Paris-based film production company Totem Films has recently sealed several lucrative sales ahead of the premieres of their highly anticipated films at the Berlinale film festival. The films, 'My Favourite Cake' and 'Crossing,' have generated significant interest from distributors and are set to captivate audiences around the world.
'My Favourite Cake,' directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, has garnered attention with its compelling storyline. The film has been acquired by various distributors, including Cherry Pickers for Benelux, Camera for Denmark, Arizona for France, Triart for Sweden, Cineworx for Switzerland, and BIR for Turkey. This heartwarming tale centers on seventy-year-old Iranian woman Mahin, who decides to break free from her solitary routine and reinvigorate her love life. Unexpectedly, a chance encounter leads to an unforgettable evening that changes her life forever. The film marks a triumphant return to the Berlinale competition lineup for Moghaddam and Sanaeeha, following the success of their previous work, 'Ballad of a White Cow,' which received critical acclaim and was showcased at various prestigious film festivals worldwide. Totem Films, known for their excellent distribution network and industry expertise, has successfully sold 'My Favourite Cake' to over 40 distributors.
Levan Akin's 'Crossing' is another highly anticipated film from Totem Films that has piqued the interest of global distributors. This captivating drama tells the story of Lia, a retired teacher from Georgia, who embarks on a poignant journey to find her long-lost niece, Tekla. Her search takes her to the vibrant city of Istanbul, where she encounters Evrim, a passionate lawyer fighting for trans rights. As Lia delves deeper into her quest, Tekla feels closer than ever. 'Crossing' has been acquired by Imagine for Benelux, New Story for France, Lucky Red for Italy, Avalon for Spain, and Cineworx for Switzerland. Akin, a talented Swedish filmmaker of Georgian descent, previously wowed audiences with his film 'And Then We Danced,' which premiered at the Directors' Fortnight in Cannes in 2019 and was chosen as Sweden's official entry for the Oscars.
In addition to the success of their current films, Totem Films also plans to further expand their sales at the European Film Market in Berlin. They are set to launch sales for their upcoming film, 'Queen Mom,' directed by Manele Labidi and starring acclaimed actors Camélia Jordana, Sofiane Zermani, Damien Bonnard, and Rim Monfort. This highly anticipated film, currently in post-production, explores the story of a woman navigating the complexities of motherhood while seeking personal fulfillment. Diaphana Distribution has secured the rights for the film's release in France.
Totem Films continues to strengthen its position as a prominent player in the international film market, consistently delivering captivating and diverse stories from around the world. With their impressive lineup of films and strong distribution network, they are poised to make a lasting impact in the industry. Audiences worldwide eagerly anticipate the release of 'My Favourite Cake,' 'Crossing,' and 'Queen Mom,' as Totem Films continues to bring compelling stories to the big screen.