Jessica Hausner’s Cannes Competition Film ‘Club Zero’ Lands U.S. Distribution (EXCLUSIVE)

Film Movement has acquired U.S. rights to Jessica Hausner’s thought-provoking dark comedy “Club Zero,” which competed at the Cannes Film Festival.

Represented in international markets by Coproduction Office, “Club Zero” stars Mia Wasikowska as an eating instructor at an elite boarding school who exerts a dangerous influence over her students. When parents become concerned, calling for the firing of the teacher, it’s already too late as students are willing to go to a point of no return.

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“Cults have been and still are a crucial issue in western societies,” Hausner said. “We believe in nutrition ideas like we used to believe in God, and I’m very happy that Film Movement will be bringing ‘Club Zero’ to U.S. audiences soon. Bon Appétit!”

The film previously won accolades at Munich and Sitges, and played at Karlovy Vary, Chicago, Busan, Sarajevo, Jerusalem, Sydney and Melbourne film festivals.

“Since acquiring and distributing her darkly-comic period drama ‘Amour Fou’ in 2014, we’ve been huge fans of Jessica’s work,” said Michael Rosenberg, Film Movement’s co-president, who praised Hausner for her “trademark dark humor and masterful observations.” “She’s become one of Europe’s most respected directors, and we’re very excited to have the opportunity to bring ‘Club Zero’ to U.S. audiences.”

On top of “Club Zero,” Film Movement has also acquired Hausner’s first three films for release in North America, including her feature film debut “Lovely Rita” and the thriller “Hotel,” which both played at Cannes as part of Un Certain Regard, as well as acclaimed drama “Lourdes,” which competed at Venice where it won the Fipresci prize. In addition, the films have been restored in 4K.

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