A French action film and an American indie romance are both up for grabs with international buyers at the Tokyo International Film Festival‘s TIFFCOM market.
Cappu Films has sold “Red Bird” to Kinologistika LLC for the CIS region, which covers Russia and other former Soviet states, and has taken on international sales for “Step Back, Doors Closing.”
“Red Bird” is directed by Alexandre Laugier, Thomas Habibes and Houssam Adili, who draw on backgrounds in stunt work and martial arts. Habibes and Adili also take the lead roles, with Eric Delcourt, Jean-Louis Tribes and Jean-Marie Paris in support. The story follows Max, whose father worked covertly as Red Bird. When the older man dies in unexplained circumstances, Max and his friend Sam set out to learn the truth, and the search leads them into a perilous plot.
Shot in Marseille and made independently, the film puts physical action front and center. SOUTHfilms produced it and released it in French cinemas in January.
“‘Red Bird’ brings the energy of its filmmakers and stunt team directly to the screen. We’re pleased to have secured a CIS deal and look forward to introducing the film to more distributors in Tokyo,” said Janice Woo of Cappu Films.
“Step Back, Doors Closing”
Cappu Films
“Step Back, Doors Closing” is written and directed by Carter Ward, who produced with Jane Hollon and Kathryn Crabtree. Carmen Berkeley and Reilly Walters lead the cast in the story of Ryan and Julisa, a pair of strangers who cross paths on a Washington, D.C. Metro train. Across 24 hours, they roam the city and open up about what they want and what scares them as a romance takes hold. Michelle Macedo, Ashley Romans and Mershad Torabi co-star.
The film bowed at Los Angeles’ Dances With Films in 2024. Freestyle Digital Media has released it in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, and Cappu is looking for partners in other territories.
“I could not be more proud or excited to partner with Cappu Films. Their support means the world not only to myself, but our entire cast and crew. We can’t wait for international audiences to see the version of Washington, D.C. we know and love. One where meet-cutes are still possible, and single weekends can change the trajectory of our lives forever,” said Ward of Arden Pictures.
Cappu Films works with independent filmmakers on both arthouse and commercial titles. Its library spans action, horror, fantasy and arthouse fare, TV series and classics from Hong Kong cinema’s golden era.
Leave a Reply