18/05/2010

French sales outfit Umedia – which on Wednesday will premiere the Peruvian/Spanish/Venezuelan co-production October [+see also:
trailer
film profile] in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard – has reported strong interest from buyers in the Australian film Little Sparrows by the up-and-coming Yu-Hsiu Camille Chen.

Little Sparrows is an emotional story about three sisters who try to cope with their mother’s illness. “It is a tender film about passing on from one generation to another a very strong portrayal of women,” said the company’s managing director Frédéric Corvez from at his stand at Cannes Market. At mid-market, Corvez was confident to be able to pre-sell some territories, including Korea and Japan.

Another new title on offer at Umedia is Knifer by Greece’s Yannis Economides, who was launched in Cannes’ Critics Week in 2006 with Soul Kicking [+see also:
film review
film profile].

October, by Daniel and Diego Vega, was picked up by Corvez just after its Cannes selection. “It’s a social comedy, a satire filmed with a striking personal style,” said the sales executive who was expecting buyers’ offers after two market screenings.

The company is also at the market with the French film La Vie au Ranch [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Sophie Letourneur, set to be released in France by Shellac, later this year.

“We’ve specialised in first feature films to build a coherent catalogue. Theatrical distribution is very tough these days, but with our distinct label and good reputation we work hand in hand with key festivals and producers come to us because they know we handle their films with care,” said the former MK2 and Celluloid Dreams sales executive.