Participant, MK2 Films Team on Cannes-Bound Doc ‘Invisible Demons’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Participant and French sales agent MK2 Films have teamed up to jointly represent worldwide rights to Rahul Jain’s documentary feature “Invisible Demons.” The feature film will have its world premiere at Cannes in the cinema for the climate special section.
In “Invisible Demons,” Jain explores the dramatic consequences of India’s growing economy and what it means on the broader world stage.
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Using Jain’s experimental style and strong visuals, the documentary zooms in on the situation in New Delhi, where climate change is impacting the daily lives and health of 30 million locals.
Set for July 12, the premiere will mark the Cannes debut of Jain, a rising filmmaking who made his critically acclaimed debut feature with “Machines,” which won Sundance’s best cinematography award in 2017. “Machines” went on to nab 17 international awards at more than 160 festivals.
Rob Williams, Participant’s VP of content sales, and Fionnuala Jamison, MK2 Films’ MD, negotiated the distribution deal and will launch global sales for “Invisible Demons” at the Cannes Market.
“‘Invisible Demons’ is a stunning work by Rahul Jain about the consequences of climate change and who it will affect, illuminating what the future may hold not only for the people of Delhi, but for all,” said Participant CEO Diane Weyermann. She executive produced the film with Jeff Skoll (“Spotlight” and “Judas and the Black Messiah”), along with Frank Lehmann (“The Last Witness”).
Jamison said MK2 Films has “always admired Participant’s ethos and values, and relishes the opportunity to partner with them on this vital and timely film.”
“With powerful imagery and a focus on first-hand accounts, Jain delivers a visceral experience of an environmental crisis,” Jamison said.
“Invisible Demons” was executive produced and co-financed by Participant. It was produced by Toinen Katse and Ma.Ja.De. FilmProduktions, with support from FFF-MDM-YLE-AVEK. Producers are Iikka Vehkalahti, who previously collaborated with Jain on “Machines,” and Heino Deckert, who co-produced Bartosz Konopka’s Oscar-nominated “Rabbit á la Berlin,” as well as Participant’s “Aquarela” and “Human Flow.”
“Invisible Demons” was written by Jain and boasts a top-notch key crew, including editor Yael Bitton (“Machines”) and Vehkalahti.
Participant will also be at Cannes with “Stillwater,” Oscar-winning director Tom McCarthy’s Marseille-set film starring Matt Damon and Camille Cottin. The movie will have its world premiere out of competition.
MK2 Films, meanwhile, will have eight films in selection at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, including Joachim Trier’s “The Worst Person in the World” in competition, and Andrea Arnold’s “Cow,” playing in the Cannes premiere section.
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