A documentary film shot entirely in GTA Online has been released to theaters

The award-winning documentary, filmed entirely inside Grand Theft Auto Online, is set for release in the U.S. next year.

An award-winning documentary filmed entirely inside Grand Theft Auto Online.

The movie, titled Grand Theft Hamlet, was created during COVID-19 and tells the story of two unemployed actors who decide to stage Hamlet in the chaotic virtual world of GTA Online.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that arthouse distributor Mubi has acquired the rights to show the film in the U.S., as well as the global streaming rights to the documentary.

Art house distributor Mubi has acquired the rights to show the film in the U.S., as well as the global streaming rights to the documentary.

After premiering at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival earlier this year, Grand Theft Hamlet won the Jury Prize for Best Documentary. Critics, including The Hollywood Reporter, praised the film as “innovative, highly amusing and often touching.”

After its premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival earlier this year, Grand Theft Hamlet won the Best Documentary Jury Award.

The film will also be screened in the UK this month at the BFI London Film Festival.

The official synopsis reads, “It’s January 2021. The UK is in lockdown for the third time and all cinemas remain closed. For actors Sam and Mark, the future is murky.”

Official synopsis.

“Mark, living alone, becomes increasingly isolated as the pandemic drags on and Sam struggles to find a way to support his family. In search of escape and purpose, they immerse themselves in the violent but visually stunning world of GTA Online, where they steal cars and shoot strangers, and find moments of calm amid virtual meadows of wildflowers.

“Mark’s life has become increasingly isolated as the pandemic drags on and Sam struggles to find a way to support his family.”

One day they stumble upon a virtual theater, and they get an idea: why not stage “Hamlet” in the game? While most players aim for destruction rather than drama, the duo finds that the chaotic setting echoes the dangers of Shakespeare’s time, and Hamlet, with its themes of revenge, is a perfect fit for their digital stage.”