A24 Pays $17M for Cannes Hit 'Club Kid'
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- A24 secured global rights to Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid” for $17 M after a heated bidding war at Cannes.link ›
- Cara Delevingne and co‑star Reggie Absolom gave emotional reactions to the film’s debut, underscoring its buzz.link ›
- Cate Blanchett warned that “MeToo got killed very quickly” and counts gender imbalance on set, doing a headcount daily.link ›
- K2 Pictures launched a $33 M film fund and unveiled a 10‑title slate, including Miike Takashi’s documentary “Shumei”.link ›
- La Gradiva won Cannes Critics’ Week, marking Marine Atlan’s feature debut and highlighting the festival’s support for bold teen narratives.link ›
- Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters” opened May 22, a socialist stoner comedy starring Keke Palmer and Demi Moore.link ›
- Barbra Streisand missed the Cannes honorary Palme d’Or ceremony due to a knee injury, reducing star power at the closing.link ›
A24 acquired the rights to Cannes hit "Club Kid" for $17 million, underscoring the festival's growing role as a high-stakes marketplace for premium independent film.
The stories behind this week
Cate Blanchett Says MeToo Dismissed at CannesWomen filmmakers lose fair opportunities as entrenched bias endures, while studios risk reputational damage and talent drain; the stalled MeToo momentum signals continued power gaps on set.
‘I Love Boosters’ Review: Boots Riley’s Crazy Fashion Heist Comedy Is Both Stoner Movie and Anti-Capitalist Protest ArtThe May 22 theatrical launch brings a high‑concept, anti‑capitalist comedy to audiences, adding a counter‑narrative to the tech‑centric and political headlines of 2026 and expanding the market for socially critical cinema.
La Gradiva Wins Cannes Critics’ Week, Explores TeensMarine Atlan and co‑writer Anne Brouillet gain industry credibility and distribution prospects, while Cannes reinforces its reputation for championing bold, introspective cinema amid a contentious festival season.
A24 Takes Global Rights On Jordan Firstman’s Cannes Breakout ‘Club Kid’A24 gains a high‑profile, teen‑million‑dollar property that can boost its slate and streaming inventory, while competing studios lose a chance at a Cannes hit; the deal also signals intensified competition for premium content at festivals, pressuring acquisition pricing.
Bob Odenkirk Recalls Heart Attack on ‘Better Call Saul’ Set: ‘I Was Gone. I Turned Gray’Actors and crew on high‑stress productions gain a stark reminder of on‑set health risks, while producers face pressure to improve emergency response protocols, potentially reducing future medical emergencies and liability.
Miike Takashi Makes Documentary Debut as Japan’s K2 Pictures Unveils Slate and $33 Million Fund at CannesJapanese film producers gain a $33 M financing pool, enabling 10 new projects to reach global audiences via Cannes, while investors see a new avenue for returns; Japan’s cultural soft power expands alongside its defense exports.
Cannes Un Certain Regard: ‘Everytime’ Wins Top PrizeSandra Wollner and the Austrian film team gain prestige and distribution; A24 and Sony Pictures Classics secure high‑profile acquisitions, while Cannes reinforces its role as a launchpad for diverse international cinema.
Barbra Streisand Misses Cannes Honorary Palme d’OrCannes Film Festival loses a high‑profile celebrity presence at its closing ceremony, potentially reducing media buzz, viewership, sponsor exposure, and overall brand impact for the event.
Why it matters: A $17 million price tag for a single indie title marks a significant escalation in acquisition costs at Cannes, giving sellers leverage while pressuring smaller distributors to compete for premium festival content.
