Radu Jude’s Berlin Winner ‘Kontinental ’25’ Lands U.K., Ireland Distribution Deal With Sovereign (EXCLUSIVE)

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The sovereign entity has secured the UK and Ireland distribution rights for the most recent movie by Romanian director Radu Jude, titled “Kontinental ’25.” This film was awarded the Silver Berlin Bear for Best Screenplay during the Berlin International Film Festival in February.

The humor-based movie that received a nomination for the Best Film Golden Berlin Bear and was recognized with a Grand Prix nomination at the Luxembourg City Film Festival, is planning for a theatrical premiere in the United Kingdom and Ireland towards the end of 2025.

Taking place in the heart of Transylvania’s capital, Cluj, “Kontinental ’25” unfolds around Orsolya (Eszter Tompa), a bailiff who grapples with a moral dilemma when she forcibly evicts a homeless man from a cellar, leading to tragic consequences. The talented ensemble includes Gabriel Spahiu, Adonis Tanța, Șerban Pavlu, Oana Mardare, Annamária Biluska, Adrian Sitaru, Marius Damian, Nicodim Ungureanu, and Ilinca Manolache.

For EbMaster, Guy Lodge highly commended the film as “extraordinary,” labeling it a “scathing critique” of deteriorating social welfare in a post-socialist economy. He pointed out that ‘Kontinental ’25’ is not an easy watch, from its raw anger to its complex political and historical analysis.

Jude expressed his satisfaction that the movie Kontinental ’25 is now being appreciated by audiences in the U.K. “It started as a small news item,” he explained, “but over time it evolved into something much more significant – a commentary on issues like inequality, gentrification, and moral quandaries we sometimes choose to overlook. I can only hope that’s what it became. We filmed it swiftly with limited resources, using just an iPhone and natural light, with some talented actors and a dedicated small team. To me, it’s a unique blend of styles – a kind of noir film that relies heavily on dialogue, a comedic piece, and a tribute to Roberto Rossellini’s ‘Europe ’51.’

The movie serves as a sequel to “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn,” which won the Berlin Golden Bear, and “Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World,” which received the Locarno Special Jury Prize, both of which are Jude’s previous works.

Andreas Roald, CEO of Kontinental, expressed his excitement: “We’re delighted to introduce ‘Kontinental ’25’ to viewers in the U.K. and Ireland. Through Radu Jude’s distinctive boldness, the film skillfully portrays the conflicts of contemporary life with sharp wit and dark humor. It offers a thought-provoking commentary on guilt, responsibility, and the absurdities of our social structures, supported by an impactful performance and a minimalistic, gritty style.

The pickup contributes to Sovereign’s lineup, which currently features Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” Ulrich Seidl’s “Rimini,” as well as upcoming titles such as “Desire: The Carl Craig Story” and “Small Gods.”

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This new acquisition is part of Sovereign’s collection, which currently consists of Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” Ulrich Seidl’s “Rimini,” along with upcoming films like “Desire: The Carl Craig Story” and “Small Gods.”

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The pickup is now part of Sovereign’s schedule, which already includes Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” Ulrich Seidl’s “Rimini,” as well as upcoming productions like “Desire: The Carl Craig Story” and “Small Gods.”

Each version conveys the same idea but with a slightly different tone and structure.

The movie titled ‘Kontinental ’25’ was made by Alex Teodorescu and Rodrigo Teixeira. In addition to them, executive producers on this project are Ramona Grama, Andreas Roald, Dan Wechsler, Jamal Zeinal-Zade, Berta Marchiori, Fernanda Frotté, Paul Thiltges, and Adrien Chef. This film is a production by Saga Film in collaboration with RT Features, Bord Cadre Films, and Paul Thiltges Distributions. The global distribution rights are managed by Luxbox.

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2025-05-27 12:16