Megalopolis sets French distribution with Le Pacte

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One part of Major cities The distribution puzzle may be close to falling into place in France.

The country Le Point Paris-based distribution company Le Pacte has acquired the French rights to Francis Ford Coppola's self-financed epic for $120 million ahead of its world premiere in competition at Cannes, a magazine reported on Tuesday.

Contacted by Deadline, Le Pacte CEO Jean Labadie downplayed the reports but did not deny the talks, saying: “We don't have the film yet. Nothing has been signed.”

Deadline has also reached out to Coppola and his representatives.

Speculation about French release plans for Major cities The film has been brewing since its place in Cannes competition was announced by general delegate Thierry Frémaux at the festival's press conference on April 11.

Under Cannes regulations, films selected for competition must be shown in cinemas in France, and cannot be shown first on a streaming device in the country.

This requirement is a thorny one because France's strict exhibition rules require a 17-month gap between the theatrical release and the film's release on global streaming platforms, with the exception of Netflix, which negotiated a 15-month delay in exchange for fulfilling additional investment commitments.

Last year, Apple financed Martin Scorsese Moonflower Killers She was not bound by the condition because she played out of competition.

However, Apple played a theatrical release with Paramount Pictures France on October 19, around the same time it was released in theaters elsewhere.

Le Point He questioned the financial implications of the Le Pacte deal but noted that Labadie had a long record of seemingly risky but smart acquisitions.

The distributor's recent acquisitions at Cannes include Oscar winner Justin Tritt Anatomy of a fallJohnny Depp starring Maïwenn, starring JAnne du Barry And hack Ladj Ly Les Miserables.