Film Sales: French Action Title and D.C. Romance Seek Global Buyers

Two independent films are seeking international distribution at the Tokyo International Film Festival's TIFFCOM market. Cappu Films has secured a specific regional deal for a French action movie and is looking for partners to release an American romance.

The distributor sold 'Red Bird' to Kinologistika LLC for the Commonwealth of Independent States region. This territory includes Russia and other former Soviet states. The film is directed by Alexandre Laugier, Thomas Habibes, and Houssam Adili. The directors have professional backgrounds in stunt work and martial arts. Habibes and Adili also star in the picture. Eric Delcourt, Jean-Louis Tribes, and Jean-Marie Paris appear in supporting roles.

'Red Bird' centers on a character named Max. His father worked as a covert agent known as Red Bird. After the older man dies under unexplained circumstances, Max and his friend Sam investigate the truth. Their search pulls them into a dangerous plot. The film was shot independently in Marseille. SOUTHfilms produced the project. It opened in French cinemas in January of this year.

Janice Woo of Cappu Films said the film brings the energy of its stunt team directly to the screen. She noted that the company is pleased to have secured the CIS deal and looks forward to introducing the title to more distributors in Tokyo.

Cappu Films is also taking on international sales for 'Step Back, Doors Closing.' Carter Ward wrote and directed the film. Jane Hollon and Kathryn Crabtree produced the project. Carmen Berkeley and Reilly Walters lead the cast. The story follows Ryan and Julisa, two strangers who meet on a Washington, D.C. Metro train. Over 24 hours, they roam the city and discuss their hopes and fears as a romance develops. Michelle Macedo, Ashley Romans, and Mershad Torabi also star.

'Step Back, Doors Closing' had its premiere at Dances With Films in Los Angeles in 2024. Freestyle Digital Media released the film in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Cappu Films is now seeking partners in other territories.

Carter Ward of Arden Pictures expressed pride in partnering with Cappu Films. He stated that the support means a great deal to the cast and crew. Ward said the filmmakers hope international audiences will see their version of Washington, D.C., a place where meet-cutes are possible and single weekends can change lives. Cappu Films works with independent filmmakers on arthouse and commercial titles. Its library includes action, horror, fantasy, and television series, as well as classics from Hong Kong cinema.