19/05/2008

Against the tide of the slow start to the Cannes market, UK buyers have been splashing out, acquiring titles. Matteo Garrone’s Gomorrah [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Domenico Procacci
interview: Jean Labadie
interview: Matteo Garrone
film profile], which enjoyed a rapturous response at its Sunday screening, has been picked up by Optimum.

Halcyon Pictures has acquired Julie Delpy’s The Countess [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Anna Maria Mühe
film profile], about 16th century Hungarian serial killer Countess Bathory, starring Delpy, William Hurt and Daniel Bruhl. Halcyon also picked up the mystery film The Girl in the Park, starring Kate Bosworth and Sigourney Weaver.

Metrodome acquired German rites of passage tale Heart of Fire [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], while Revolver has picked up JCVD, starring Jean Claude Van Damme. HandMade Films have sold Eloise in Paris to Entertainment Film Distributors (UK).

High Point has bought world rights (excluding the UK) for British horror film Splintered.

Meanwhile, US distributor Strand Releasing has picked up the UK/Irish comedy How About You, about a young woman running a retirement home over Christmas. The film, based on a Maeve Binchy short story, stars Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Redgrave and Imelda Staunton.

The Weinstein Co has acquired British film Eden Lake for the US. The film deals with a young couple on holiday taking on a gang of louts. Optimum have UK rights.

And, despite the exit of David Thompson, BBC Films are in Cannes representing a strong slate. Mel Gibson will star in Edge of Darkness, while Ellen Page is attached to Jane Eyre. New projects include Debbie Isitt’s Nativity, Lynne Ramsay’s We Need To Talk About Kevin and Anthony Wonke’s The Road to Glory.

BBC’s under-production projects include Jane Campion’s Bright Star, Armando Ianucci’s In the Loop, Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank and Tom Hooper’s The Damned United.