Cappu Films Secures CIS Deal for French Action Film 'Red Bird'
The independent action title also joins the TIFFCOM market alongside a Washington, D.C. romance seeking global partners.
By Thomas Obasi ·
International buyers at the Tokyo International Film Festival are evaluating two distinct independent titles represented by Cappu Films this week. The company has closed a regional deal for a French action film while simultaneously seeking partners for an American romance set in Washington, D.C.
Cappu Films sold the rights to "Red Bird" to Kinologistika LLC for the Commonwealth of Independent States. This region includes Russia and other former Soviet states. The film is directed by Alexandre Laugier, Thomas Habibes, and Houssam Adili. All three directors come from backgrounds in stunt work and martial arts.
Habibes and Adili also star in the film. They are joined by Eric Delcourt, Jean-Louis Tribes, and Jean-Marie Paris. The narrative follows Max, the son of a covert operative known as Red Bird. After his father dies in unexplained circumstances, Max and his friend Sam investigate the truth. Their search pulls them into a dangerous plot. SOUTHfilms produced the movie, which was shot in Marseille and released in French cinemas in January.
Janice Woo of Cappu Films stated that the film brings the energy of its stunt team directly to the screen. She noted that the company is pleased to have secured the CIS deal. Cappu intends to introduce the film to more distributors during the Tokyo market. "We're pleased to have secured a CIS deal and look forward to introducing the film to more distributors in Tokyo," Woo said.
Cappu Films has also taken on international sales for "Step Back, Doors Closing." Carter Ward wrote and directed the film, producing it with Jane Hollon and Kathryn Crabtree. Carmen Berkeley and Reilly Walters lead the cast as Ryan and Julisa. The story covers 24 hours in which the two strangers meet on a Washington, D.C. Metro train. They roam the city and discuss their fears and desires as a romance develops.
Michelle Macedo, Ashley Romans, and Mershad Torabi co-star in the project. The film premiered at Los Angeles' Dances With Films in 2024. Freestyle Digital Media released the title in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. Cappu is now looking for partners in other territories. Ward of Arden Pictures said he is excited to partner with Cappu Films. "We can't wait for international audiences to see the version of Washington, D.C. we know and love," Ward said.
Cappu Films works with independent filmmakers on arthouse and commercial titles. Its library includes action, horror, and fantasy films, as well as TV series and classics from Hong Kong cinema.
