News

Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has picked up international rights to David Pablos’ “On the Road” (“En El Camino”). The film, a bold, tender Mexican road movie, will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons section.

“On the Road” follows Veneno, a rebellious young drifter who often sleeps with truck drivers by roadside diners. While in urgent need of a ride, he meets Muñeco, a private, hard-edged driver. Veneno convinces Muñeco to take him deep into the hyper-masculine world of long-haul trucking across the north of Mexico. As they travel together and an unexpected intimacy builds between them, shadows from Veneno’s past resurface, putting both their lives at risk. The film stars newcomer Victor Miguel Prieto and Osvaldo Sánchez (“Pedro Páramo”).

Pablos is known for films such as “Dance of the 41” and “The Chosen Ones,” both produced by Pablo Cruz, as well as directing the...

The 2025 Berlin Film Festival jury, led by Todd Haynes, fell hard for their eventual Golden Bear winner “Dreams (Sex Love),” the third entry in a trilogy from Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud. Now, Strand Releasing has announced the acquisition of the film, about the fallout of a young woman’s (Ella Øverbye) crush on her female French teacher (Selome Emnetu), for North American release. Strand will also release the prior films in Haugerud’s Oslo Trilogy, “Sex” and “Love,” this summer as well. Watch the trailer for “Love” below.

Here’s the official synopsis of Berlin winner “Dreams,” as a refresh: “In ‘Dreams,’ Johanne falls in love for the first time, with her teacher. To preserve her feelings, she documents her emotions and experiences in writing. When her mother and grandmother read what she has written, they are initially shocked by its intimate content but soon see that it has literary potential.

Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has picked up international rights to “Drunken Noodles,” the latest feature from Argentinian-born, New York-based filmmaker Lucio Castro.

The English-language erotic tale with surreal undertones will world premiere next month in Cannes’ Acid sidebar.

Set between New York City and upstate New York, “Drunken Noodles” follows Adnan, a young art student spending the summer in the city to apartment-sit. He begins interning at a gallery where an unconventional older artist he once encountered is being exhibited. As moments from his past and present begin to intertwine, a series of encounters – both artistic and erotic – open cracks in his everyday reality.

“Lucio’s filmmaking is elegant and evocative,” said M-Appeal managing director Maren Kroymann. “’Drunken Noodles’ drew us in with its refined camerawork and strong sense of atmosphere. It’s artful yet accessible cinema, and we believe audiences will be equally captivated.”

The U.S.-Argentine production stars Laith Khalifeh,...

Berlin sales outfit M-Appeal has sealed further deals for Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud’s Berlinale Golden Bear winner “Dreams,” as well as additional sales for “Sex” and “Love,” the other films in the director’s trilogy.

“Dreams” follows Johanne, a young woman who documents her first love — an infatuation with her teacher — through intimate writing. When her mother and grandmother discover her work, their initial shock turns to recognition of its literary merit. As they weigh publishing it, Johanne is forced to reconcile fantasy with reality, while all three women explore their differing perspectives on love, sexuality and self-discovery.

Vendetta Films has acquired the trilogy for Australia and New Zealand. “We fell in love with ‘Dreams’ and we think this unique and mystery-filled spin on the age-old tale of a student falling for their teacher is perfect for modern audiences. We’re so excited to bring Dag Johan Haugerud...

Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal will handle international sales for “Living the Land,” the second feature by Chinese director Huo Meng, which will world premiere in Berlinale Competition next month. The film is an epic family tale that traces the lives of four generations over the course of a single year.

Set in 1991, as China undergoes sweeping socio-economic changes that drive many to leave their rural villages in pursuit of work in the cities, 10-year-old Chuang, the third child of his family, must remain in the village due to family plans. Against the backdrop of modernization, as the advent of technology reshapes their traditional way of life, cycles of births, marriages and funerals reveal the weight of tradition and the pressures of balancing familial responsibilities with a rapidly changing world.

Huo Meng’s 2018 debut feature “Crossing the Border — Zhaoguan” won the Pingyao International Film Festival Fei Mu Award for best director.

Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has closed adeal on Dag Johan Haugerud’sBerlinale competition title Dreams (Sex Love) with leading Japanese distributor Bitters End.

The first English-language trailer for the film has also been unveiled. Watch it above.

Dreams is the final part of Haugerud’s Sex, Love, Dreams trilogy. Sex premiered in the Berlinale Panorama last year whileLove was in the main competition in Venice.

M-Appeal also confirmed Bitters End, which handled titles such as Oppenheimer, Perfect Days, La Chimera and The Holdovers in Japan,has also acquired the other two titles in the trilogy. A theatrical release is planned...

Berlin-based sales outfit M-Appeal has closed adeal on Dag Johan Haugerud’sBerlinale competition title Dreams (Sex Love) with leading Japanese distributor Bitters End.

The first English-language trailer for the film has also been unveiled. Watch it above.

Dreams is the final part of Haugerud’s Sex, Love, Dreams trilogy. Sex premiered in the Berlinale Panorama last year whileLove was in the main competition in Venice.

M-Appeal also confirmed Bitters End, which handled titles such as Oppenheimer, Perfect Days, La Chimera and The Holdovers in Japan,has also acquired the other two titles in the trilogy. A theatrical release is planned...

Berlin-based M-Appeal will handle world sales for erotic thriller “Night Stage,” which will world premiere in Berlinale’s Panorama sidebar.

“Night Stage,” the latest film by Brazil’s Filipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon, follows an ambitious actor and a successful politician who start a secret affair, and together discover their fetish for having sex in public places. The closer they get to their dream of fame, the more they feel the urge to put themselves at risk.

The film is an erotic thriller with nods to Brian De Palma and Paul Verhoeven, but with a Brazilian twist. The cast is led by Gabriel Faryas as Matias, and Cirillo Luna as Rafael.

Matzembacher and Reolon told Variety: “We’ve always been interested in universes filled with desire, danger and tension, so making an erotic thriller was the natural way to go. However, this is a genre with a strong heterosexual dominance,...

Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal has acquired world sales rights for “In Ashes,” the debut feature film by Denmark’s Ludvig Christian Næsted Poulsen, set to premiere next year.

The film follows Christian, a young twenty-something gay man, who is trying to get over the heartbreak of his first love. Looking for meaningful connections through online dating apps, he goes through a whirlwind of experiences, passion and obsession on a journey to find new love, and himself.

“I wanted to show just how difficult it is being young in a chaotic, lusty and hyper liberal environment,” the director told Variety.

“The film offers a fresh take on modern dating and digital hook-up culture in the gay community, exploring the tension between casual sex encounters and the longing for deeper emotional connection. The film addresses both needs, with a touch of wry humor, and will be relatable to many in the gay audience,...

Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has boarded elevated genre title “Bury Your Dead,” which world premieres at the Sitges Film Festival in the competition section. The director is Brazilian filmmaker Marco Dutra.

Dutra’s previous feature “All the Dead Ones” premiered in Berlinale competition in 2020, while his gory werewolf tale “Good Manners,” co-directed with Juliana Rojas, won the Silver Leopard at Locarno in 2017. The directing duo’s debut horror film “Hard Labor” premiered in Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2011.

After the screening at Sitges next week, the film will play at BFI London Film Festival. Further fall festival selections will be announced shortly.

The film follows Edgar Wilson, a roadkill collector in rural Brazil, who dreams of escaping his small-town existence with Nete, the love of his life. When Nete decides to join her family in an apocalyptic cult, Edgar finds himself at a crossroads. With the world on the brink of destruction,...

Sex is never just sex, says Bjorn (Lars Jacob Holm), a middle-aged psychologist Tor (Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen) meets on the ferry between central Oslo and Nakholmen, the island where they happen to have neighboring houses. Tor, a nurse who works with cancer patients, looks sceptical.

Tor has had a lot of sex, often generated by Grinder and occasionally on this ferry; it’s a thrill, he tells his colleague Marianne (Andrea Bræin Hovig), to do a search for the nearest person on the app and look up to see the person on your screen looking right back at you. Marianne gives it a try on Tinder and meets a man who tells her he is married. Does he feel guilty? Yes, extremely guilty! “You’ve ruined it a bit, now,” he says accusingly. Bjorn was right. Sex is never just sex.

Dag Johan Haugerud’s discursive film is a companion piece to his earlier Sex.

“Baby,” which premiered in Cannes Critics’ Week where it won the Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award for joint acting lead Ricardo Teodoro, has closed further sales.

Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal have sold the distribution rights to Ama Films for Greece, Mezipatra z.s for Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Falcon for Indonesia.

“Baby,” directed by Brazilian Marcelo Caetano and based on a screenplay by Caetano and Gabriel Domingues, follows 18-year-old Wellington, who finds himself alone and adrift on the streets of São Paulo, without any contact from his parents and lacking the resources to rebuild his life. He encounters Ronaldo, a mature man, who teaches him new ways of surviving. Gradually, their relationship turns into a conflicting passion.

Ama Films, whose recent releases include Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist” (also handled by M-Appeal) and Jessica Hausner’s “Club Zero,” plans to release “Baby” in cinemas at the end of the year.

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,...

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.

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...

“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,...

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.

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...

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.

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...

“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,...

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,...

“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...

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.

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...

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.

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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…...

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.

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,...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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,...