The Venice Film Festival has never been known as the go-to festival for movie deals, lacking an official film market and maintaining a more laid-back attitude than Cannes, Berlin, or Toronto. However, this year presents a unique opportunity for opportunistic buyers, as many of the hottest titles in the lineup arrive at the Lido without major distribution in place. This means that buyers attending the festival could potentially spot a bargain and secure distribution rights for highly anticipated films.
Leading up to the festival, several deals have already been made. Sideshow and Janus Films acquired domestic rights to Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car” follow-up, “Evil Does Not Exist,” while Mubi obtained distribution rights for Sophia Coppola’s “Priscilla” in several markets including the UK, Germany, Latin America, and Turkey, in addition to its US release by A24.
Here are some of the other prime targets for dealmakers at the 2023 Venice Film Festival:
“Aggro Dr1ft”
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Travis Scott, Jordi Molla
Buzz: This experimental action film, shot entirely in infrared, comes from cult director Harmony Korine, known for his avant-garde films “Spring Breakers” and “Trash Humpers.” The film features rap superstar Travis Scott as a melancholic assassin on a mission to slay a demonic crime lord. With its sky-high style and low emphasis on plot, this film could be a hot item for cutting-edge indie distributors worldwide.
Sales: CAA
“The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial”
Director: William Friedkin
Stars: Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Clarke, Lance Reddick
Buzz: William Friedkin’s modern-day update of Herman Wouk’s acclaimed novel, which was previously made into a classic film in 1954 starring Humphrey Bogart, has gained attention not only for its subject matter but also due to the recent deaths of Friedkin and co-star Lance Reddick. This lends the film a new poignancy as the final work of two great artists. With a US release set for Showtime, the film could attract specialty theatrical buyers globally.
Sales: Paramount Global Content Distribution
“Day of the Fight”
Director: Jack Huston
Stars: Michael Pitt, Nicolette Robinson, Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci, John Magaro, Anatol Yusef
Buzz: Actor-turned-director Jack Huston’s feature debut tells the story of an ex-con, played by Michael Pitt, fighting for redemption in the boxing ring. With an impressive ensemble cast of character actors, this film combines the genre appeal of an underdog boxing tale with the talent of its performers.
Sales: CAA
“Finally Dawn”
Director: Saverio Costanzo
Stars: Lily James, Rebecca Antonaci, Joe Keery, Alba Rohrwacher, Willem Dafoe
Buzz: Set over a single night at Cinecittà in the 1950s, “Finally Dawn” explores a coming-of-age drama in the era when the Rome backlot was known as “Hollywood on the Tiber.” The film could appeal to mainstream art house buyers and has the potential to become a dark-horse awards contender.
Sales: Filmnation/UTA
“Hit Man”
Director: Richard Linklater
Stars: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona
Buzz: This action comedy, which stars Glen Powell as an undercover police officer posing as an assassin for hire, was a major pre-sales hit at the Toronto International Film Festival. AGC sold out Europe, Latin America, and many other parts of the world, making it likely that the film will secure a big US deal in or around Venice.
Sales: CAA/Cinetic Media (United States), AGC International (worldwide)
“I Know Your Soul”
Director: Jasmila Zbanić
Stars: Jasna Djuricić
Buzz: Bosnian director Jasmila Zbanić, known for her Oscar-nominated drama “Quo Vadis, Aida?” and her work on HBO’s hit series “The Last of Us,” helms this six-part series. It features Jasna Djuricić as a public prosecutor struggling to balance her professional commitments and private life. The series could be a prime target for streamers and pay TV buyers.
Sales: Beta Film
“Io Capitano”
Director: Matteo Garrone
Stars: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall
Buzz: Matteo Garrone, renowned for films like “Gomorrah” and “Tale of Tales,” is a bankable name in the international art-house market. “Io Capitano” tells the story of two young refugees as they embark on a harrowing journey from Dakar to Europe. With its timely subject matter, the film is expected to attract significant attention.
Sales: Pathé
“Memory”
Director: Michel Franco
Stars: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard
Buzz: Mexican director Michel Franco, known for his challenging films like “New Order” and “After Lucia,” presents “Memory” with the star power of Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard. The film follows a couple trying to build their relationship while dealing with trauma and dementia. The notable cast is expected to garner interest from buyers.
Sales: ICM Partners/The Match Factory
“Pet Shop Days”
Director: Olmo Schnabel
Stars: Darío Yazbek Bernal, Jack Irv, Willem Dafoe, Peter Sarsgaard
Buzz: Olmo Schnabel, son of renowned painter and director Julian Schnabel, makes his directorial debut with “Pet Shop Days.” The film tells a coming-of-age romance set in New York between Alejandro, played by Darío Yazbek Bernal, and a simple pet store employee named Jack, played by Jack Irv. The film’s pedigree and impressive supporting cast make it enticing for buyers.
Sales: WME Independent
“The Promised Land”
Director: Nikolaj Arcel
Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Simon Bennebjerg, Melina Hagberg
Buzz: This Danish period drama reunites star Mads Mikkelsen with director Nikolaj Arcel, known for the Oscar-nominated “A Royal Affair.” Based on a true story, the film follows the man who attempted to tame and colonize the last wild region of Denmark in the mid-1700s. Magnolia has already acquired US rights to the film, indicating its potential appeal to international buyers.
Sales: TrustNordisk
These are just a few of the many exciting films that will be showcased at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. With a diverse range of genres and talented cast and crew, there is something for every buyer looking to secure distribution rights for their respective territories. As the festival unfolds, industry insiders will be closely watching to see which films generate the most buzz and attract lucrative distribution deals.
