ARTE DISTRIBUTION DAZZLES BUYERS IN LE HAVRE WITH ANCIENT HISTORY, HOLLYWOOD ICONS, HOT-BUTTON TOPICS
Series and documentaries about ancient history, pop culture and current events continue to prove popular sellers for Arte Distribution, which is presenting a number of new titles at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre.
"The Mystery of the Desert Kites," which follows an international team of archaeologists exploring the heart of Saudi Arabia and the Black Desert of Jordan to find out more about the oldest megastructures in human history, just pre-sold to Australia's SBS.
Directed by Nathalie Laville for France 5 and Ma Drogue à Moi, the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on a journey through the north of Saudi Arabia and south of Jordan, to the sites of thousands of mysterious geoglyphs whose shapes, when seen from the air, resemble giant kites. The oldest of these immense stone structures were built around 7,000 B.C., predating the Egyptian pyramids and the Stonehenge monument by over 4,000 years.
Another high-profile new title in its vast ancient history and archaeology catalogue is "Ramesses II, Secrets of a Pharaoh."
Written and directed by Nicolas Brénéol and produced by Ah! Production and RMC Découverte, the three-part series examines the life of the famous pharaoh, known as the great builder and warrior of ancient Egypt. Through 3D visual reconstructions and interviews with leading experts on ancient Egypt, the series offers unique insight into his reign of more than 60 years and reveals lesser-known facts about the man behind the myth.
Joséphine Létang, head of international distribution and marketing at Arte Distribution, is expecting to soon close a number of deals for "Ramesses II," which is currently in production.
Current events, politics and American pop culture are likewise generating intense interest, Létang adds. Shows related to health and the environment and hot-button issues like the narrative wars engulfing social media, have seen a slew of sales.
"The Dark Side of Organic Farming" went to U.S. streamer Questar; Switzerland's RTS and Belgium's RTBF in pre-buy deals. The doc, directed by Rémi Delescluse for Arte France and STP Productions, examines how organic farming is becoming increasingly mechanized and globalized. It follows an international investigation inside the organic industry, filmed with hidden cameras and revealing the first in-depth study on the exact composition of the biopesticides that are produced by agrochemical giants.
"Data Wars – TikTok, The Weapon of the 21st Century" pre-sold to Spain's RTVE as well as RTS, RTBF and Radio Canada.
Directed by Arnaud Lievin and Benjamin Teil for Morgane Production and Arte France, the 90-minute work presents the U.S. side in the narrative war against China as Washington seeks to ban the hugely successful video platform.
Focusing on some of Hollywood's biggest stars in front and behind the camera, titles from Arte Distribution's Cinema Icons collection are likewise finding eager buyers around the globe.
"Sharon Stone – Survival Instinct," directed by Nathalie Labarthe for TSVP and Arte France, sold to RTVE in Spain; Danish broadcaster DR; Sky Italia; AMC Network Latam; Asharq for the MENA region; Radio Canada; and Channel 8 in Israel, among others.
"Steven Spielberg, The New Hollywood Prodigy," directed by Michaël Prazan for Ellis Films and Arte Geie, has gone to NHK in Japan as well as to DR; AMC Network Latam; Asharq; Radio Canada; and RTVE.
"Kate Winslet – A Quest for Authenticity" went to SBS in Australia; Avrotos in the Netherlands; AMC Network Latam; Radio Canada; RTVE and more.
American Public Television (APT) took "Denzel Washington: An American Model," directed by Sonia Dauger for Brainworks and Arte France; "Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend," by Clélia Cohen for Arte France and Agat Films & Cie; and "Restless – Being Paul Newman," by Jean Lauritano for Arte France and Slow Production.