23/05/2008

"It is the first time we have such a strong market,” said Emilie George, head of Memento Films International, who announced further deals (see news) on Home [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Kacey Mottet Klein
interview: Thierry Spicher
interview: Ursula Meier
film profile], Entre les murs [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Carole Scotta
interview: Laurent Cantet
film profile], and Wendy & Lucy.

Home by Swiss filmmaker Ursula Miere, which was shown in Critics’ Week, was picked up for Benelux (Lumiere), Switzerland (Filmcoopi), Greece (Rosebud), Italy (Teodora), the UK (Soda Pictures), India (Alliance) and the former Yugoslavia (Mega Communication). Other offers were pending, including for the US. The film starring Isabelle Huppert will be released in France through Diaphana at the end of the year.

Although at press time Laurent Cantet’s Entre les murs had still to screen in official competition, the film was a huge hit following its first market screening early in the festival. As previously reported, a dozen territories were closed, plus Switzerland (Filmcoopi), Portugal (Midas) and Israel (United King). Other sales were expected for the US, Canada, Japan, Germany/Austria and Scandinavia.

The Michelle Williams vehicle Wendy & Lucy, which screened at Un Certain Regar, was sold to the UK (Soda Pictures), with offers pending for the US and France.

Anna Novion’s feature debut Grown Ups [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], which screened at Critics Week, attracted a lot of interest as well. Apart from the deal announced on Switzerland (Xenix), George was on the verge of closing with Benelux, Italy and Germany/Austria. “The film is light and fresh. People love it,” said George.

George was delighted with her strong Cannes 2008, at which three out of her four titles were very much in demand. “We saw everyone and sold our new titles as well as catalogue titles. Unlike in previous years, Germany/Austria was very strong this year. Asia in general was very active (apart from Japan). US buyers were there as well, but more hesitant then before on auteur films. Our policy, which is to take on only films that can fill us with enthusiasm, has proven a real success.”