The Cannes Film Market is preparing for one of its most uncertain editions in a while, as dealers are navigating an environment influenced by risk-aversion, political instability (thanks to Mr. Trump), and the residual effects of a slow Berlin. The European Film Market in February was filled with promising projects, but few significant transactions took place, causing distributors to be cautious as they move towards the Marché du Film, which takes place from May 13-21.
According to Simon Williams of Ashland Hill Media Finance, the market has become less dependable as it’s no longer sufficient to rely on one market to initiate a project. Instead, he suggests that one must showcase their projects in multiple markets, such as Berlin and Cannes, to secure more deals and ultimately gather the necessary financing to get the go-ahead. This means putting in extra effort to make things happen.
As pre-sales become more difficult to obtain and Donald Trump’s 100% tariffs on movies produced abroad add an extra level of unpredictability, the independent film industry is preparing for a tough Cannes festival with Trump’s plan details still vague. Even those who are doubtful that the plan will materialize are concerned that even the possibility of tariffs could deter already cautious financiers.
In recent years, independent films such as “Anora”, “The Brutalist”, “Emilia Pérez”, “The Substance”, “Conclave” and “A Real Pain” – many of which premiered at Cannes and have achieved commercial success – demonstrate the potential for those who can balance the financial aspects effectively.
As a gamer, I’m always on the lookout for fresh, innovative, and mind-blowing ideas in films and TV shows. It seems like there’s a growing demand for such content, and I truly hope my cravings are justified! Caviar, with their projects like Zac Efron and Phoebe Dynevor’s Famous, is catering to this appetite quite well. Case in point: Coralie Fargeat’s offbeat film, The Substance, was a massive hit, raking in almost $60 million in international box office sales. So here’s to more unconventional, captivating stories!
Guy Danella, the new head of production and acquisition at XYZ Films, notes that it’s still possible to create movies suitable for a global audience, even within the independent sector,” says Danella. “He emphasizes that there’s a strong desire among talents, including actors eager for meaningful projects. These actors may not require a big studio film to accept an offer.
The evidence is clear with numerous projects slated for this year’s Marché, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Notably, these projects feature some of the most sought-after talents such as Sydney Sweeney, Jesse Plemons, Gal Gadot, Jeremy Allen White, and Angelina Jolie. They are involved in a variety of projects, ranging from big-budget productions like Lionsgate’s $150 million-plus Hunger Games prequel, to smaller ones like Colman Domingo’s directorial debut and a new film by Werner Herzog. The market’s reaction at the Croisette will serve as a gauge of the industry’s long-term resilience following disruptions.
ANXIOUS PEOPLE
DIRECTOR Marc Forster
STARS Angelina Jolie
This upcoming holiday-themed dramedy brings together the team behind the 2022 crossover sensation “A Man Called Otto,” including director Marc Forster, screenwriter David Magee, and producers Fredrik Wikström Nicastro and Renée Wolfe. The story revolves around an investment banker (played by Jolie) who unexpectedly ends up with a group of strangers on Christmas Eve when a reluctant bank robber holds them hostage. Originating from the novel of “A Man Called Otto” author Fredrik Backman, this project has already been successfully adapted into a popular Swedish Netflix series. With such a distinguished pedigree and proven success, this is a production that promises to deliver.
SALES Black Bear (international), WME Independent (U.S.)
THE END OF IT
DIRECTOR Maria Martinez Bayona
STARS Rebecca Hall, Gael GarcÍa Bernal, Noomi Rapace, Beanie Feldstein
A high-profile science fiction film featuring a stellar cast is up for grabs – a project perfect for both traditional theater screenings and successful streaming releases. This is director Bayona’s debut feature, where an age-old problem has been solved – aging is no longer an issue, and death becomes optional. However, complications arise when an artist (Rebecca Hall), nearing her 250th birthday, decides to take her own life.
SALES Bankside (international), WME Independent (North America)
LE FAUX SOIR
DIRECTOR Michaël R. Roskam
STARS Matthias Schoenaerts, Mélanie Thierry, Karim Leklou
In this World War II adventure-thriller, actor Roskam teams up with his rugged co-star Schoenaerts. The story unfolds in German-controlled Belgium and is loosely based on the real-life events of a Belgian newspaper, Le Soir, which was used for Nazi propaganda after the invasion. A group of Belgian resistance fighters produces a satirical edition of the paper, called Le Faux Soir or The False Soir.
SALES Goodfella
HEADS OR TAILS? (TESTA O CROCE?)
DIRECTORS Alessio Rigo de Righi, Matteo Zoppis
STARS Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Alessandro Borghi, John C. Reilly
In the cinematic realm, the enigmatic essence of Italian filmmaking continues through this fantastical anti-Western, masterfully crafted by the same directors behind “The Tale of King Crab.” As a defiant woman and her cowboy companion evade Buffalo Bill amidst Italy’s dramatic terrain, they weave an ethereal narrative that blurs genre lines, intertwining themes of love, mythology, and rebellion. In this Un Certain Regard debut, Reilly brings the legendary impresario to life with a poetic toughness.
SALES Cinetic Media
THE INVITE
DIRECTOR Olivia Wilde
STARS Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Ed Norton, Penelope Cruz
After the success of “Don’t Worry Darling,” Buzz Wilde is directing another highly anticipated film in the comedy genre. This movie features a star-studded cast as four characters: two married couples. In this story, one couple dealing with marital issues decides to invite their alluring neighbors for a night. However, as the evening unfolds, hidden secrets start to surface.
SALES FilmNation (international), UTA (U.S.)
KARMA
DIRECTOR Guillaume Canet
STARS Marion Cotillard, Denis Ménochet, Leonardo Sbaraglia
The intricate plot details are being kept secret, but the upcoming psychological thriller starring Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet has generated significant excitement due to its allure of A-list French actors and a compelling genre narrative. It’s currently one of the most anticipated films in the industry.
SALES Pathé
LES MISÉRABLES
DIRECTOR Fred Cavayé
STARS Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim, Noémie Merlant
Experience an exhilarating blend of “Les Misérables” and “Taken”, as we delve into a thrilling, action-oriented interpretation of the timeless Victor Hugo tale. StudioCanal assures us of an enthralling fusion of adrenaline-pumping spectacle and grandeur in the costume department.
SALES Studiocanal
THE PAINTED BRIDE
Director Jeremiah Zagar helms the new film titled “The Bear,” featuring Jeremy Allen White, Mandy Patinkin, and Isabella Rossellini. This movie has generated buzz as it’s from the director behind both “Hustle” and “We are Animals.” In “The Bear,” White portrays a man juggling his time between family care and an ambitious art project. However, a crisis forces him to return home to Baltimore, where his life undergoes a significant change. The film blends live action with stop-motion animation, making it an intriguing choice for specialized distributors worldwide.
Jeremiah Zagar directs “The Bear,” starring Jeremy Allen White, Mandy Patinkin, and Isabella Rossellini. The movie has been getting attention because the same director made “Hustle” and “We are Animals.” In this film, White plays a man who balances family responsibilities with an art project, but a crisis sends him back home to Baltimore, altering his life drastically. The unique blend of live action and stop-motion animation makes it interesting for international and local distributors.
POSSUM SONG
DIRECTOR Greg Kwedar
STARS Miles Teller
If you’re a fan of unconventional cinema, here’s something you might enjoy: Director Kwedar steps into the world of whimsical comedy with this latest venture. In it, the star of Top Gun: Maverick, Teller, portrays a Nashville artist who swiped the tunes for his successful debut album. He then makes a pact with a mystical opossum to gain creative inspiration for his critical-yet-to-be-made follow-up.
SALES FilmNation (international), FilmNation/CAA Media Finance (North America)
RAPTURE
DIRECTOR Jordan Tannahill
STARS Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Manu Ríos
As a horror enthusiast, I can’t help but be thrilled about the allure of this chilling period piece set in a medieval monastery, where the undead rise. This heart-stopping tale is the brainchild of a first-time director named Tannahill, promising an exhilarating blend of history and horror that’s sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats!
SALES HanWay Films
THE RETURN OF STANLEY ATWELL
DIRECTOR Brian Welsh
STARS Nicholas Galitzine, Marisa Abela
This darkly energetic inheritance thriller, infused with punk sensibilities, represents the second joint venture between Scottish filmmaker Welsh and Steven Soderbergh – who is serving as executive producer, based on his own narrative – and is poised to be a popular pick among the trendy set at this year’s Cannes market.
SALES Protagonist Pictures
THE RULE OF THREE
DIRECTOR James Roday Rodriguez
STARS Thomasin McKenzie, Katie Douglas
A doomed countdown, a blast from the ’90s, and an unwavering friendship among teens forms the core of this chilling horror premiere. This gripping tale is being prepared for release by the creators of Smile, marking the start of a planned trilogy. The anticipated franchise quality is expected to attract independent buyers.
SALES Protagonist Pictures
SHUTOUT
DIRECTOR David O. Russell
STARS Robert De Niro, Jenna Ortega
In an exciting collaboration, Russell is uniting the generational talents of Gen Z sensation Ortega and Boomer icon De Niro for a film centered around the thrilling realm of high-stakes pool. The Academy Award-winning actor will portray a seasoned hustler in a pool hall, coaching the young star from “Wednesday,” who’s a prodigy at the game. This marks the director and De Niro’s reunion since their last project, “Silver Linings Playbook.
SALES Black Bear (international), CAA Media Finance (U.S.)
SPYMASTERS
DIRECTOR Lance Kawas
STARS Malin Akerman, Michael Jai White
90’s-esque erotic thrillers are making a comeback, especially after the release of “Babygirl,” and this film that fits the bill as an espionage story is sure to satisfy fans longing for a revisit to those heated action movies. The plot revolves around a CIA agent who must monitor, and possibly take out, a former romantic interest.
SALES Bleiberg Entertainment
STRANGE ARRIVALS
DIRECTOR Roger Ross Williams
STARS Colman Domingo, Demi Moore
Excitedly fresh from their second consecutive Oscar nominations, the actors are set to portray an interracial couple who were the initial reported victims of an extraterrestrial abduction. Drawing inspiration from a true event, this film will mark Williams’ second foray into narrative features, following a successful documentary career that culminated in an Academy Award win.
SALES Rocket Science (international); WME Independent, CAA Media Finance (U.S.)
UNTAMABLE
DIRECTOR Thomas Ngijol
STARS Thomas Ngijol, Danilo Melande
Explore a gripping police drama, penned by and starring director Ngijol, which transports us to the streets of Cameroon. This work, a departure from his previous comedic endeavors, aims to captivate art-house and crossover audiences alike, with a tale inspired by real events. The story revolves around a police chief character portrayed by Ngijol, as he delves into the murder of a fellow officer in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon.
SALES Goodfellas
THE ACCOMPANIST
DIRECTOR Zach Woods
STARS Aubrey Plaza, Susan Sarandon, Everly Carganilla
Stars from “Silicon Valley,” “Veep,” and “The Office,” Woods, steps into his first feature role in this drama that skillfully blends social and magical realism. The narrative revolves around a foster child who becomes entwined with a woman tormented by her past, making for an intriguing tale that might appeal to indie distributors seeking intelligent yet family-friendly content.
SALES Mister Smith Entertainment (international), UTA (North America)
BUNKER
DIRECTOR Florian Zeller
STARS Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz
International movie enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to witness this gripping psychological thriller, penned by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Zeller (The Father), starring husband-and-wife Oscar winners Bardem and Cruz as a duo grappling with a predicament when he embarks on a project constructing a doomsday shelter for a tech mogul.
SALES FilmNation Entertainment (international), CAA Media Finance/WME Independent (North America)
BUCKING FASTARD
DIRECTOR Werner Herzog
STARS Kate Mara, Rooney Mara, Orlando Bloom, Domhnall Gleeson
Herzog is back with a unique, melodramatic narrative featuring sisters (Kate and Rooney Mara, making their first joint appearance) who find themselves in the limelight of tabloids. Herzog has marked Bucking Fastard as the third installment in an “operatic triptych,” following his celebrated works Fitzcarraldo and Grizzly Man, piquing curiosity among premium viewers.
SALES HanWay Films
BAD LIEUTENANT: TOKYO
DIRECTOR Takashi Miike
STARS Shun Oguri, Lily James, Liv Morgan
In this third installment of the popular, gritty cop series, renowned Japanese director Miike (known for films like “Audition” and “13 Assassins”) replaces Werner Herzog. The story unfolds within Tokyo’s dangerous yakuza underworld. Neon will distribute the film in cinemas across North America, while also managing its international rights.
SALES Neon
COYOTE VS ACME
DIRECTOR Dave Green
STARS Will Forte, John Cena, Wile E. Coyote
Originating from the discard pile of Warner Bros., this half-animated comedy has traveled quite a distance, eventually gracing the screens at Cannes. The completed movie revolves around Wile E. Coyote who takes legal action against ACME Corporation after their products invariably explode on him (in a very literal sense). In the U.S., Ketchup Entertainment handles its distribution, while offering international buyers an entry point into the esteemed Looney Tunes franchise.
SALES Kinology (international)
THE EDGE OF NORMAL
DIRECTOR Carlota Pereda
STARS Chloë Grace Moretz, Rupert Friend
Pereda’s highly anticipated first English-language release, following the success of her Spanish slasher film “Piggy” (2022), is a notable standout in the sea of straight-to-video horror movies. In this film, “Kick-Ass” actress Moretz portrays a survivor of a serial killer who is once again drawn into the terror when she’s asked to guide another victim.
SALES XYZ Films/CAA Media Finance
FAMOUS
DIRECTOR Jody Hill
STARS Zac Efron, Phoebe Dynevor
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share that I’ve learned Zac Efron will star in an upcoming thriller that delves into the glitzy world of Hollywood stardom. In this movie, Zac will portray not one, but two characters: a beloved Tinseltown heartthrob and his dedicated fan, who bears a striking resemblance to him. This obsessive admirer decides to relocate to LA with the sole aim of achieving fame, regardless of the hurdles along the way.
SALES Black Bear (international)
GETTING RID OF MATTHEW
DIRECTOR Hernán Jiménez
STARS Emma Roberts, Luke Wilson, Heather Graham
Among the limited number of heartwarming romantic comedies available in Cannes this year, one notable feature is directed by Jiménez, known for “Love Hard.” This film is an adaptation of a bestseller by Jane Fallon. In it, Roberts plays a young professional woman who finds herself in a predicament she didn’t anticipate when her boss, and secret lover (Wilson), leaves his married wife (Graham) for her.
SALES Architect
THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
DIRECTOR Francis Lawrence
STARS Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak
In a significant move, Lionsgate delves deeper into the world of Panem with their upcoming production, valued at over $150 million, focusing on the young years of Haymitch Abernathy during the notorious Second Quarter Quell. This prequel boasts experienced franchise directors and an exciting, talented cast, making it a standout film that’s generating buzz in the independent film market.
SALES Lionsgate
PRETEND I’M NOT HERE
DIRECTOR Simon Bird
STARS Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins, Martin Freeman
Experience a humorous take on World War II Netherlands in this film adaptation of Hans Keilson’s novella. Here, an ordinary couple finds themselves sheltering a Jewish man, and as they grow closer, their shared experience fosters something deeper than just compassion. With the acclaimed double-Oscar nominee Hawkins in the cast, this production seems primed for award recognition. Plus, Bird, director of the popular British comedy The Inbetweeners, promises plenty of laughs.
SALES Cornerstone (Intl), Cornerstone/CAA Media Finance (U.S.)
RUIN
DIRECTOR Niki Caro
STARS Gal Gadot, Matthias Schoenaerts
News arrives about an upcoming project from Caro, the director known for films like “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and live-action “Mulan” for Disney. This new production is a period drama with a thrilling action twist, making it highly sought after by both major studios and independent buyers. The story unfolds in the remnants of post-World War II Germany, and it’s based on a top-ranking screenplay penned by Kaz Firpo and Ryan Firpo, who also worked on Marvel’s “Eternals.” In this film, Gal Gadot portrays a woman who was recently freed from a concentration camp. She joins forces with a German soldier, played by Schoenaerts, to exact revenge upon a notorious Nazi SS squad.
Experienced Sales Professionals (from various nations), United Talent Agency’s Independent Film Group, William Morris Endeavor’s Independent Division, and CAA’s Media Finance (based in the U.S.)
Or more casually:
Seasoned sales folks worldwide, UTA’s Indie film crew, WME’s independent team, and CAA’s US media finance unit.
SCANDALOUS!
DIRECTOR Colman Domingo
STARS Sydney Sweeney, David Jonsson
As a passionate gamer, I’m super excited to share that the esteemed artist Domingo, known for his double Oscar nominations (“Rustin” and “Sing Sing”), is stepping into directing with a captivating period drama. This tale revolves around the clandestine love story between the legendary Kim Novak and the charismatic Sammy Davis Jr., a narrative that screams potential Oscar gold.
SALES 193
SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE BEAST OF MOSSY BOTTOM
DIRECTOR Steve Cox
STARS Shaun, Timmy, The Farmer, The Naughty Pigs
Parents looking for family-friendly entertainment are likely to flock to StudioCanal, eager to watch the latest installment of “Shaun The Sheep” – the third movie from Aardman Animations’ claymation series. Unlike the recent Oscar-nominated film “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” this movie is not tied up in StudioCanal’s Netflix contract and will instead be available for independent distribution.
SALES StudioCanal
UNTITLED CELEBRITY PASS MOVIE
DIRECTOR David Wain
STARS Zoey Deutch, Jon Hamm, John Slattery
PROPOSITION: A distributor seeking an amusing series, Deutch – currently showcased with Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague – plays a Midwestern bride-to-be aiming for fame in Hollywood. This is after her partner encounters his own celebrity get-out-of-jail-free card and employs it.
SALES 193
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2025-05-12 17:25