Berlin-based world sales company M-Appeal has closed a further series of international deals for Muriel Dansembourg’s Truly Naked, building on previously reported competitive bidding interest ahead of its world premiere at Berlinale Perspective.
The film has now been acquired by Nitrato Filmes in Portugal, AX1 in the UK and Ireland, Edko Films Ltd. in Hong Kong, Njuta Films in Scandinavia (Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark) and Filmin in Spain.
The story follows Alec, a quiet and introverted teenager who grew up in the orbit of his father’s adult entertainment business. When his family moves from London to a quiet seaside town, Alec is looking for a fresh start. Everything changes when he meets a very independent young woman named Nina. Nina’s perspective calls into question his understanding of connection.
“A visually bold yet emotionally grounded drama, ‘True Naked’ centers on the discovery of authentic intimacy and follows two young men as they navigate connection, vulnerability and the perception of inherited desire. Told through a decidedly female gaze, the film approaches complex themes with nuance, warmth and emotional clarity,” said M-Appeal.
Portugal’s Nitrato Films, whose recent films include Oliver Lacks’ Silat, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, and Kauser Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, will release this film locally.
AX1 acquired the rights in the UK and Ireland, further strengthening the film’s presence in key European markets.
Rights in Hong Kong were acquired by Edko Films Ltd., which recently directed Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme and Yoon Gaun’s World of Love.
In Scandinavia, Njuta Films, a specialist Swedish arthouse and independent film distributor, has joined the film for Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. The company, run by Nicolas Dubot and Sophie Dahlstedt, releases 30 to 40 films in theaters each year, with recent titles including Pascal Bonitzer’s Hugo, Marcus Karlsson’s The Quiet Beekeeper, Vincent Meunier’s Whisper of the Woods and Lotfi Nathan’s The Carpenter’s Son.
“‘True Naked’ is a film full of empathy and respect for all of its characters, as well as a beautiful depiction of two teenagers’ growing feelings for each other,” said Nicholas DeVott.
In Spain, the rights were acquired by Firmin, the company behind recent titles such as Hafsia Helgy’s La hija pequeña, Dominique Moll’s Dossier 137, Pete Orth’s Erupcja and Ildiko Enyedi’s Silent Friend.
This title was previously acquired by Capelight in German-speaking countries and EnterMode Corp. in South Korea.
Negotiations are currently underway in North America, Latin America, and other regions.
