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Gaumont has added French-language action feature The Orphans starring Dali Benssalah, Alban Lenoir, Anouk Grinberg and Sonia Faidi, to its Cannes slate.

The film is the first feature from Olivier Schneider who has worked as stunt coordinator on films including No Time To Die, Spectre, Taken and Fast and Furious X. It is about a cop and a mob fixer who team up to search for the killer of a former friend from their orphanage. Producers are Inoxy Films and Gaumont.

“Our ambition is to rehabilitate the French action movie and bring it back to cinemas,” said Alexis Cassanet, Gaumont’s head of international sales.

French cinema saw its international box office receipts fall to €86.6 million ($105.4 million), a near 70% drop, in 2020, according to a study unveiled by French promotion org UniFrance during the virtual Rendez-Vous market.

The drastic decline is explained by the fact that theaters worldwide were closed for several months due to the pandemic. The number of French films released in foreign theaters fell by 30% to 611 titles.

International ticket sales, meanwhile, fell to 13.7 million, down 69.8% on 2019. The extent of the drop in overseas admissions mirrors the decline in admissions for French films at home, which were down 60.7% compared with 2019 levels. UniFrance also points to the absence of a major hit and the downturn in emerging markets such as China.

Celine Sciamma’s “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” Roman Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” and Ladj Ly’s “Les Miserables” were the three French films that sold the most admissions overseas...

Several major distributors return to UK cinemas this weekend.

France, opening Wednesday, October 21

A dozen new films opened in France this week into a complex reality for the country’s distributors and exhibitors following the introduction of a night-time curfew for Paris and eight other major cities on October 17. It was announced yesterday (Oct 22) that the measure will be extended to more than half the country this Saturday (Oct 24) following a further surge in cases over the past week.

Prior to the announcement, a dozen distributors had taken the plunge to release films on Wednesday against already difficult odds. In the backdrop,...

Snd, the commercial arm of French TV network M6, is set to kick off international sales this fall on “Kandisha” and newly-acquired family movie “Pil’s Adventures,” beginning at the Sitges Film Festival and the virtual AFM market.

“Pil’s Adventures” is a CGI animated feature produced by Tat Productions, the well-established French banner behind “The Jungle Bunch” and “Terra Willy.” Now in production, the film was pitched at Cartoon Movie and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021. In the absence of a physical market, Snd will introduce “Pil’s Adventures” to buyers this month with the script, a 10-minute clip of first footage and a print presentation of all the characters, backdrops and production.

Directed by Julien Fournet, the film follows the adventures of Pil, a brave, orphaned young girl who lives in the medieval city of Misty Rock. One day, a cruel regent curses Roland,...

”French spectators don’t seem to be particularly scared about going to the cinema”

Universal Pictures International France is opening Trolls World Tour wide on 650 prints on October 14 to coincide with the country’s half-term school holidays.

France is one of the only territories in the world where the film will be seen in so many cinemas since the controversial decision by Universal Pictures’ parent group NBCUniversal in April to collapse the theatrical window in response to the pandemic which at that point had put much of the world in lockdown. Instead the film received a premium VoD day-and-date release...

Standing particularly tall in the French sales agent’s Marché du Film line-up are two premières in the form of Daniel Cohen’s A Friendly Tale and Nicolas Vanier’s Poly. While Thierry Frémaux is scheduled to unveil, on 3 June, the list of films selected for the Cannes 2020 Label and the event’s Official Selection, with Critics’ Week and the Acid programme following suit the next day, preparations for the online Marché du Film, organised by Jérôme Paillard and running 22 – 26 June, are in full swing and the line-ups of French international sales agents are beginning to emerge. The international sales division of the Snd group, for example, will be wagering on 11 titles, two of which will enjoy online market premieres. Standing out in the category of large-cast comedies is A Friendly Tale by Daniel Cohen which features the likes of Bérénice Béjo, Vincent...

Nicolas Vanier’s Spread Your Wings (Donne-Moi Des Ailes) and Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche’s South Terminal (Terminal Sud) screenings cancelled

UniFrance and Film at Lincoln Center’s 25th Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, which was to run through March 15 at the Walter Reade Theater in New York, was aborted yesterday due to the announcement by Governor Cuomo on the coronavirus pandemic limiting gathering in public spaces. Rebecca Zlotowski’s An Easy Girl (Une Fille Facile) which started at 4:00pm on Thursday was the last screening of the festival.

Burning Ghost director Stéphane Batut, who was in town and expected to participate in a Q&a had his screening canceled. On Wednesday, March 4, it was announced by UniFrance that the French delegation would not be attending. Who You Think I Am director Safy Nebbou and Rebecca Zlotowski, along with Batut were the only three filmmakers who attended.

Two films, Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche’s...

Snd, the commercial arm of the French TV network M6, will be launching sales on “Appearances” (“Valses de Vienne”), a psychological thriller headlined by Karin Viard.

“Appearances” is adapted from Swedish author Karin Alvtegen’s bestselling crime novel “Betrayal.” The film revolves around a couple of successful French expats, Eve and Henri, who live in Vienna. Their perfect life spins out of control after Eve discovers her husband’s infidelity and has a revenge one-night stand with a young Austrian man, pulling them into an irreversible spiral.

Viard stars in the film opposite French singer-turned-musician Benjamin Biolay (“On a Magical Night”) and Laetitia Dosch (“Montparnasse Bienvenue”). Now in post, “Appearances” is produced by Thelma Films and Scope Pictures. Snd will be unveiling a promo reel at the Afm, and will be distributing the film in France.

Snd’s Afm roster also includes Gabriel Le Bomin’s “De Gaulle,” a historical...

Snd has closed a flurry of deals on Nicolas Vanier’s (“Belle et Sebastien”) “Spread Your Wings” following the movie’s market premiere at Cannes.

The lavishly-lensed family adventure follows an ornithologist who sets off to teach orphaned white-fronted geese how to migrate with his and uses his airplane to guide them all the way to Norway. “Spread Your Wings” stars Jean-Paul Rouve and Melanie Doutey.

“Spread Your Wings” sold in Poland (Monolith), Ex- Yugoslavia (Blitz), Cis (Pioner Film), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Mediasquad), Middle East (Grand Entertainment), Japan (Klockwork), Hungary (Cinetel), Canada (A-Z Films), Benelux (Belga), Israel (Red Cape), Taiwan (Av Jet), Switzerland (Pathé), Italy (Lucky Red), Germany and Austria (Capelight), Portugal (Lusomundo) and Spain (A Contracorriente).

“The first two Cannes market screenings proved that the story resonates internationally. Nicolas Vanier unique story telling, the movie themes does capture every audience,” said Charlotte Boucon, head of international sales at Snd.

Snd, the commercial arm of the French private network M6, will be launching sales at Cannes on “A Friendly Tale,” a well-polished, stars-packed comedy headlined by Berenice Bejo (“The Artist”) and Vincent Cassel (“Black Swan”).

Directed by Daniel Cohen (“The Chef”), “A Friendly Tale” follows two long-time couples who have known each others for a long time and have become great friends. But the group dynamic gets blown up when one of the two wives unexpectedly becomes a best-selling author. The stars-packed comedy also includes French comedian Florence Foresti (“Barbecue”) and Francois Damiens (“La Famille Belier”).

The film is currently shooting and will be delivered in 2020. Charlotte Boucon, the head of international sales at Snd, said “A Friendly Tale” to other upscale comedies with strong concepts and casts such as “What’s in a Name?” and “Nothing to Hide.”

Boucon said “A Friendly Tale” boasted a contemporary theme, dealing with...

★★★☆☆ At its heart, Nicolas Vanier's Belle & Sebastian (2013) was a charming story of the loving bond forged between a young boy and his dog. Set in 1943, their plentiful escapades took place against the backdrop of Nazi occupation in a small town near the Swiss border where mountaineering residents guided Jews to safely neutral territory. Albeit dumbed down and a little clunky in places, the historical context added a heightened drama to the grandeur of stunning alpine scenery and a Tintin-esque tale.

Youngsters and oldsters alike…here is the reel deal: The New York International Children’s Film Festival (Nyicff) will be making its presence known in the upcoming days. On tap for the 18th annual event will be a noted variety of creative animated films and shorts for all ages to enjoy and relish. The New York International Children’s Film Festival promises to serve up an array of animated showcases that boasts all styles and formats that should prove imaginative and appealing to our past and present childhood memories.

Please note that the Nyicff will run its operation from February 27, 2015 to March 22, 2015. Additionally, the majority of these impressive feature-length and short films have experienced critical acclaim overseas. Therefore, the impact of the Nyicff’s cinematic selections should be rewarding for ardent fans of animated film fodder designed to capture the spirit of its enthusiastic viewers.

Among the films being displayed...

Fans of the Scottish indie pop-rock ensemble Belle & Sebastian may not know that their favorite band took its name from a popular French TV series of the 1960’s. That program is now the subject of a pricey and polished remake from director Nicolas Vanier (The Last Trapper), in a film that combines impressive landscape photography and animal wrangling with a schmaltzy, small-town story set during WWII. For those interested in watching the Gallic equivalent of Lassie vs. the Nazis, this may be your movie. Otherwise, the Gaumont-backed €10 million ($13 million) period piece may find a

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Korean musical phenom Psy officially became the first person to reach a billion views for his famed "Gangnam Style" video on YouTube Friday. But, it's not just his music that's making waves. The singer's unique style in the video has become its own topic of conversation. In the four-minute video, he sports bright-colored suits, short-shorts, Vivienne Westwood's iconic triple placket white button down and is never without one of two different pairs of Thierry Lasry sunglasses. Theirry Lasry spokesperson Nicolas Vanier-Leduc tells toofab the company has seen a definite spike in product interest. "Since the video hit the first 100,000 views on YouTube, so approximately in the end of August, we have about at least 2-3 requests a day from either people who contact us directly to know where the closest retailer [that sells the sunglasses is], or from our stockists who get a lot of requests from their customers," he says.Psy wears...

Pathe have Main Comp titles in Paolo Sorrentino's This Must Be the Place and Alain Cavalier's Pater on their product list, but the sale agent might find both titles a difficult sell until they are unveiled to the film critic mass. I'd bet that Phyllida Lloyd's The Iron Lady with Meryl Steep is the most desired item on their inventory list. The Iron Lady by Phyllida Lloyd - Completed This Must Be The Place by Paolo Sorrentino - Completed Monsieur Papa by Kad Merad - Completed My Worst Nightmare by Anne Fontaine - Post-Production Pater by Alain Cavalier - Completed Switch by Frederic Schoendoerffer - Completed The Tuche Family (Les Tuche) by Olivier Baroux - Completed The Well-digger's Daughter (La Fille Du Puisatier) by Daniel Auteuil - Completed Titeuf, The Film (Titeuf, Le Film) by Zep - Completed Zarafa by Jean-Christophe Lie - Post-Production Africa United by...

Robert Redford might be making a return to acting as leParisian (via The Playlist) reports that he is being lined up to star in adventurer and "The Last Trapper" filmmaker Nicolas Vanier‘s next directorial effort "Gold In The Snow" ("L’or sous la neige").

An English language adaptation of Vanier‘s own 2004 novel, Redford would play an old trapper who helps a young American man who seeks his fortune in the gold rush along the Klondike river in Alaska in 1897. Three well-known actors are said to be in contention for the younger role.

If he signs on, and indications are apparently good, it would mark Redford’s first time in front of the camera since 2007’s “Lions For Lambs". Shooting would take place over the course of a year to capture the Yukon territory as it passes through the various seasons.

Veteran actor Robert Redford is reportedly being lined up to star in adventurer Nicolas Vanier's next directorial effort, an adaptation of his own 2004 novel "L'or sous la neige," translated as "Gold In The Snow." According to leParisien, while things are not fully finalized, Redford is evidently set to play an old trapper who helps the young American protagonist in his search for gold in the rivers of Alaska. That particular role hasn't been cast as of yet--although three well-known actors are said to be in contention--but Vanier has apparently written to his idol Redford about it, with things seemingly…...

There won't be any big costly parties in Cannes this year for the folks at Pathe – it seems to be a Berlin, skip Cannes and go to Venice type of year. The Illusionist preemed in Berlin and makes an appearance in the Market screenings, and the much anticipated Miral from Julian Schnabel skipped a non-comp, non-confidence vote and is instead poised to double dip in Venice and Tiff. - There won't be any big costly parties in Cannes this year for the folks at Pathe – it seems to be a Berlin, skip Cannes and go to Venice type of year. The Illusionist preemed in Berlin and makes an appearance in the Market screenings, and the much anticipated Miral from Julian Schnabel skipped a non-comp, non-confidence vote and is instead poised to double dip in Venice and Tiff. All That Glitters (Tout Ce Qui Brille) by G&eacute...

There won't be any big costly parties in Cannes this year for the folks at Pathe – it seems to be a Berlin, skip Cannes and go to Venice type of year. The Illusionist preemed in Berlin and makes an appearance in the Market screenings, and the much anticipated Miral from Julian Schnabel skipped a non-comp, non-confidence vote and is instead poised to double dip in Venice and Tiff. All That Glitters (Tout Ce Qui Brille) by Géraldine Nakache - Completed Centurion by Neil Marshall - Completed The Illusionnist (L'illusioniste) by Sylvain Chomet - Completed Benvenuti Al Sud by Luca Miniero - Completed Camping 2 by Fabien Onteniente - Completed L'italien by Olivier Baroux - Completed Oceans by Jacques Perrin - Completed Africa United by Debs Gardner Paterson - Production Farewell by Christian Carion - Completed Loup (Wolf) by Nicolas Vanier - Completed Miral by Julian Schnabel - Post-Production Rien A...

The Tokyo International Film Festival closed today with a screening of “Cranky Grandfather ’s Flying House.” After the Japanese premiere of Pixar’s “Up” was over it was time for the awards. Similarly to the opening events, the closing ceremony was efficient and to the point. No drawn out speeches, stilted jokes or time wasted. Sadly, however, there was no Hugh Jackman either. And while the absence of the sexiest Aussie this side of Naomi Watts was keenly felt, the awards went off with out a hitch. Highlight of the night-the winning film in the environmentally themed competition winning a Green Globe. And said enviro-competition being sponsored by a car company, Toyota. For the full awards rundown and a mini-review of the Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix winning film hit the jump.

The descriptions are taken from the official Tiff guide. Without further ado:

Japanese Eyes Competition: “Live Tape” dir. Tetsuaki Matsue...

• When the official announcement was made for the line-up – I was disappointed that Sylvain Chomet's The Illusionist did not appear in the lineup. It was wishful thinking on my part that international sales rep Pathe Pictures International would have the animated film here – when I know all to well that a post production “label” for an animated film means: it will take a bit longer. Nonetheless, Pathe brought Jane Campion's Bright Star to the main competition and buyers will have the opportunity to get in on early on Julian Schnabel's Miral (this should be competing in Cannes in 2010) and what should be a packed Market screening showing for Neil Marshall's latest, Centurion. Bright Star by Jane Campion - Completed Centurion by Neil Marshall - Production Cheri by Stephen Frears - Completed Cineman by Yann Moix - Post-Production Eden Is West (Eden Est A L'ouest) by

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