Italian
Sovereign Films acquires haunting drama ‘Red Path’ for U.K. and Ireland
A chilling tale from Tunisia touches down
Sovereign Films has secured the distribution rights for the U.K. and Ireland territories to the harrowing feature Red Path, directed by the acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Lotfi Achour. The film, which competed for the Golden Leopard at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, is poised to make waves upon its release in mid to late 2025.
A story of trauma and resilience
Red Path plunges into a searing narrative that follows 13-year-old Achraf. After his cousin Nizar is murdered by a group of men, Achraf is coerced into delivering a gruesome message: the severed head of his cousin. Haunted by Nizar’s ghost and grappling with crushing grief, Achraf finds little support from his elders. Torn between comforting his cousin’s spirit and the duty to retrieve Nizar’s body, Achraf navigates a treacherous landscape of sorrow and survival.
Achour’s storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a tale inspired by real events that transpired in 2015 within a poor mountainous region of Tunisia. “This film stems from a true story involving teenagers. The intensity of the violence and the cruel nature of the events struck me deeply. I wanted to create a film that delves into childhood’s resilience and its ability to confront and survive trauma, despite severe adversities,” explains Achour.
International collaboration and a stellar team
The making of Red Path is a global endeavor, showcasing a collaboration between production houses from five countries: Tunisia’s Artistes Producteurs Associés, France’s La Luna Productions, Belgium’s Versus Production, Poland’s Shipsboy, and Switzerland’s Bord Cadre Films. MPM Premium manages the global sales, ensuring the film reaches an international audience.
The screenplay, primarily written by Natacha De Pontcharra with contributions from Achour, Doria Achour, and Sylvain Cattenoy, promises a gripping and emotionally resonant storyline. Producers Anissa Daoud and Sébastien Hussenot have been pivotal in bringing this compelling tale to fruition.
Sovereign Films’ growing catalog of excellence
Red Path joins Sovereign Films’ illustrious slate of festival favorites. Recent acquisitions like Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness and Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Memoria, starring Tilda Swinton, have cemented the distributor’s reputation for curating critically acclaimed, thought-provoking cinema. Adding to their roster, they have picked up titles such as the Willem Dafoe starrer Inside and the Sundance nominee The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future.
Andreas Roald, CEO of Sovereign, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “Bringing ‘Red Path’ to U.K. and Irish cinemas is a testament to our commitment to emotionally powerful storytelling. The film’s exploration of trauma and tradition resonated profoundly with us, and we are confident it will captivate and move our audiences. Its success at Locarno signals its artistic significance, and we eagerly anticipate its reception in our markets.”
A story that transcends borders
Red Path has already garnered interest beyond its primary production countries, with MPM Premium sealing deals for its distribution in France, Belgium, and the Middle East and North Africa regions. This international interest underscores the film’s universal themes of grief, resilience, and the extreme lengths to which love and duty can drive a person.
Intrigued by the story of Red Path? Keep an eye out for its release. In the meantime, explore the emotional landscapes of cinema through Sovereign Films’ diverse catalog, and join the conversation on social media to share your thoughts on these impactful narratives.
