Cappu Films Secures CIS Deal for French Action Feature

Cappu Films has finalized a distribution agreement for the French action movie Red Bird in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The deal with Kinologistika LLC covers Russia and other former Soviet states. The company also began seeking international partners for the American romantic drama Step Back, Doors Closing. Both titles are available for purchase at the TIFFCOM market during the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Red Bird was directed by Alexandre Laugier, Thomas Habibes, and Houssam Adili. The trio draws on backgrounds in stunt work and martial arts. Habibes and Adili also star in the lead roles. Eric Delcourt, Jean-Louis Tribes, and Jean-Marie Paris appear in supporting parts. The narrative follows a character named Max, whose father worked covertly as the Red Bird. After his father dies in unexplained circumstances, Max and his friend Sam investigate. Their search leads them into a dangerous plot.

The film was shot in Marseille and produced independently. SOUTHfilms handled production and released the movie in French cinemas in January. Janice Woo of Cappu Films stated that the project brings the energy of the filmmakers and stunt team directly to the screen. She noted that the company is pleased with the CIS deal and looks forward to introducing the title to more distributors in Tokyo.

Step Back, Doors Closing was written and directed by Carter Ward. He produced the film with Jane Hollon and Kathryn Crabtree. Carmen Berkeley and Reilly Walters lead the cast. The story tracks Ryan and Julisa, two strangers who meet on a Washington D.C. Metro train. Over 24 hours, they explore the city and discuss their desires and fears. A romance develops between them. Michelle Macedo, Ashley Romans, and Mershad Torabi co-star.

The film premiered at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles in 2024. Freestyle Digital Media has released the title in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Cappu Films is now seeking partners in other territories. Ward, representing Arden Pictures, expressed pride in partnering with Cappu Films. He said the support means the world to the cast and crew. He added that the company hopes international audiences will see a version of Washington D.C. where meet-cutes remain possible.

Cappu Films works with independent filmmakers on arthouse and commercial projects. Its library includes action, horror, fantasy, and arthouse films. The company also represents TV series and classics from Hong Kong cinema.