International correspondent
Matthew Rankin's Universal Language at #Cannes2024
Canada's Oscar entry "Universal Language," a critically acclaimed film directed by Matthew Rankin, has been acquired by distributors in most major territories ahead of its North American premieres at the Toronto and New York Film Festivals.
Represented worldwide by Brussels-based company Best Friend Forever, the film had its world premiere at this year's Cannes Directors' Fortnight, where it won the first People's Choice Award. After Toronto and New York, the film will be shown at Fantastic Fest and Festival du Nouveau Cinema as a festival opener. "Universal Language" also won the Bright Horizons Best Film Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
“Universal Language” has been acquired for France (Météore Films), Scandinavia (Njutafilms), Germany & Austria (Rapid Eye Movies), Switzerland (Outside The Box), Spain (Filmin), Portugal (Nitrato Filmes), CEI (Universal Distribution), Japan (The Klockworx), China (DDDream), Taiwan (Hooray Films), Brazil (Belas Artes Grupo), Indonesia (Falcon Pictures) and India (Big Tree Entertainment). Benelux, UK and Australia are in talks, among other remaining territories. Oscilloscope Laboratories will release the film in the US and Maison 4:3 will release in Canada.
