08/05/2007

Paris-based distributor and international sales outfit Wild Bunch and Benelux distributor A-Film have signed a joint agreement for the distribution, acquisition and co-production of new films in the Benelux countries.

The deal means that A-Film will be the appointed distributor in this region of Europe for all new films whose French distribution rights have been acquired by Vincent Maraval’s outfit. In addition to the three distribution areas (theatres, video and television) for new acquisitions, A-Film is also expected to handle rights to films in Wild Bunch’s catalogue that have not yet been released in the Benelux.

A-Film and Wild Bunch are expected to join forces to co-produce local productions whose exhibition rights they hold.

Created in 1999 and directed by Pim Hermeling, A-Film is one of the leading independent distributors in the Benelux. The outfit, which has produced over 1,500 titles and will be distributing Cannes titles Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof and Catherine Breillat’s An Old Mistress [+see also:
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trailer
film profile], last year created a subsidiary in Belgium, which now releases its films directly in the country and has acquired rights to Belgian films, such as Koen Mortier’s Ex Drummer [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Joachim Lafosse’s Private Property [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], for the Netherlands.

Erik Engelen, head of A-Film Belgium since December 1, is expected to coordinate this collaboration and follow up eventual co-acquisitions and co-productions from the two companies.

(Translated from French)