Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has acquired worldwide rights to the LGBTQ romantic comedy “Perfect Endings,” directed by Daniel Ribeiro. The Brazilian film is set to make its world premiere later this year.
“Perfect Endings” centers on filmmaker João. After a decade-long relationship ends, he finds himself at a crossroads in both his personal and professional life. While trying to break into the film industry, he ends up directing amateur erotic films. With the support of loyal friends, João embarks on a dating journey, navigating modern romance and finding inspiration.
The film is described as an entertaining exploration of love, freedom and self-discovery that delves into universal themes of dating and newfound freedoms, inviting audiences to relate to the characters’ experiences and challenges. It showcases fun and sexy vibes, highlighted by João’s escapades with his friends and his encounters.
The film is produced by Lacuna Filmes and Claraluz Filmes. The producers are Ribeiro,...
“Perfect Endings” centers on filmmaker João. After a decade-long relationship ends, he finds himself at a crossroads in both his personal and professional life. While trying to break into the film industry, he ends up directing amateur erotic films. With the support of loyal friends, João embarks on a dating journey, navigating modern romance and finding inspiration.
The film is described as an entertaining exploration of love, freedom and self-discovery that delves into universal themes of dating and newfound freedoms, inviting audiences to relate to the characters’ experiences and challenges. It showcases fun and sexy vibes, highlighted by João’s escapades with his friends and his encounters.
The film is produced by Lacuna Filmes and Claraluz Filmes. The producers are Ribeiro,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based M-Appeal has taken on world sales rights to Brazilian director Marcelo Caetano’s Cannes Critics’ Week title Baby.
The film, scripted by Caetano and Gabriel Domingues, follows an 18-year-old boy who is released from a juvenile detention centre and finds himself adrift on the streets of São Paulo.
The Brazil-France-Netherlands co-production is made through Cup Filmes, Caetano’s Desbun Filmes, Plateau Produções, Still Moving, Circe Films and Kaap Holland Film. The cast is led by João Pedro Mariano, Ricardo Teodoro and Ana Flavia Cavalcanti.
M-Appeal also handled the director’s 2017 debut feature Body Electric. Vitrine Filmes will distribute Caetano’s second film in Brazil.
The film, scripted by Caetano and Gabriel Domingues, follows an 18-year-old boy who is released from a juvenile detention centre and finds himself adrift on the streets of São Paulo.
The Brazil-France-Netherlands co-production is made through Cup Filmes, Caetano’s Desbun Filmes, Plateau Produções, Still Moving, Circe Films and Kaap Holland Film. The cast is led by João Pedro Mariano, Ricardo Teodoro and Ana Flavia Cavalcanti.
M-Appeal also handled the director’s 2017 debut feature Body Electric. Vitrine Filmes will distribute Caetano’s second film in Brazil.
- 4/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Strand Releasing has acquired North American rights to Dag Johan Haugerud’s “Sex” following its premiere in the Panorama section at the Berlin Film Festival.
The movie, which is represented in international markets by M-Appeal, is the first part of Haugerud‘s “Sex Dreams Love,” an exploration of sexuality and gender roles.
The film, the first part of the “Sex Dreams Love” trilogy by Norway’s Dag Johan Haugerud, has garnered attention for its thought-provoking exploration of sexuality and gender roles.
“Sex” follows two men in heterosexual marriages, who have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender and identity. One has a sexual encounter with another man, without considering it either as an expression of homosexuality or infidelity and discusses it with his wife afterwards. The other finds himself in nocturnal dreams where he is seen as a woman, stirring confusion and leading him...
The movie, which is represented in international markets by M-Appeal, is the first part of Haugerud‘s “Sex Dreams Love,” an exploration of sexuality and gender roles.
The film, the first part of the “Sex Dreams Love” trilogy by Norway’s Dag Johan Haugerud, has garnered attention for its thought-provoking exploration of sexuality and gender roles.
“Sex” follows two men in heterosexual marriages, who have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender and identity. One has a sexual encounter with another man, without considering it either as an expression of homosexuality or infidelity and discusses it with his wife afterwards. The other finds himself in nocturnal dreams where he is seen as a woman, stirring confusion and leading him...
- 2/20/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
“No soul, no history, no residents,” laments one Berliner of Potsdamer Platz, where the Berlinale has been based since 2000.
Speculation is rife about whether the festival will move when its contract with the Berlinale Palast expires in 2027. Screening space has declined since the CineStar closed its multiplex in the Sony Centre - previously one of the key venues for festival and European Film Market screenings. Last year the CinemaxX Berlin, based in Postdamer Platz, reduced its seating capacity.
“We cannot use it for our audience screenings any more but we are very settled showing press and industry screenings there,” says Mariëtte Rissenbeek,...
Speculation is rife about whether the festival will move when its contract with the Berlinale Palast expires in 2027. Screening space has declined since the CineStar closed its multiplex in the Sony Centre - previously one of the key venues for festival and European Film Market screenings. Last year the CinemaxX Berlin, based in Postdamer Platz, reduced its seating capacity.
“We cannot use it for our audience screenings any more but we are very settled showing press and industry screenings there,” says Mariëtte Rissenbeek,...
- 2/17/2024
- ScreenDaily
M-Appeal will handle the world sales for “Sex,” the first part of the “Sex Dreams Love” trilogy by Norway’s Dag Johan Haugerud. The film will have its world premiere in the Panorama strand of Berlinale on Feb. 17.
“Sex” follows two men in heterosexual marriages, who have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender and identity. One has a sexual encounter with another man, without considering it either as an expression of homosexuality or infidelity and discusses it with his wife afterwards. The other finds himself in nocturnal dreams where he is seen as a woman, stirring confusion and leading him to question how much his personality is shaped by the gaze of others.
Jan Gunnar Røise and Thorbjørn Harr star as the protagonists, a chimney sweeper and a CEO, both grappling with the impact that their recent experiences is having on their relationships.
“Sex” follows two men in heterosexual marriages, who have an unexpected experience that challenges them to reconsider their understanding of sexuality, gender and identity. One has a sexual encounter with another man, without considering it either as an expression of homosexuality or infidelity and discusses it with his wife afterwards. The other finds himself in nocturnal dreams where he is seen as a woman, stirring confusion and leading him to question how much his personality is shaped by the gaze of others.
Jan Gunnar Røise and Thorbjørn Harr star as the protagonists, a chimney sweeper and a CEO, both grappling with the impact that their recent experiences is having on their relationships.
- 2/1/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal has boarded queer Brazilian sex worker tale “Streets of Glória,” and will present the film to buyers during the upcoming European Film Market. The project is described as “an uninhibited portrayal of passion and sex work, and a journey toward self-acceptance.”
Brazilian writer-director Felipe Sholl’s second feature, produced by Daniel van Hoogstraten of Syndrome Films in Brazil, was presented at Ventana Sur in Primer Corte, a work-in-progress section, and has already garnered attention for its provocative narrative and emotionally charged performances.
The film follows the story of Gabriel (Caio Macedo), a young literature teacher, who has just moved to Rio. He discovers The Glória, a bar and cruising spot in Rio’s neighborhood Glória, where he soon becomes friends with the magnetic owner Monica (Diva Menner) and is introduced to her tight-knit group of friends: Laila (Jade Sassará), Mateus (Alan Ribeiro) and Roger (Sandro Aliprandini...
Brazilian writer-director Felipe Sholl’s second feature, produced by Daniel van Hoogstraten of Syndrome Films in Brazil, was presented at Ventana Sur in Primer Corte, a work-in-progress section, and has already garnered attention for its provocative narrative and emotionally charged performances.
The film follows the story of Gabriel (Caio Macedo), a young literature teacher, who has just moved to Rio. He discovers The Glória, a bar and cruising spot in Rio’s neighborhood Glória, where he soon becomes friends with the magnetic owner Monica (Diva Menner) and is introduced to her tight-knit group of friends: Laila (Jade Sassará), Mateus (Alan Ribeiro) and Roger (Sandro Aliprandini...
- 1/30/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has closed multiple deals for Cannes Film Festival titles “Power Alley” by Lillah Halla, and “Let Me Go” by Maxime Rappaz, which are both female-led films.
Cannes Critics’ Week title “Power Alley,” set in Brazil, follows talented volleyball player Sofia who discovers she is pregnant on the eve of a career-defining game. Seeking an abortion, which is illegal in Brazil, she is confronted by a fundamentalist group who become fixated on stopping her. The film puts sisterhood and collective resistance at the forefront of the story.
“Power Alley” has been sold to Njuta Films, which will distribute in Sweden, September, which will handle the release in Benelux, Cineworx for Switzerland, and Leopardo Filmes for Portugal. The film was already sold to AX1 Films (U.K. and Ireland), and Øst for Paradis (Denmark).
M-Appeal also closed further deals for Cannes Acid title “Let Me Go,” starring Jeanne Balibar.
Cannes Critics’ Week title “Power Alley,” set in Brazil, follows talented volleyball player Sofia who discovers she is pregnant on the eve of a career-defining game. Seeking an abortion, which is illegal in Brazil, she is confronted by a fundamentalist group who become fixated on stopping her. The film puts sisterhood and collective resistance at the forefront of the story.
“Power Alley” has been sold to Njuta Films, which will distribute in Sweden, September, which will handle the release in Benelux, Cineworx for Switzerland, and Leopardo Filmes for Portugal. The film was already sold to AX1 Films (U.K. and Ireland), and Øst for Paradis (Denmark).
M-Appeal also closed further deals for Cannes Acid title “Let Me Go,” starring Jeanne Balibar.
- 10/4/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
In a flurry of international deals, Ryusuke Hamaguchi‘s “Evil Does Not Exist” has secured distribution across further key territories. Hamaguchi is best known for the Oscar winning film “Drive My Car.”
The film created a buzz at the Venice Film Festival following its world premiere in competition on Monday, and saw Hamaguchi receive an almost eight-minute standing ovation.
Further deals have been closed in Poland (Gutek Film), Latin America (Imovision), Australia and New Zealand (Hi Gloss Entertainment), and the ex-Yugoslavian region (Five Stars Film Distribution), all of which will release the film theatrically.
Previously, the film sold to North America (Sideshow), U.K. and Ireland (Modern Films), France (Diaphana), Italy (Tucker and Teodora), Spain (Caramel Films), Germany (Pandora Film Distribution), Korea (GreenNarae), Benelux (September Film Distribution), Taiwan (Andrews Film), Austria (Polyfilm), Turkey (Mars Film), Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), Hong Kong (Edko Films), Israel (Lev Cinemas), Greece (Ama Films), Switzerland (Cineworx...
The film created a buzz at the Venice Film Festival following its world premiere in competition on Monday, and saw Hamaguchi receive an almost eight-minute standing ovation.
Further deals have been closed in Poland (Gutek Film), Latin America (Imovision), Australia and New Zealand (Hi Gloss Entertainment), and the ex-Yugoslavian region (Five Stars Film Distribution), all of which will release the film theatrically.
Previously, the film sold to North America (Sideshow), U.K. and Ireland (Modern Films), France (Diaphana), Italy (Tucker and Teodora), Spain (Caramel Films), Germany (Pandora Film Distribution), Korea (GreenNarae), Benelux (September Film Distribution), Taiwan (Andrews Film), Austria (Polyfilm), Turkey (Mars Film), Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), Hong Kong (Edko Films), Israel (Lev Cinemas), Greece (Ama Films), Switzerland (Cineworx...
- 9/7/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
“Evil Does Not Exist,” the next film from Oscar-winning “Drive My Car” filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi, has secured North American distribution from Sideshow and Janus Films, reuniting the filmmaker with the distributors of his 2021 Best Picture Oscar nominee.
The film will have its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, screening in competition. In addition to its Venice world premiere, “Evil Does Not Exist” will screen as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and in the Main Slate at the New York Film Festival. Sideshow and Janus Films will release the film in theaters after its festival run.
The film follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles and order of nature. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house,...
The film will have its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, screening in competition. In addition to its Venice world premiere, “Evil Does Not Exist” will screen as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and in the Main Slate at the New York Film Festival. Sideshow and Janus Films will release the film in theaters after its festival run.
The film follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles and order of nature. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired all North American rights to Academy Award-winning Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist ahead of its world premiere in Competition at the Venice Film Festival next month.
The companies previously enjoyed success with Hamaguchi’s 2022 Best International Film Oscar winner Drive My Car, which they picked up at the 2021 edition of Cannes in their first joint acquisition.
The film, which was also Oscar nominated for Best Picture, Director and Adapted Screenplay, went on to be one of first successes at the specialty box office coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, grossing $2.3m gross in the U.S. and Canada.
New feature Evil Does Not Exist stars Hitoshi Omika, Ryo Nishikawa, Ryuji Kosaka, and Ayaka Shibutani and is produced by Satoshi Takata of Neopa Inc.
It follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them,...
The companies previously enjoyed success with Hamaguchi’s 2022 Best International Film Oscar winner Drive My Car, which they picked up at the 2021 edition of Cannes in their first joint acquisition.
The film, which was also Oscar nominated for Best Picture, Director and Adapted Screenplay, went on to be one of first successes at the specialty box office coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, grossing $2.3m gross in the U.S. and Canada.
New feature Evil Does Not Exist stars Hitoshi Omika, Ryo Nishikawa, Ryuji Kosaka, and Ayaka Shibutani and is produced by Satoshi Takata of Neopa Inc.
It follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
“Evil Does Not Exist,” the next film from “Drive My Car” director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, has landed North American distribution rights from Sideshow and Janus Films, which previously released “Drive My Car” to a Best Picture nomination in 2021.
“Evil Does Not Exist” is making its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival next month in competition, and it will also have a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and as part of the Main Slate at the New York Film Festival.
Sideshow and Janus Films will release the film in theaters after its fall festival run but did not specify a date.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis: “‘Evil Does Not Exist’ follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles and order of nature. One day, the village inhabitants...
“Evil Does Not Exist” is making its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival next month in competition, and it will also have a Special Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and as part of the Main Slate at the New York Film Festival.
Sideshow and Janus Films will release the film in theaters after its fall festival run but did not specify a date.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis: “‘Evil Does Not Exist’ follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles and order of nature. One day, the village inhabitants...
- 8/10/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Latest film from the Japanese director of Oscar-winner ’Drive My Car’ has also landed deals in Benelux, Portugal and Taiwan.
Eve Gabereau’s Modern Films has acquired UK and Irish rights to Venice Competition title Evil Does Not Exist, the latest feature from Oscar-winning Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Evil Does Not Exist, which is sold by Berlin-based M-Appeal, is the story of Takumi and his daughter Hana who live quietly in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house, which offers city residents a comfortable ‘escape’ to nature.
Eve Gabereau’s Modern Films has acquired UK and Irish rights to Venice Competition title Evil Does Not Exist, the latest feature from Oscar-winning Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Evil Does Not Exist, which is sold by Berlin-based M-Appeal, is the story of Takumi and his daughter Hana who live quietly in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house, which offers city residents a comfortable ‘escape’ to nature.
- 8/4/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal has sold “Evil Does Not Exist,” which will world premiere in Competition at the Venice Film Festival, to France, Italy and Spain. The film is directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, whose “Drive My Car” won the Oscar for International Film, was Oscar nominated for Best Picture, and earned him Oscar nominations for Directing and Adapted Screenplay last year.
“Drive My Car” premiered in Cannes Competition in 2021, winning four prizes including Best Screenplay.
Hamaguchi’s “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” which also premiered in 2021, won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlinale.
“Evil Does Not Exist” has been co-acquired by Tucker and Teodora for Italian distribution. Tucker is specialized in Asian cinema and it handled “Drive My Car” and “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” and achieved great theatrical successes with those. Teodora is the distributor of prestigious art house films, such as recent Palme d’Or...
“Drive My Car” premiered in Cannes Competition in 2021, winning four prizes including Best Screenplay.
Hamaguchi’s “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” which also premiered in 2021, won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlinale.
“Evil Does Not Exist” has been co-acquired by Tucker and Teodora for Italian distribution. Tucker is specialized in Asian cinema and it handled “Drive My Car” and “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” and achieved great theatrical successes with those. Teodora is the distributor of prestigious art house films, such as recent Palme d’Or...
- 7/24/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
M-Appeal has acquired sales rights to uplifting family film “Jippie No More!,” which will world premiere as the opening film at Cinekid Festival in Amsterdam in October. The film will be distributed in Benelux by Cinéart.
The film, from Dutch director Margien Rogaar and writer Fiona van Heemstra, follows the story of Jaap Peter, also known as “Jippie” (played by Wesley van Klink), a lively 16-year-old boy, as he eagerly prepares for his older sister’s wedding at their beloved grandfather’s country house. As the whole family rallies together to create the perfect celebration, Jaap Peter falls in love for the first time. But when the girl of his dreams is smitten with his younger sister Joe instead, Jaap Peter is disheartened and loses interest in the wedding, until he realizes that his presence and the unbreakable bond of his family are vital in making the party a success.
The film, from Dutch director Margien Rogaar and writer Fiona van Heemstra, follows the story of Jaap Peter, also known as “Jippie” (played by Wesley van Klink), a lively 16-year-old boy, as he eagerly prepares for his older sister’s wedding at their beloved grandfather’s country house. As the whole family rallies together to create the perfect celebration, Jaap Peter falls in love for the first time. But when the girl of his dreams is smitten with his younger sister Joe instead, Jaap Peter is disheartened and loses interest in the wedding, until he realizes that his presence and the unbreakable bond of his family are vital in making the party a success.
- 7/18/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has released the trailer (below) for Swiss director Maxime Rappaz’s debut feature “Let Me Go,” which will open the Cannes Acid sidebar on Wednesday.
Set in a remote town in the Swiss mountains, the film features French actress Jeanne Balibar in the lead role. She plays the character of Claudine, a mother who has devoted her life to taking care of her son, sacrificing her own needs and desires. An unexpected love affair causes Claudine’s carefully controlled world to unravel, “reviving in her an intense thirst for freedom and, at the same time, a painful questioning about her future,” Rappaz says.
M-Appeal, who are celebrating their 15th birthday this year, are representing a Cannes Acid title for the second year in a row, following the success of “99 Moons” last year.
Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal, says: “Both films, although very different, center on female desire,...
Set in a remote town in the Swiss mountains, the film features French actress Jeanne Balibar in the lead role. She plays the character of Claudine, a mother who has devoted her life to taking care of her son, sacrificing her own needs and desires. An unexpected love affair causes Claudine’s carefully controlled world to unravel, “reviving in her an intense thirst for freedom and, at the same time, a painful questioning about her future,” Rappaz says.
M-Appeal, who are celebrating their 15th birthday this year, are representing a Cannes Acid title for the second year in a row, following the success of “99 Moons” last year.
Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal, says: “Both films, although very different, center on female desire,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has released the first-look trailer (below) for the suspense filled drama “Power Alley,” from Brazilian director Lillah Halla, ahead of its world premiere in Cannes’ Critics’ Week sidebar.
The gripping drama is set in Brazil, where abortion is illegal. Talented volleyball player Sofia (Ayomi Domenica Dias) discovers she is pregnant at a crucial moment, jeopardizing her career plans. Intent on deciding her own fate, Sophia tries everything possible to get an illegal abortion, but has to contend with an increasingly sinister fundamentalist group determined to stop her — but Sophia, her team and all those who love her, refuse to give up.
The film explores the topic of abortion rights and self-determination head on, focusing on the power of the team – who are stronger together – in standing up to injustice.
The film is Halla’s debut feature, following her short film “Menarca,” which was selected for Cannes...
The gripping drama is set in Brazil, where abortion is illegal. Talented volleyball player Sofia (Ayomi Domenica Dias) discovers she is pregnant at a crucial moment, jeopardizing her career plans. Intent on deciding her own fate, Sophia tries everything possible to get an illegal abortion, but has to contend with an increasingly sinister fundamentalist group determined to stop her — but Sophia, her team and all those who love her, refuse to give up.
The film explores the topic of abortion rights and self-determination head on, focusing on the power of the team – who are stronger together – in standing up to injustice.
The film is Halla’s debut feature, following her short film “Menarca,” which was selected for Cannes...
- 5/13/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has closed a deal for German distribution rights for “Let Me Go” with Alamode Film, ahead of the film’s world premiere as the opening film of Cannes Acid sidebar next week.
“Let Me Go” (Laissez-Moi), the debut feature by Swiss director Maxime Rappaz, is set in a remote Swiss mountain village, where Claudine (Jeanne Balibar) lives a life dedicated to taking care of her son. Every Tuesday, however, she has an afternoon to herself and goes to a nearby hotel to meet men passing through. She pursues her desires in a carefully controlled way, so as not to interfere with her life, but when she meets Michael (Thomas Sarbacher) everything changes.
Rappaz worked with acclaimed DoP Benoît Dervaux (collaborator of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne) to capture the Swiss mountain landscape in a timeless way. Echoing the circumstances of the film’s female lead, the mountain...
“Let Me Go” (Laissez-Moi), the debut feature by Swiss director Maxime Rappaz, is set in a remote Swiss mountain village, where Claudine (Jeanne Balibar) lives a life dedicated to taking care of her son. Every Tuesday, however, she has an afternoon to herself and goes to a nearby hotel to meet men passing through. She pursues her desires in a carefully controlled way, so as not to interfere with her life, but when she meets Michael (Thomas Sarbacher) everything changes.
Rappaz worked with acclaimed DoP Benoît Dervaux (collaborator of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne) to capture the Swiss mountain landscape in a timeless way. Echoing the circumstances of the film’s female lead, the mountain...
- 5/9/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin sales agency M-Appeal has come on board to handle world sales for “Let Me Go” (“Laissez-Moi”), the debut feature by Swiss director Maxime Rappaz, which will world premiere as the opening film of the Cannes Acid sidebar.
Set in a Swiss mountain village, “Let Me Go” follows Claudine, a dedicated mother whose life revolves around her son. Every Tuesday, according to her careful schedule, she goes to a nearby mountain hotel to meet men who are passing through. When she meets Michael and he decides to extend his stay for her, Claudine is confused and finds herself dreaming of another life.
French actress Jeanne Balibar stars in the lead role of Claudine, an elegant woman in her early 50s, who, although living a traditional life, pursues her desires in an unconventional way. She unexpectedly finds a romantic connection with Michael (Thomas Sarbacher).
A regular on the Croisette and...
Set in a Swiss mountain village, “Let Me Go” follows Claudine, a dedicated mother whose life revolves around her son. Every Tuesday, according to her careful schedule, she goes to a nearby mountain hotel to meet men who are passing through. When she meets Michael and he decides to extend his stay for her, Claudine is confused and finds herself dreaming of another life.
French actress Jeanne Balibar stars in the lead role of Claudine, an elegant woman in her early 50s, who, although living a traditional life, pursues her desires in an unconventional way. She unexpectedly finds a romantic connection with Michael (Thomas Sarbacher).
A regular on the Croisette and...
- 4/26/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal has come on board to sell “Power Alley,” the debut film by Brazilian filmmaker Lillah Halla, which will world premiere in Cannes’ Critics’ Week, it was announced Tuesday.
Set in Brazil, where abortion is illegal, “Power Alley” is a suspense-filled drama tackling one of society’s most divisive issues.
The story follows star volleyball player Sofia who is faced with an impossible scenario on the eve of her championship game. Pregnant and panicked, Sofia seeks an illegal abortion but unwittingly becomes a target instead. As the town’s herd-mentality turns violent, Sofia risks being consumed by the fervor – but neither Sofia nor those who love her are willing to surrender.
“The conflict of [the film] deeply affects our protagonist personally, but that does not make it an individual drama only,” Halla said. “After all, it’s not only about desiring. It’s about the (non-) annihilation of one’s desires.
Set in Brazil, where abortion is illegal, “Power Alley” is a suspense-filled drama tackling one of society’s most divisive issues.
The story follows star volleyball player Sofia who is faced with an impossible scenario on the eve of her championship game. Pregnant and panicked, Sofia seeks an illegal abortion but unwittingly becomes a target instead. As the town’s herd-mentality turns violent, Sofia risks being consumed by the fervor – but neither Sofia nor those who love her are willing to surrender.
“The conflict of [the film] deeply affects our protagonist personally, but that does not make it an individual drama only,” Halla said. “After all, it’s not only about desiring. It’s about the (non-) annihilation of one’s desires.
- 4/25/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The film is the debut feature by Argentinian directors Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.
M-Appeal is to handle worldwide rights for Argentinian coming-of-age title Vera And The Pleasure Of Others, by Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.
The Berlin-based sales agent picked up the title following its presentation in Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte - Films in Progress, and will be introducing to buyers at the EFM this week.
Currently in post-production, Vera And The Pleasure Of Others follows the story of 17-year-old Vera who, in between school and volleyball classes, rents out an empty flat to teenagers looking for a place to have sex.
M-Appeal is to handle worldwide rights for Argentinian coming-of-age title Vera And The Pleasure Of Others, by Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.
The Berlin-based sales agent picked up the title following its presentation in Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte - Films in Progress, and will be introducing to buyers at the EFM this week.
Currently in post-production, Vera And The Pleasure Of Others follows the story of 17-year-old Vera who, in between school and volleyball classes, rents out an empty flat to teenagers looking for a place to have sex.
- 2/14/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The film is the debut feature by Argentinian directors Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.
M-Appeal is to handle worldwide rights for Argentinian coming-of-age title Vera And The Pleasure Of Others, by Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.
The Berlin-based sales agent picked up the title following its presentation in Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte - Films in Progress, and will be introducing to buyers at the EFM this week.
Currently in post-production, Vera And The Pleasure Of Others follows the story of 17-year-old Vera who, in between school and volleyball classes, rents out an empty flat to teenagers looking for a place to have sex.
M-Appeal is to handle worldwide rights for Argentinian coming-of-age title Vera And The Pleasure Of Others, by Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis.
The Berlin-based sales agent picked up the title following its presentation in Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte - Films in Progress, and will be introducing to buyers at the EFM this week.
Currently in post-production, Vera And The Pleasure Of Others follows the story of 17-year-old Vera who, in between school and volleyball classes, rents out an empty flat to teenagers looking for a place to have sex.
- 2/14/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Berlin-based sales company M-Appeal will be handling eight films by Academy Award winner Hamaguchi Ryûsuke made between 2008-2016.
The deal follows M-Appeal’s previous collaboration with Hamaguchi and producer Takata Satoshi, of Neopa Inc., in 2021 on the film “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” which premiered in Berlinale Competition and won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. “Drive My Car” by Hamaguchi screened in Cannes Competition the same year, before winning Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
The deal includes “Passion,” Hamaguchi’s 2008 graduation film for the School of Film & New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts, as well as “Happy Hour,” which world premiered in Locarno in 2015. “Happy Hour” won the Best Actress Award in Locarno, shared between the four lead actresses of the film, all of whom had no previous acting experience, as well as receiving a special mention for the film’s script. Other titles...
The deal follows M-Appeal’s previous collaboration with Hamaguchi and producer Takata Satoshi, of Neopa Inc., in 2021 on the film “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,” which premiered in Berlinale Competition and won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. “Drive My Car” by Hamaguchi screened in Cannes Competition the same year, before winning Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
The deal includes “Passion,” Hamaguchi’s 2008 graduation film for the School of Film & New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts, as well as “Happy Hour,” which world premiered in Locarno in 2015. “Happy Hour” won the Best Actress Award in Locarno, shared between the four lead actresses of the film, all of whom had no previous acting experience, as well as receiving a special mention for the film’s script. Other titles...
- 2/9/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Spain’s European Dreams Factory, Sweden’s Filmcentrum and Lithuania’s Kino Centras Garsas have joined the distribution team supporting soccer movie “Bigman,” which is being sold by M-Appeal. Previous sales have included Denmark’s Angel Films, Estonia’s Estinfilm and Poland’s New Horizons Association.
In “Bigman,” directed by Camiel Schouwenaar, best friends Dylan and Youssef (Anouar Kasmi and Maik Cillekens) dream of becoming professional soccer players. One day, an unexpected event changes everything for Dylan. But thanks to the help of skater girl Maya – whom he has a crush on – he learns to play in a completely new way.
“Solidarity and friendship feel especially important since the Covid pandemic, and we love how this film goes deeper into important topics in an entertaining format,” Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal, said. “We are thrilled to see its uplifting message resonate with young festival audiences and winning awards, and...
In “Bigman,” directed by Camiel Schouwenaar, best friends Dylan and Youssef (Anouar Kasmi and Maik Cillekens) dream of becoming professional soccer players. One day, an unexpected event changes everything for Dylan. But thanks to the help of skater girl Maya – whom he has a crush on – he learns to play in a completely new way.
“Solidarity and friendship feel especially important since the Covid pandemic, and we love how this film goes deeper into important topics in an entertaining format,” Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal, said. “We are thrilled to see its uplifting message resonate with young festival audiences and winning awards, and...
- 1/30/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales company M-Appeal has boarded Gentian Koçi’s Albanian drama “A Cup of Coffee and New Shoes On,” which will world premiere in Tallinn Film Festival’s Main Competition and is Albania’s official submission for the Academy Awards.
Set in urban Tirana, the film follows the emotional story and close bond of two identical twin brothers in their thirties. They are deaf, which doesn’t get in the way of their everyday life, but after visiting a doctor they find out that they will also lose their sight.
In preparation for the film, the three lead actors and producer Blerina Hankollari spent six months learning Albanian sign language with the Albania National Assn. of the Deaf (Anad). Representatives from the association were also present on the film set every day, coaching the actors and making sure the sign language was interpreted correctly.
Maren Kroymann, M-Appeal’s managing director,...
Set in urban Tirana, the film follows the emotional story and close bond of two identical twin brothers in their thirties. They are deaf, which doesn’t get in the way of their everyday life, but after visiting a doctor they find out that they will also lose their sight.
In preparation for the film, the three lead actors and producer Blerina Hankollari spent six months learning Albanian sign language with the Albania National Assn. of the Deaf (Anad). Representatives from the association were also present on the film set every day, coaching the actors and making sure the sign language was interpreted correctly.
Maren Kroymann, M-Appeal’s managing director,...
- 10/28/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
M-Appeal has acquired world sales rights to Michal Vinik’s “Valeria Is Getting Married,” which focuses on two Ukrainian sisters, one already living in Israel, having entered a marriage arranged online, and the another considering doing the same.
The film marks the second collaboration between the German sales outfit and the Tel Aviv-based director, following her debut feature film “Barash.” It is the third time M-Appeal has teamed with Israeli production company Lama Films, following their partnership on “Barash” and “Working Woman.”
Maren Kroymann, M-Appeal’s managing director, said: “We are very excited to continue our collaboration with Michal, whose films are entertaining, accessible, and feminist in how they address important subjects. In ‘Valeria,’ she deconstructs widely spread preconceptions and prejudices about Ukrainian women, which have become much more visible now as so many women are fleeing the war.”
Set over the course of one day, the film focuses on...
The film marks the second collaboration between the German sales outfit and the Tel Aviv-based director, following her debut feature film “Barash.” It is the third time M-Appeal has teamed with Israeli production company Lama Films, following their partnership on “Barash” and “Working Woman.”
Maren Kroymann, M-Appeal’s managing director, said: “We are very excited to continue our collaboration with Michal, whose films are entertaining, accessible, and feminist in how they address important subjects. In ‘Valeria,’ she deconstructs widely spread preconceptions and prejudices about Ukrainian women, which have become much more visible now as so many women are fleeing the war.”
Set over the course of one day, the film focuses on...
- 7/12/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Erotic love story “99 Moons,” which will have its world premiere in Cannes’ Acid sidebar, has debuted its trailer (below). Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired the world sales rights to the film, which is directed by Jan Gassmann.
The film centers on Bigna, a 28-year-old scientist, and 33-year-old Frank. Bigna is used to having everything under control, even her erotic desires follow rules. Frank searches for meaning in a haze of drugs, feeding on other people’s affection. Their different worlds collide, and they become obsessively entwined in a passionate affair.
Upending outmoded gender roles, Bigna is autonomous, dominant and takes what she wants. She defines her interactions with other people, always on her terms. But with Frank, it is different: what starts as a cold encounter sparks the beginning of a passionate attraction and power games that send their lives in a different direction.
First-time actors Valentina Di...
The film centers on Bigna, a 28-year-old scientist, and 33-year-old Frank. Bigna is used to having everything under control, even her erotic desires follow rules. Frank searches for meaning in a haze of drugs, feeding on other people’s affection. Their different worlds collide, and they become obsessively entwined in a passionate affair.
Upending outmoded gender roles, Bigna is autonomous, dominant and takes what she wants. She defines her interactions with other people, always on her terms. But with Frank, it is different: what starts as a cold encounter sparks the beginning of a passionate attraction and power games that send their lives in a different direction.
First-time actors Valentina Di...
- 5/13/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired the world sales rights to erotic love story “99 Moons,” directed by Jan Gassmann, which will have its world premiere in Cannes’ Acid sidebar.
The film centers on Bigna, a 28-year-old scientist, and 33-year-old Frank. Bigna is used to having everything under control, even her erotic desires follow rules. Frank searches for meaning in a haze of drugs, feeding on other people’s affection. Their different worlds collide, and they become obsessively entwined in a passionate affair.
Upending outmoded gender roles, Bigna is autonomous, dominant and takes what she wants. She defines her interactions with other people, always on her terms. But with Frank, it is different: what starts as a cold encounter sparks the beginning of a passionate attraction and power games that send their lives in a different direction.
First-time actors Valentina Di Pace and Dominik Fellmann lead this “amour fou” story “with a strong and visceral chemistry,...
The film centers on Bigna, a 28-year-old scientist, and 33-year-old Frank. Bigna is used to having everything under control, even her erotic desires follow rules. Frank searches for meaning in a haze of drugs, feeding on other people’s affection. Their different worlds collide, and they become obsessively entwined in a passionate affair.
Upending outmoded gender roles, Bigna is autonomous, dominant and takes what she wants. She defines her interactions with other people, always on her terms. But with Frank, it is different: what starts as a cold encounter sparks the beginning of a passionate attraction and power games that send their lives in a different direction.
First-time actors Valentina Di Pace and Dominik Fellmann lead this “amour fou” story “with a strong and visceral chemistry,...
- 5/2/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
As studios meet in Las Vegas to present footage of their upcoming slates to exhibitors, Netflix is showcasing their own slate of future feature films as it has unveiled its upcoming summer slate of original movies. Some of the films receiving new release dates include the Vampire thriller Day Shift starring Jamie Foxx, which is set to bow on August 12, the Kevin Hart-Mark Wahlberg comedy Me Time, bowing on Aug. 26 and the Dakota Johnson drama Persuasion, bowing July 15. The streamer also confirmed dates of some highly-anticipated films that had previously been announced like the Adam Sandler sports pic Hustle, which bows on June 8, the Chris Hemsworth-Miles Teller Thriller Spiderhead, which bows on June 17 and most recently the The Russo Brothers next film The Gray Man, starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, which will premiere on July 22.
You can find the remaining schedule for the entire summer...
You can find the remaining schedule for the entire summer...
- 4/27/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinese Berlinale Competition title “Return to Dust” has been sold to several European distributors with more about to close deals. M-Appeal is handling world sales.
The film, written and directed by Li Ruijun, has gone to Alambique (Portugal), Switzerland (trigon-film) and Greece. Arp previously took rights in France and September Film picked up the film in Benelux. Other European distributors are in negotiations, with deals about to be signed.
The film centers on humble, unassuming Ma and timid Cao, who have been cast off by their families and forced into an arranged marriage. They have to combine their strength and build a home to survive.
“In the face of much adversity, an unexpected bond begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao, uniting with Earth’s cycles, create a haven for themselves in which they can thrive,” according to a statement.
Li Ruijun has directed five feature films, which tend...
The film, written and directed by Li Ruijun, has gone to Alambique (Portugal), Switzerland (trigon-film) and Greece. Arp previously took rights in France and September Film picked up the film in Benelux. Other European distributors are in negotiations, with deals about to be signed.
The film centers on humble, unassuming Ma and timid Cao, who have been cast off by their families and forced into an arranged marriage. They have to combine their strength and build a home to survive.
“In the face of much adversity, an unexpected bond begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao, uniting with Earth’s cycles, create a haven for themselves in which they can thrive,” according to a statement.
Li Ruijun has directed five feature films, which tend...
- 2/16/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Bidding war broke out for French rights.
Arp has won a bidding war for the French rights to Chinese director, Li Ruijun’s Berlin competition tiitle Return To Dust from Berlin-based m-appeal.
Return To Dust is about two vulnerable characters in rural China pushed into an arranged marriage.
M-Appeal CEO Maren Kroymann said it went witht Arp because of its expertise with Chinese films.“[Arp] is a great French distributor with a really important market position and a real passion for cinema. They can make auteur films exist on the market and become big.”
Kroymann said M-Appeal has also received “offers from diverse territories…...
Arp has won a bidding war for the French rights to Chinese director, Li Ruijun’s Berlin competition tiitle Return To Dust from Berlin-based m-appeal.
Return To Dust is about two vulnerable characters in rural China pushed into an arranged marriage.
M-Appeal CEO Maren Kroymann said it went witht Arp because of its expertise with Chinese films.“[Arp] is a great French distributor with a really important market position and a real passion for cinema. They can make auteur films exist on the market and become big.”
Kroymann said M-Appeal has also received “offers from diverse territories…...
- 2/14/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The German-based sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired world sales rights to “Return to Dust,” from Chinese director Li Ruijun. The film was selected Wednesday to receive its world premiere in Competition at next month’s Berlinale (Feb. 10-16).
The film follows the humble, unassuming Ma and timid Cao who have been cast off by their families and forced into an arranged marriage. To survive, they have to come together and build a home for themselves. In the face of much adversity, an eternal love begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao realize that together, there is no obstacle.
M-Appeal describes “Return to Dust” as a “dramatic love story depicting life and its challenges in rural China.” The film examines “the human need for connection and the transformative nature of love. It is a masterfully crafted, heartwarming fable that conveys how just like botanical life, all humans require is some nurturing and care to flourish.
The film follows the humble, unassuming Ma and timid Cao who have been cast off by their families and forced into an arranged marriage. To survive, they have to come together and build a home for themselves. In the face of much adversity, an eternal love begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao realize that together, there is no obstacle.
M-Appeal describes “Return to Dust” as a “dramatic love story depicting life and its challenges in rural China.” The film examines “the human need for connection and the transformative nature of love. It is a masterfully crafted, heartwarming fable that conveys how just like botanical life, all humans require is some nurturing and care to flourish.
- 1/19/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired world sales rights to “Concerned Citizen,” the sophomore title from Israeli writer-director Idan Haguel. The film was selected Tuesday to have its world premiere in the Panorama section at next month’s Berlinale (Feb. 10-16).
The film, which stars Shlomi Bertonov and Ariel Wolf, centers around Ben, a politically liberal, gay man who tries to improve his neighborhood in the slums of south Tel Aviv by planting a tree on his street. This triggers a sequence of events that results in him getting mixed up in the brutal police arrest of an immigrant. The guilt trip that ensues challenges Ben’s self-image and threatens to destroy his relationship and aspirations of fatherhood. A satirical parable on the insidious ways in which privilege can unleash the prejudice within.
“The story is told with an undertone of wry humor throughout,” M-Appeal said in a statement,...
The film, which stars Shlomi Bertonov and Ariel Wolf, centers around Ben, a politically liberal, gay man who tries to improve his neighborhood in the slums of south Tel Aviv by planting a tree on his street. This triggers a sequence of events that results in him getting mixed up in the brutal police arrest of an immigrant. The guilt trip that ensues challenges Ben’s self-image and threatens to destroy his relationship and aspirations of fatherhood. A satirical parable on the insidious ways in which privilege can unleash the prejudice within.
“The story is told with an undertone of wry humor throughout,” M-Appeal said in a statement,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
M-Appeal has closed deals for two of its Ventana Sur titles: Marcela Lordy’s “The Book of Delights” to Pigeon Co. in Taiwan and “The Night of the Beast” from Mauricio Leiva Cock to HBO in Eastern Europe.
“The Book of Delights” is an Argentina-Brazil co-production between Cinematográfica Marcela and bigBonsai which had already sold in the U.S. and Japan before the Taiwan announcement was made. M-Appeal will be looking to secure deals in more territories during Ventana Sur.
Adapted from Clarice Lispector’s Brazilian novel “Uma Aprendizagem ou Livro dos Prazeres,” “The Book of Delights” is the erotic story of Lóri, a woman on the lookout for sexual satisfaction, unwilling to compromise her own agency. An attractive young teacher by day, Lóri engages in a string of casula affairs catering to her desires and needs while purposefully avoiding emotional attachments.
Eventually, she crosses paths with renowned philosophy teacher,...
“The Book of Delights” is an Argentina-Brazil co-production between Cinematográfica Marcela and bigBonsai which had already sold in the U.S. and Japan before the Taiwan announcement was made. M-Appeal will be looking to secure deals in more territories during Ventana Sur.
Adapted from Clarice Lispector’s Brazilian novel “Uma Aprendizagem ou Livro dos Prazeres,” “The Book of Delights” is the erotic story of Lóri, a woman on the lookout for sexual satisfaction, unwilling to compromise her own agency. An attractive young teacher by day, Lóri engages in a string of casula affairs catering to her desires and needs while purposefully avoiding emotional attachments.
Eventually, she crosses paths with renowned philosophy teacher,...
- 11/30/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
M-Appeal, the Berlin-based sales outfit, has acquired world rights to Dutch title “Bigman,” which follows best friends Dylan and Youssef, as they dream of becoming professional soccer players. When Dylan is paralyzed following an accident, he has to come to terms with his new life. His dad – and former coach – wants him to accept his disability, but Dylan is determined to play soccer again.
The film will be directed by Camiel Schouwenaar. Job Tichelman co-wrote the script with Schouwenaar, drawing on his own childhood experiences, having been a wheelchair user all his life.
Schouwenaar has several award-winning shorts to his name, most notably “Polska Warrior,” an animated adventure about identity, fear, and the love of a father and his son, which took home the award for Best Dutch Short Animation at the 2018 Cinekid Festival, as well as the 2017 Golden Calf for best short film at the Netherlands Film Festival.
Maren Kroymann,...
The film will be directed by Camiel Schouwenaar. Job Tichelman co-wrote the script with Schouwenaar, drawing on his own childhood experiences, having been a wheelchair user all his life.
Schouwenaar has several award-winning shorts to his name, most notably “Polska Warrior,” an animated adventure about identity, fear, and the love of a father and his son, which took home the award for Best Dutch Short Animation at the 2018 Cinekid Festival, as well as the 2017 Golden Calf for best short film at the Netherlands Film Festival.
Maren Kroymann,...
- 10/28/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Everyone expressed pleasure at being back at a physical event.
As the Cannes Film Festival moves into its last two days, international attendees reflected on a pandemic-era event that has required them to grapple with the logistics of 48-hourly Covid-19 tests, rumours of a virus cluster in the early days of the festival and concerns over the lack of mask-wearing, which was tightened up as the event progressed.
Sales agents expressed mixed views on how much business has been done but all said they were happy to be back. Those representing titles in official selection were generally upbeat, suggesting the...
As the Cannes Film Festival moves into its last two days, international attendees reflected on a pandemic-era event that has required them to grapple with the logistics of 48-hourly Covid-19 tests, rumours of a virus cluster in the early days of the festival and concerns over the lack of mask-wearing, which was tightened up as the event progressed.
Sales agents expressed mixed views on how much business has been done but all said they were happy to be back. Those representing titles in official selection were generally upbeat, suggesting the...
- 7/16/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow¬Ben Dalton¬Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
M-Appeal strikes US, Europe deals for Berlin award-winner ‘Wheel Of Fortune And Fantasy’ (exclusive)
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s romantic drama has also been secured in Asian territories.
German sales outfit M-Appeal has closed a raft of major deals on Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Berlinale award-winner Wheel Of Fortune And Fantasy, including North America and the UK.
The Japanese romantic drama, which won the grand jury prize at the Berlinale when it premiered in Competition last month, has been acquired by Film Movement for the US and Canada. It follows a fierce bidding war that is understood to have involved 10 companies. Film Movement is planning a theatrical release later in 2021.
Further deals were closed for the UK...
German sales outfit M-Appeal has closed a raft of major deals on Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Berlinale award-winner Wheel Of Fortune And Fantasy, including North America and the UK.
The Japanese romantic drama, which won the grand jury prize at the Berlinale when it premiered in Competition last month, has been acquired by Film Movement for the US and Canada. It follows a fierce bidding war that is understood to have involved 10 companies. Film Movement is planning a theatrical release later in 2021.
Further deals were closed for the UK...
- 4/15/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Berlin-based boutique sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired erotic drama “Fidelity” (Vernost), a Russian female version of Steve McQueen’s “Shame.” Nigina Sayfullaeva’s film – a box-office hit at home for Sony Pictures – will have its international premiere at the Rotterdam Film Festival in January.
“Fidelity” centers on Lena, an obstetrician and gynecologist, and her husband Sergey, who is an actor in a provincial theater. Their relationship is tender and close, but devoid of sex. Lena suspects that he is having an affair, but she suffers in silence without letting her jealousy show. She starts cheating on him with random men, and slowly but surely, her infidelity spins out of control.
The film has attracted much comment in the media and social media in Russia, where the issue of female sexuality is less openly discussed than in the West. Russian film critic Anton Dolin said the film “is a revolution because...
“Fidelity” centers on Lena, an obstetrician and gynecologist, and her husband Sergey, who is an actor in a provincial theater. Their relationship is tender and close, but devoid of sex. Lena suspects that he is having an affair, but she suffers in silence without letting her jealousy show. She starts cheating on him with random men, and slowly but surely, her infidelity spins out of control.
The film has attracted much comment in the media and social media in Russia, where the issue of female sexuality is less openly discussed than in the West. Russian film critic Anton Dolin said the film “is a revolution because...
- 12/3/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal, specialists in independent arthouse fare, has acquired world sales rights on Armando Capó’s anticipated fiction feature debut, “August,” world premiering in the Discovery sidebar at Toronto Intl. Film Festival before heading to San Sebastian’s Horizontes Latinos for its European Premiere.
The Cuban-Costa Rican-French co-production has received plenty of festival attention through its development and production stages. The screenplay was pitched at Cannes’ La Fabrique du Cinema du Monde and San Sebastian’s Co-Production Forum, winning best project before returning in 2017 to participate in Films inn Progress, the festival’s works in progress section.
The project also pitched at the Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de la Habana 2015 before winning the Global Filmmaking Award at Sundance and participating in the Guadalajara co-Production Meeting the following year.
Set on the last day of school of 1994, a time of upheaval in Cuba after the dissolution of the Ussr,...
The Cuban-Costa Rican-French co-production has received plenty of festival attention through its development and production stages. The screenplay was pitched at Cannes’ La Fabrique du Cinema du Monde and San Sebastian’s Co-Production Forum, winning best project before returning in 2017 to participate in Films inn Progress, the festival’s works in progress section.
The project also pitched at the Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de la Habana 2015 before winning the Global Filmmaking Award at Sundance and participating in the Guadalajara co-Production Meeting the following year.
Set on the last day of school of 1994, a time of upheaval in Cuba after the dissolution of the Ussr,...
- 8/8/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agent M-appeal has picked up the rights to black comedy “The Humorist,” directed by Michael Idov, one of the scriptwriters of “Leto,” a competition title at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
“The Humorist,” which makes its market premiere at Berlin’s European Film Market on Feb. 8, stars Aleksey Agranovich, Alisa Khazanova and Yuri Kolokolnikov. It is produced by Metrafilms’ Artem Vasilyev, who was one of the producers on Alexey German Jr.’s “Dovlatov,” a competition title at last year’s Berlin Film Festival.
Set in the mid-80s in the Soviet Union, “The Humorist” revolves around Boris Arkadiev, a Russian-Jewish stand-up comedian who is tormented not only by external oppression and censorship, but also by his own insecurities. Fame and the lack of personal freedom contribute to his unbalanced state of mind. When the leaders who dictate what he can and can’t joke about summon him to their villa,...
“The Humorist,” which makes its market premiere at Berlin’s European Film Market on Feb. 8, stars Aleksey Agranovich, Alisa Khazanova and Yuri Kolokolnikov. It is produced by Metrafilms’ Artem Vasilyev, who was one of the producers on Alexey German Jr.’s “Dovlatov,” a competition title at last year’s Berlin Film Festival.
Set in the mid-80s in the Soviet Union, “The Humorist” revolves around Boris Arkadiev, a Russian-Jewish stand-up comedian who is tormented not only by external oppression and censorship, but also by his own insecurities. Fame and the lack of personal freedom contribute to his unbalanced state of mind. When the leaders who dictate what he can and can’t joke about summon him to their villa,...
- 1/25/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based M-Appeal will be hitting Toronto with a pair of topical female-driven films premiering at the festival, Ash Mayfair’s “The Third Wife” and Michal Aviad’s “Working Woman.”
Dedicated to promoting new female voices in the festival circuit and around the world, M-Appeal is also repping Hella Joof’s “Happy Ending” and Albertia Carri’s “The Daughters of Fire,” and is continuing sales on Fanny Metlelius’s Swedish coming-of-age romance drama “The Heart.”
“Our experience shows that there are many exciting films out there made by women, telling stories that appeal to a largely female audience eager to see films reflecting their own realities which are not visible enough,” said
Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal.
Kroymann pointed M-Appeal’s current slate “comprises 5 titles directed by very promising female filmmakers, some of whom are already established but others who are emerging talents.” “The audience is ready for stories told from a female perspective,...
Dedicated to promoting new female voices in the festival circuit and around the world, M-Appeal is also repping Hella Joof’s “Happy Ending” and Albertia Carri’s “The Daughters of Fire,” and is continuing sales on Fanny Metlelius’s Swedish coming-of-age romance drama “The Heart.”
“Our experience shows that there are many exciting films out there made by women, telling stories that appeal to a largely female audience eager to see films reflecting their own realities which are not visible enough,” said
Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal.
Kroymann pointed M-Appeal’s current slate “comprises 5 titles directed by very promising female filmmakers, some of whom are already established but others who are emerging talents.” “The audience is ready for stories told from a female perspective,...
- 8/27/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal has boarded Hella Joof’s comedy “Happy Ending,” starring Birthe Neumann and Kurt Ravn. The director is best known for her 2014 film “All Inclusive,” which was a box-office hit in Denmark with more than 410,000 tickets sold.
The film centers on Helle, who is looking forward to her workaholic husband, Peter’s, retirement, so they can spend some time together. But on his last day at work, he says he is going to become a wine importer and commute between Denmark and France.
“The couple drift apart, and both set out to explore new possibilities, problems and dreams,” according to a statement. “But can you start all over again after 50 years of marriage? And will they be able to cope without each other?”
According to producer Mie Andreasen, the story is based on the experience of the parents of screenwriter Mette Heeno, who after 49 years of marriage,...
The film centers on Helle, who is looking forward to her workaholic husband, Peter’s, retirement, so they can spend some time together. But on his last day at work, he says he is going to become a wine importer and commute between Denmark and France.
“The couple drift apart, and both set out to explore new possibilities, problems and dreams,” according to a statement. “But can you start all over again after 50 years of marriage? And will they be able to cope without each other?”
According to producer Mie Andreasen, the story is based on the experience of the parents of screenwriter Mette Heeno, who after 49 years of marriage,...
- 5/9/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Carri is a key figure in the New Argentinean Cinema movement.
Berlin-based M-Appeal has taken on international sales rights to Argentinian filmmaker Albertina Carri’s The Daughters Of Fire. The film revolves around three women who meet by chance and start a life-changing polyamorous journey.
The film premiered in Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, winning best film in the Argentinian competition. “We are very happy to work with Albertina Carri, one of the icons of New Argentine cinema,” said Maren Kroymann, M-Appeal’s managing Director. “There are few films that show female sexuality in such a poetic and sensual way.
Berlin-based M-Appeal has taken on international sales rights to Argentinian filmmaker Albertina Carri’s The Daughters Of Fire. The film revolves around three women who meet by chance and start a life-changing polyamorous journey.
The film premiered in Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, winning best film in the Argentinian competition. “We are very happy to work with Albertina Carri, one of the icons of New Argentine cinema,” said Maren Kroymann, M-Appeal’s managing Director. “There are few films that show female sexuality in such a poetic and sensual way.
- 5/9/2018
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Leading Swedish art house distributor TriArt will give a significant Valentine’s Day release to the Swedish love story.
Source: M-Appeal
‘The Heart’
Leading Swedish art house distributor TriArt is to give a significant Valentine’s Day release on 50 screens to The Heart, the debut feature as director by rising Swedish actress, Fanni Metelius (one of the stars of Ruben Ostlund’s Force Majeure.)
Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has now taken international rights to the love story, which Metelius scripted and in which she also plays the lead. The film was made through Garage Film, the outfit behind such titles as Call Girl and Blowfly Park. The producers are Rebecka Lafrenz and Mimmi Spång. The project was developed and brought to the company by Anna-Maria Kantarius.
“We are very proud to present a film that is both strong and subtle at the same time. The Heart is about true liberation, sex and love -...
Source: M-Appeal
‘The Heart’
Leading Swedish art house distributor TriArt is to give a significant Valentine’s Day release on 50 screens to The Heart, the debut feature as director by rising Swedish actress, Fanni Metelius (one of the stars of Ruben Ostlund’s Force Majeure.)
Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has now taken international rights to the love story, which Metelius scripted and in which she also plays the lead. The film was made through Garage Film, the outfit behind such titles as Call Girl and Blowfly Park. The producers are Rebecka Lafrenz and Mimmi Spång. The project was developed and brought to the company by Anna-Maria Kantarius.
“We are very proud to present a film that is both strong and subtle at the same time. The Heart is about true liberation, sex and love -...
- 1/9/2018
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Edgy drama stars Theo Stevenson, Rosie Day and Thomas Turgoose.
Berlin-based international sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired worldwide rights, excluding the UK, North America and Poland, to British indie Butterfly Kisses.
The film, directed by Rafael Kapelinski, will have its world premiere in the generation strand of the Berlin Film Festival (Feb 9-19) and has been nominated for the Gwff best first feature award.
Butterfly Kisses stars Theo Stevenson (Humans, Horrid Henry), Screen Star Of Tomorrow Rosie Day (Outlander, All Road Lead to Rome) and Thomas Turgoose (This is England).
The story follows a day in the life of Jake (Stevenson) and his two best friends through a world distorted by sex and porn. Newcomers, Byron Lyons and Liam Whiting also appear in their first film roles.
Director by Rafael Kapelinski won the Cannes Cinefondation residence award for a young European filmmaker in 2009.
Butterfly Kisses is produced by Britain’s Blue Shadows Films. Merlin Merton is the...
Berlin-based international sales outfit M-Appeal has acquired worldwide rights, excluding the UK, North America and Poland, to British indie Butterfly Kisses.
The film, directed by Rafael Kapelinski, will have its world premiere in the generation strand of the Berlin Film Festival (Feb 9-19) and has been nominated for the Gwff best first feature award.
Butterfly Kisses stars Theo Stevenson (Humans, Horrid Henry), Screen Star Of Tomorrow Rosie Day (Outlander, All Road Lead to Rome) and Thomas Turgoose (This is England).
The story follows a day in the life of Jake (Stevenson) and his two best friends through a world distorted by sex and porn. Newcomers, Byron Lyons and Liam Whiting also appear in their first film roles.
Director by Rafael Kapelinski won the Cannes Cinefondation residence award for a young European filmmaker in 2009.
Butterfly Kisses is produced by Britain’s Blue Shadows Films. Merlin Merton is the...
- 1/27/2017
- ScreenDaily
Lipstick Under My Burkha – directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, produced by Prakash Jha, featuring Konkona Sensharma and Ratna Pathak Shah – has been picked up by German Sales Agency M-Appeal for worldwide sales and festival representation.
This is the first Indian film to be picked up by M-Appeal. The deal was initiated at the European Film Market, Berlin Film Festival.
Set in the crowded lanes of small town India, Lipstick Under My Burkha chronicles the secret lives of four women in search of a little freedom.
“We are very happy to have tied up with M-Appeal. They are just the right fit for our film and we are confident that they will work out the best festival and sales strategy for the film. We are looking forward to an exciting journey for Lipstick Under My Burkha with m-appeal as our collaborators.” – Prakash Jha, Producer
“There is a great synergy with M-Appeal. They...
This is the first Indian film to be picked up by M-Appeal. The deal was initiated at the European Film Market, Berlin Film Festival.
Set in the crowded lanes of small town India, Lipstick Under My Burkha chronicles the secret lives of four women in search of a little freedom.
“We are very happy to have tied up with M-Appeal. They are just the right fit for our film and we are confident that they will work out the best festival and sales strategy for the film. We are looking forward to an exciting journey for Lipstick Under My Burkha with m-appeal as our collaborators.” – Prakash Jha, Producer
“There is a great synergy with M-Appeal. They...
- 3/29/2016
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
The 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival (November 6-14) offers busy industry programme including works in progress and Crossroads co-production strand.The 56th Thessaloniki International Film Festival kicks off today with the Berlin prizewinner Victoria by Sebastian Schipper.
The festival closes Nov 14 with the Cannes awarded My Golden Days (Trois souvenirs de ma jeunesse) by Arnaud Desplechin, who receives an homage, enjoys a full retrospective of his films and will deliver a masterclass.
Also receiving homages are veteran Romanian director Mircea Daneliuc and Greek master cinematographer Nikos Kavoukidis, accompanied by tributes to the 70 years of Greek animation and to the recent Austrian cinema.The late Belgian director Chantal.Akerman is receiving a special homage with the presentation of her 2011 film Almayer’s Folly (La folie Almayer).
The competition program includes 15 first and second films (the full list is below). The five members of the international jury set to award the Golden, Silver and Bronze...
The festival closes Nov 14 with the Cannes awarded My Golden Days (Trois souvenirs de ma jeunesse) by Arnaud Desplechin, who receives an homage, enjoys a full retrospective of his films and will deliver a masterclass.
Also receiving homages are veteran Romanian director Mircea Daneliuc and Greek master cinematographer Nikos Kavoukidis, accompanied by tributes to the 70 years of Greek animation and to the recent Austrian cinema.The late Belgian director Chantal.Akerman is receiving a special homage with the presentation of her 2011 film Almayer’s Folly (La folie Almayer).
The competition program includes 15 first and second films (the full list is below). The five members of the international jury set to award the Golden, Silver and Bronze...
- 11/6/2015
- by alexisgrivas@yahoo.com (Alexis Grivas)
- ScreenDaily
Pusan was disappointing leaving buyers and sellers looking toward the upcoming Tokyo International Film Festival and AFM as the place where deals will close. The European sales agents did better selling to the Asian distributors than the Asian sales agents. Bavaria sold 'Into the Great Silence' to Jin Jin of South Korea. Celsius sold 'Vivaldi' to Mirovision for South Korea, and new international sales agent M-Appeal's Maren Kroymann sold 'Trick' to Coral for South Korea.
- 10/20/2008
- Sydney's Buzz
Toronto International Film Festival acquisitions this year were sparse which was no surprise given the recent closings of the well funded specialty arms of the studios. The noticeable slowdown in the business at these large festival cum market events (e.g., Toronto) has continued since Cannes although Locarno was happily surprised at the increased number of acquisitions which took place there albeit by international sales agents rather than by distributors. At least it attests to some enthusiasm in what seems to be a lackluster low energy year for the film business. Venice[/link] also created some sales in spite of its never quite becoming the market it might be. Pusan was disappointing leaving buyers and sellers looking toward the upcoming Tokyo International Film Festival and AFM as the place where deals will close. The European sales agents did better selling to the Asian distributors than the Asian sales agents. Bavaria sold 'Into the Great Silence' to Jin Jin of South Korea. Celsius sold 'Vivaldi' to Mirovision for South Korea, and new international sales agent M-Appeal's Maren Kroymann sold 'Trick' to Coral for South Korea.
This is a sample of the Rights Roundup Reports available from sales-filmfinders@imdb.com. For more information on acquisitions in the future you can purchase the Fall Festival and Market RightsRoundup and Rights Roundup Reports for AFM/ American Film Market, Berlin Film Festival and EFM/ European Film Market and Cannes Film Festival and Marche du Film after those events.
In Toronto, Fox Searchlight remained the strong buyer, picking up 'The Wrestler' for the highest sales figure of the market, but still less than $4,000,000 and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, the other hit of the festival. Summit, an A list international sales agent who entered the domestic distribution business this year also acquired ‘Hurt Locker' for U.S.. Both 'The Wrestler' and 'Hurt Locker' were packaged, financed and represented by CAA and both were significant in that only U.S. rights were acquired (without Canada) at a good high price. IFC Films continued its acquisitions activities for IFC in Theaters, its day and date distribution platform making independent films available to a national audience in theaters and on demand simultaneously, buying ‘Flame & Citron’, ‘Fear Me Not’, ‘Everlasting Moments’ and ‘Che’. Sony Pictures Classics was also active acquiring distribution rights to ‘Every Little Step: The Journey of a Chorus Line’, ‘Faubourg 36’ (aka ‘Paris 36’). The micro distributors such as Strand, Kino, Zeitgeist, Panorama, etc. continued business as usual, which generally means hanging back until there are no obvious offers for a film and then coming in with a modest proposal.
Here are the international sales agents whose sales (licensing of distribution rights on behalf of the producers) have been reported thus far:
Bavaria Film International licensed ‘Krabat’ to SPI for Poland and Romania and to Film Depot for Russia ahead of the first public screening. Strong interest is also reported from Spain, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latin America, Japan and USA. ‘The Window’ (aka ‘La Ventana’) sold to Cinemien for Benelux, Imovison for Brazil. A deal with France is expected to close. ‘Cherry Blossoms’ went to Against Gravity for Poland. ‘Empty Nest’ has interest from U.S. as does ‘Restless’.
Celluloid Dreams has acquired all international sales rights to ‘Soul Power’ from Submarine Entertainment who was repping the film. There are offers in major territories soon to close. It also acquired ‘Youssou NDour: I Bring What I Love’ for world sales. Oscilloscope acquired it for U.S. ‘Birdwatchers’ sold to Artificial Eye for the U.K., Filmladen for Austria, Trigon for Switzerland, Pandora for Germany, Cinemien for Benelux, Hopscotch for Australia and New Zealand. ‘Mark Of An Angel’ has sold to Metrodome for the UK, Odeon for Greece, Seville for Canada, Xenix for Switzerland. Diaphana is about to gross $5m with its French theatrical release and Lumiere released in Belgium. ‘Achilles and the Tortoise’ sold to Odeon for France and Maywin for Russia.
Cinema Management Group has closed several territories on ‘The People Speak’ which screened 20 minutes in Toronto FF Special Screening. ‘Zambezia’, ‘Killer Bean Forever’ and ‘The People Speak’ went to Vision Film for Poland and to Film Pop for Turkey.
Elle Driver licensed ’35 Rhums’ to New Wave Films for the U.K.
Fandango Portobello licensed ‘Mid August Lunch' (aka'Pranzo di ferragosto’) to Le Pacte for France, Pandora for Germany, Cinemien for Benelux, Xenix for Switzerland, Filmladen for Austria.
Films Distribution licensed ‘Sea Wall’ to Axiom for the U.K.
Finecut licensed 'Daytime Drinking' to Japan's Eleven Arts who will release it in 30 North American cities. Fortissimo Films signed a six picture deal with Canadian distributor Maximum Films for ‘$9.99’, ‘Laila's Birthday’, ‘Country Wedding’, ‘Serbis’, ‘Native Dancer’, and ‘Tokyo Sonata’. ‘Disgrace’ also went to Maximum. ‘Every Little Step: The Journey of A Chorus Line’ went to Sony Pictures Classics for North America and Australia and New Zealand. ‘Serbis’ and 'Tokyo Sonata' went to Regent for North America.
Hanway Films licensed ‘Of Time and City’ to Strand Releasing for all U.S. rights. ‘Genova’ went to ThinkFilm for North America just before Toronto. Wanda acquired all rights for Spain.
Maximum licensed ‘Sugar‘ to Axiom for the U.K.
Momento licensed ‘Goodbye Solo’ to Imagine for Benelux, Axiom for the U.K. and Xenix for Switzerland. It also has offers from France, Portugal, Greece and Italy among others.
MK2 licensed ‘24 City’ to The Cinema Guild for U.S.
Pathe licensed ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ to Warner Bros. and Fox Searchlight for North America. ‘Faubourg 36’ (aka ‘Paris 36’) went to Sony Pictures Classics for U.S., Australasia, and Scandinavia just before Toronto.
Rai Trade licensed ‘Il Papa di Giovanna’ to Paradis for France, ABC for Benelux, Palace of Australia and New Zealand, MFD for Switzerland.
Roissy has licensed 'Seraphine' to Metrodome for U.K. and Ireland and to Rialto for Australia and New Zealand.
Sahamonkol licensed 'Chocolate' to Magnet for North America.
The Match Factory licensed ‘Flame & Citron’ to IFC Films for U.S. ‘Teza’ went to Trigon for Switzerland and Ripley’s Film for Italy.
TrustNordisk licensed ‘Fear Me Not’ and ‘Everlasting Moments’ and 'Heaven's Heart' to IFC Films for North America. Visit Films licensed five titles including ‘Hannah Takes The Stairs’, ‘LOL’, and ‘Kissing on The Mouth’, ‘Dance Party USA’ and ‘Quiet City’ to Beyond Entertainment for Australia/ New Zealand.
Voltage licensed ‘The Hurt Locker’ to Summit for U.S.
Wild Bunch licensed ‘Che’ to IFC Films. ‘Ponyo’ went to Lucky Red for Italy.
This is a sample of the Rights Roundup Reports available from sales-filmfinders@imdb.com. For more information on acquisitions in the future you can purchase the Fall Festival and Market RightsRoundup and Rights Roundup Reports for AFM/ American Film Market, Berlin Film Festival and EFM/ European Film Market and Cannes Film Festival and Marche du Film after those events.
In Toronto, Fox Searchlight remained the strong buyer, picking up 'The Wrestler' for the highest sales figure of the market, but still less than $4,000,000 and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, the other hit of the festival. Summit, an A list international sales agent who entered the domestic distribution business this year also acquired ‘Hurt Locker' for U.S.. Both 'The Wrestler' and 'Hurt Locker' were packaged, financed and represented by CAA and both were significant in that only U.S. rights were acquired (without Canada) at a good high price. IFC Films continued its acquisitions activities for IFC in Theaters, its day and date distribution platform making independent films available to a national audience in theaters and on demand simultaneously, buying ‘Flame & Citron’, ‘Fear Me Not’, ‘Everlasting Moments’ and ‘Che’. Sony Pictures Classics was also active acquiring distribution rights to ‘Every Little Step: The Journey of a Chorus Line’, ‘Faubourg 36’ (aka ‘Paris 36’). The micro distributors such as Strand, Kino, Zeitgeist, Panorama, etc. continued business as usual, which generally means hanging back until there are no obvious offers for a film and then coming in with a modest proposal.
Here are the international sales agents whose sales (licensing of distribution rights on behalf of the producers) have been reported thus far:
Bavaria Film International licensed ‘Krabat’ to SPI for Poland and Romania and to Film Depot for Russia ahead of the first public screening. Strong interest is also reported from Spain, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latin America, Japan and USA. ‘The Window’ (aka ‘La Ventana’) sold to Cinemien for Benelux, Imovison for Brazil. A deal with France is expected to close. ‘Cherry Blossoms’ went to Against Gravity for Poland. ‘Empty Nest’ has interest from U.S. as does ‘Restless’.
Celluloid Dreams has acquired all international sales rights to ‘Soul Power’ from Submarine Entertainment who was repping the film. There are offers in major territories soon to close. It also acquired ‘Youssou NDour: I Bring What I Love’ for world sales. Oscilloscope acquired it for U.S. ‘Birdwatchers’ sold to Artificial Eye for the U.K., Filmladen for Austria, Trigon for Switzerland, Pandora for Germany, Cinemien for Benelux, Hopscotch for Australia and New Zealand. ‘Mark Of An Angel’ has sold to Metrodome for the UK, Odeon for Greece, Seville for Canada, Xenix for Switzerland. Diaphana is about to gross $5m with its French theatrical release and Lumiere released in Belgium. ‘Achilles and the Tortoise’ sold to Odeon for France and Maywin for Russia.
Cinema Management Group has closed several territories on ‘The People Speak’ which screened 20 minutes in Toronto FF Special Screening. ‘Zambezia’, ‘Killer Bean Forever’ and ‘The People Speak’ went to Vision Film for Poland and to Film Pop for Turkey.
Elle Driver licensed ’35 Rhums’ to New Wave Films for the U.K.
Fandango Portobello licensed ‘Mid August Lunch' (aka'Pranzo di ferragosto’) to Le Pacte for France, Pandora for Germany, Cinemien for Benelux, Xenix for Switzerland, Filmladen for Austria.
Films Distribution licensed ‘Sea Wall’ to Axiom for the U.K.
Finecut licensed 'Daytime Drinking' to Japan's Eleven Arts who will release it in 30 North American cities. Fortissimo Films signed a six picture deal with Canadian distributor Maximum Films for ‘$9.99’, ‘Laila's Birthday’, ‘Country Wedding’, ‘Serbis’, ‘Native Dancer’, and ‘Tokyo Sonata’. ‘Disgrace’ also went to Maximum. ‘Every Little Step: The Journey of A Chorus Line’ went to Sony Pictures Classics for North America and Australia and New Zealand. ‘Serbis’ and 'Tokyo Sonata' went to Regent for North America.
Hanway Films licensed ‘Of Time and City’ to Strand Releasing for all U.S. rights. ‘Genova’ went to ThinkFilm for North America just before Toronto. Wanda acquired all rights for Spain.
Maximum licensed ‘Sugar‘ to Axiom for the U.K.
Momento licensed ‘Goodbye Solo’ to Imagine for Benelux, Axiom for the U.K. and Xenix for Switzerland. It also has offers from France, Portugal, Greece and Italy among others.
MK2 licensed ‘24 City’ to The Cinema Guild for U.S.
Pathe licensed ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ to Warner Bros. and Fox Searchlight for North America. ‘Faubourg 36’ (aka ‘Paris 36’) went to Sony Pictures Classics for U.S., Australasia, and Scandinavia just before Toronto.
Rai Trade licensed ‘Il Papa di Giovanna’ to Paradis for France, ABC for Benelux, Palace of Australia and New Zealand, MFD for Switzerland.
Roissy has licensed 'Seraphine' to Metrodome for U.K. and Ireland and to Rialto for Australia and New Zealand.
Sahamonkol licensed 'Chocolate' to Magnet for North America.
The Match Factory licensed ‘Flame & Citron’ to IFC Films for U.S. ‘Teza’ went to Trigon for Switzerland and Ripley’s Film for Italy.
TrustNordisk licensed ‘Fear Me Not’ and ‘Everlasting Moments’ and 'Heaven's Heart' to IFC Films for North America. Visit Films licensed five titles including ‘Hannah Takes The Stairs’, ‘LOL’, and ‘Kissing on The Mouth’, ‘Dance Party USA’ and ‘Quiet City’ to Beyond Entertainment for Australia/ New Zealand.
Voltage licensed ‘The Hurt Locker’ to Summit for U.S.
Wild Bunch licensed ‘Che’ to IFC Films. ‘Ponyo’ went to Lucky Red for Italy.
- 9/16/2008
- Sydney's Buzz
Cannes Film Festival, Critics' WeekEmily Atef's "The Stranger in Me" ("Das Fremde in Mir") is a clinically efficient case-study of post-natal depression that hints at becoming a psychological drama, then opts for a reassuringly happy ending. Technically impressive from beginning to end, with an excellent central performance by Susanne Wolff as the troubled mother, the movie may do business in Germany but is unlikely to travel well.
When Rebecca (Wolff) and her live-in boyfriend Julian (Johann von Bulow), both in their early 30s, decide to have a baby, everything goes according to plan up to the moment of the child's birth. Then Rebecca unexpectedly finds herself plunged into emotional turmoil without any of the maternal feelings she had expected to surge within her.
Counseling does not seem to help. She feels increasingly estranged from her child, and at one point abandons him in his pram in the street. Then she is found lying on her back in the woods, in a near-catatonic state. Professional caretakers are called in, notably Agnes (Dorte Lyssewski), herself a former sufferer from post-natal depression. Gradually, Rebecca is nursed back into a state of mind where she begins to harbor feelings of love for her child.
So far, so case-book. Little is provided to differentiate Rebecca in her relations with her man, her mother Lore (Maren Kroymann) or her work (in a flower shop) from the other hundreds of thousands of sufferers from post-natal depression.
When at last something like a plot is worked up -- failing to understand Rebecca's condition, Julian enrolls his sister (Judith Engel) and father to deny her access to her child -- the drama appears perfunctory and is too easily resolved.
Wolff is convincing in her portrayal of a mother in distress, but what her character lacks -- like the movie as a whole -- is that spark of fantasy that will engage audiences fully rather than simply elicit a degree of interest and mild sympathy.
Production companies: Niko Film, ZDF Das Kleine Fernsehspiel, Arte, DFFB
Cast: Susanne Wolff, Johann von Bulow, Marenn Kroymann, Dorte Lyssewski, Herbert Fritsch, Klaus Pohl, Judith Engel, Hans Diehl.
Director: Emily Atef.
Screenwriters: Emily Atef, Esther Bernstorff.
Photography: Henner Besuch.
Production design: Annette Lofy.
Music: Manfred Eicher.
Editor: Beatrice Babin.
Sales: Bavaria International Film
No rating, 99 minutes.
When Rebecca (Wolff) and her live-in boyfriend Julian (Johann von Bulow), both in their early 30s, decide to have a baby, everything goes according to plan up to the moment of the child's birth. Then Rebecca unexpectedly finds herself plunged into emotional turmoil without any of the maternal feelings she had expected to surge within her.
Counseling does not seem to help. She feels increasingly estranged from her child, and at one point abandons him in his pram in the street. Then she is found lying on her back in the woods, in a near-catatonic state. Professional caretakers are called in, notably Agnes (Dorte Lyssewski), herself a former sufferer from post-natal depression. Gradually, Rebecca is nursed back into a state of mind where she begins to harbor feelings of love for her child.
So far, so case-book. Little is provided to differentiate Rebecca in her relations with her man, her mother Lore (Maren Kroymann) or her work (in a flower shop) from the other hundreds of thousands of sufferers from post-natal depression.
When at last something like a plot is worked up -- failing to understand Rebecca's condition, Julian enrolls his sister (Judith Engel) and father to deny her access to her child -- the drama appears perfunctory and is too easily resolved.
Wolff is convincing in her portrayal of a mother in distress, but what her character lacks -- like the movie as a whole -- is that spark of fantasy that will engage audiences fully rather than simply elicit a degree of interest and mild sympathy.
Production companies: Niko Film, ZDF Das Kleine Fernsehspiel, Arte, DFFB
Cast: Susanne Wolff, Johann von Bulow, Marenn Kroymann, Dorte Lyssewski, Herbert Fritsch, Klaus Pohl, Judith Engel, Hans Diehl.
Director: Emily Atef.
Screenwriters: Emily Atef, Esther Bernstorff.
Photography: Henner Besuch.
Production design: Annette Lofy.
Music: Manfred Eicher.
Editor: Beatrice Babin.
Sales: Bavaria International Film
No rating, 99 minutes.
BUENOS AIRES -- The winners of the inaugural Festival Internacional San Luis Cine were announced during the weekend in the provincial Argentine capital.
The Israeli film Jellyfish (Meduzot) won the top prize in the features category Saturday, taking home the Golden Puntano and $50,000. The film, directed by Etgar Keret and Shira Geffen, focuses on the lives of three women in modern-day Tel-Aviv. It also won the Camera d'Or this year at the Festival de Cannes, the top award for first-time directors.
David Cronenberg was awarded best director for his crime thriller Eastern Promises, starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. Steven Knight also was lauded with top screenwriting honors for his script about Russian mobsters in London.
Top acting props went to Cesar Troncoso for the Uruguayan film The Pope's Toilet (El Bano del Papa) and Germany's Maren Kroymann for Hounded (Verfolgt).
The jury created a new category, best opera prima, and awarded it to Nadine Labaki for Caramel (Sukar Banat), Lebanon's official submission for the best foreign-language film Oscar.
The Israeli film Jellyfish (Meduzot) won the top prize in the features category Saturday, taking home the Golden Puntano and $50,000. The film, directed by Etgar Keret and Shira Geffen, focuses on the lives of three women in modern-day Tel-Aviv. It also won the Camera d'Or this year at the Festival de Cannes, the top award for first-time directors.
David Cronenberg was awarded best director for his crime thriller Eastern Promises, starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. Steven Knight also was lauded with top screenwriting honors for his script about Russian mobsters in London.
Top acting props went to Cesar Troncoso for the Uruguayan film The Pope's Toilet (El Bano del Papa) and Germany's Maren Kroymann for Hounded (Verfolgt).
The jury created a new category, best opera prima, and awarded it to Nadine Labaki for Caramel (Sukar Banat), Lebanon's official submission for the best foreign-language film Oscar.
- 11/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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