Team

Match Factory is proud to serve as the distributor for Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s upcoming feature, titled “The Idiots.” Known for their previous works, this duo is set to deliver another compelling narrative.

A Star-Studded Cast

The film features Amy Lowood, recognized for her role in “White Lotus,” who has earned acclaim as a BAFTA winner for Best Female Performance in the series “Sex Education.” Lowood is nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Award for her portrayal of “Genius,” alongside Johnny Flynn, known for his performances in “Ripley,” “One Life,” and “Beast.”

Story Overview

Scheduled for principal photography next month, “The Idiots” is inspired by Andrew D. Kaufman’s 2021 work, “The Gambler’s Wife: Love, Risk, and the True Story of a Woman Who Saved Dostoevsky.” The narrative centers on a couple, Fiedia and Anna, who embark on their honeymoon to a Swiss health resort in Europe.

As Fiedia grapples with his gambling addiction, leading to ongoing financial losses, Anna resigns herself to their fate. He convinces her that his struggles are the key to his creative inspiration, ultimately claiming that it will lead to his planned masterpiece, “The Idiot.”

Creative Team Behind the Film

Szumowska co-wrote the script alongside Kasper Bajon, while Englert oversees the direction. Szumowska’s impressive portfolio includes two Silver Bears from the Berlin International Film Festival for “Mug” (2018) and “Body” (2015). She has also garnered the Locarno Special Jury Award for “33 Scenes from Life” (2018) and received multiple nominations for the European Discovery Award, particularly for “Szczesliwy Czlowiek” (2001) and “Stranger” (2005).

Success of the Creative Duo

Englert, co-director alongside Szumowska, has a notable track record with films that have screened in prestigious venues like the Venice Film Festival, including the recent “Woman of…” (2023) and “Never Gonna Snow Again” (2020). His accomplishments include winning Best Cinematography at Sundance for “Lasting” (2023) and multiple nominations at the Polish Film Awards and the Camerimage Award.

Production Companies Involved

The film is being produced by Hype Studios and Gold Rush Pictures. Hype Studios, with locations in Paris and Los Angeles, is known for titles like “Persian Lessons” (2020) and the Palme d’Or nominee “Limomov: Ballad of Eddy” (2024). Meanwhile, Gold Rush Pictures has made a name with works such as “Club Zero” (2023), a Palme d’Or nominee at Cannes 2023, and their latest film, “The Light” (2025), which debuted at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. The producers behind this venture are Ilya Stewart and Vladimir Zemtsov.

Representation of the Cast

Amy Lowood is represented by the UK’s independent talent agency and the US’s CAA, while Johnny Flynn is handled by United Agents in the UK and CAA in the US. Małgorzata Szumowska is also represented by CAA.