Distrib Films Takes U.S. For San Sebastian New Director Winner ‘Spare Keys’ & Élodie Bouchez Road Movie ‘Amore Mio’

EXCLUSIVE: New York-based Distrib Films has acquired U.S. rights for French-language road movie Amore Mio and dramatic comedy Spare Keys for theatrical release in the coming months.

Spare Keys (Fifi) is the directorial debut of filmmaking duo Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan.

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The coming-of-age comedy drama follows a teenager who gets the keys to a wealthy friend’s empty house to escape her chaotic family over the summer, only to discover her friend’s older brother was planning to stay there on his own too.

Céleste Brunnquell (Origin of Evil, In Treatment) and Quentin Dolmaire (My Golden Days, Synonyms) co-star.

The movie made its mark at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2022 where it won best film in the New Directors Competition. It drew 50,000 spectators in France for indie distributor New Story last summer.

Amore Mio, which is billed as a French modern take on Thelma & Louise, is the directorial feature debut of actor Guillaume Gouix (War Of The Worlds, The Returned) after a trio of shorts.

Alysson Paradis and Cannes Best Actress winner Élodie Bouchez co-star as two estranged sisters who reunite for a road trip when one of them loses her husband.

“Both movies are first features and show French indie cinema at its best. Thanks to strong stories, bold directing and amazing acting, they manage to strike right in the heart,” said Distrib Films President François Scippa-Kohn.

“Spare Keys and Amore Mio are ready for their theatrical and festivals runs and we’re starting to book both titles actively in the US,” he added.

The deal was negotiated with Florencia Gil, Head of Sales at Paris-based company Urban Sales.

“Thanks to Distrib Films U.S. audiences will discover new and vibrant French voices,” said Gil.

“Guillaume Gouix goes behind the camera for a sort of Thelma & Louise 3.0 with a heart-breaking performance by Alysson Paradis, while Spare Keys delivers a taste of Rhomeresque New Wave, illuminated by newcomers Céleste Brunnquell and Quentin Dolmaire.”

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