07/02/2025 - A wounded agent's quest for the truth and redemption takes centre stage in Rachel Lang’s movie, which unfolds in the deserts of Niger as well as in the snowy Alps

l-r: Eye Haïdara (© Georges Biard) and Mélanie Laurent (© Avda)

The European Film Market (EFM, 13-19 February) in Berlin will welcome Mata, a French-Belgian high-stakes spy-thriller directed by Rachel Lang. The film has been acquired by Paris-based sales agent Indie Sales for international representation and will make its market debut at the EFM, where it will be presented to potential buyers. Currently in production, Mata promises to be a dynamic addition to the French spy genre, combining intense action with psychological depth.

Mata follows the story of a French secret agent, played by Eye Haïdara, who is wounded during a covert mission in Niger. During this operation, her colleague Antoine is captured, leaving her both physically and emotionally scarred. Upon her return to France, Mata volunteers for a counter-espionage mission in the Alps. She suspects that this new assignment is somehow linked to her traumatic experience in Africa. As she delves deeper into the mission, Mata becomes increasingly convinced that her superiors are concealing critical information from her. Determined to uncover the truth, she operates outside official channels, risking her career and her personal safety.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast alongside Eye Haïdara (The Lost Boys [+see also:
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interview: Gianluca Jodice
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The film is directed by Lang, marking her third feature. Lang previously directed Our Men [+see also:
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film profile], which was showcased in the Berlinale’s Forum section in 2016. The screenplay has been penned by Lang, whose expertise in crafting emotionally resonant narratives is expected to bring a unique perspective to Mata, particularly with its focus on a female protagonist navigating the traditionally male-dominated world of espionage.

Mata is a French-Belgian co-production, highlighting the collaborative efforts of multiple production companies. It is being produced by Chevaldeuxtrois, Nolita Cinema, Wrong Men and Marvelous. Warner Bros France will handle the theatrical distribution, while Netflix has acquired the local streaming rights, ensuring broad accessibility for audiences.