A slew of women-directed films have just landed distribution deals ahead of their respective screenings at the Cannes film market later this month — they are WWII drama “The Forger,” written and directed by Maggie Peren; Lynne Davison’s directorial debut, the Northern Irish folk horror “Mandrake”; and Aussie comedy “How to Please a Woman” from writer-director Renée Webster.
Peren’s “The Forger” premiered at Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. Based on a true story, it centers 21-year-old Cioma Schönhaus (Louis Hofmann), a Jewish document forger who escaped detection by the Nazis by hiding in plain sight and forging passports for countless other Jewish people.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kino Lorber has picked up the North American rights with a theatrical release then a digital rollout planned for later this year, while distribution has been secured also in Australia and New Zealand, among other territories.
A former actor, Peren is the writer-director of films “Hello Again” and “Color of the Ocean,” among others.
“Mandrake” has been acquired by Shudder for the North America, U.K. and Ireland, and Australia and New Zealand markets. Deadline broke the news. A beneficiary of Northern Ireland Screen’s New Talent Focus program, the film follows Cathy Madden (Deirdre Mullins, “The Drowning”), a probation officer who must rehabilitate notorious killer “Bloody” Mary Laidlaw (Derbhle Crotty, “Notes On A Scandal”) back into society after 20 years of jail.
Davison, who has previously written and directed a number of short films, makes her feature directorial debut with the project. “With the challenges of the pandemic, it has often felt like my ambitious debut feature might never find its place in the world,” she remarked. “But not only are we experiencing an incredible festival run and fantastic reviews but I can now proudly state that my film, the first of many, will be available on the premiere genre streaming service in the world, Shudder! Joining the Shudder family is truly a highlight of my burgeoning career.”
Marie-Thérése Mackle (“Derry Girls”) produced.
Elsewhere, The Hollywood Rerporter reports that Brainstorm Media will release “How to Please a Woman” theatrically in the U.S. on July 22, while audiences in its native Australia can expect to see it on May 19. Sky has secured the rights for the U.K.
Said Paul Wiegard, CEO of Australia and New Zealand distributor Madmen: “Exhibitors are backing this feel-good, relatable comedy about female sexuality and vulnerability. More than 300 screens have already confirmed; the film offers a fun girls’ night out, the themes of empowerment and pleasure connecting with the primary audience.”
Sally Phillips (“Veep”) stars as “a 50-year-old wallflower who sets up a home-cleaning service featuring sexy male cleaners who provide ‘extra benefits’ for their female clients.” Tania Chambers (“Itch) and Judi Levine (“Falling for Figaro”) produced.
Webster has previously directed Australian series “Itch,” “The Heights,” and “Aftertaste.”
Other women-directed films headed to the Cannes market this month include Christine Jeffs’ medical drama “A Mistake” and Georgia Oakley’s feature directorial debut “Blue Jean.”
