SOVTELEXPORT, the distribution arm of Russia Television and Radio, has showcased the best feature films from its latest catalogue at the Cannes Marché du Film.

The presentation, which took place at the Russian Cinema stand, included "True Blue Story" (2015) by Renat Davletyarov; "Ivan Son of Amir" (2014) by Maksim Panfilov; "The Iron Ivan" (2012) by Gleb Orlov; "The Spy" (2012) by Alexey Andrianov; "Back in Time" (2008) by Andrey Malyukov; "The Island" (2008) by Pavel Lungin; and many more.
The Russian films generated substantial interest among distributors from more than 20 countries, including Germany, Spain, France, the USA, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Pakistan and Iran.
As a result of meetings held during the event, RO.IN Entertainment signed a contract for the right to broadcast military drama Back in Time in Iran. The company also plans to buy the rights to The Iron Ivan in the near future, while Chinese distributors submitted an offer for television broadcast rights to The Iron Ivan in China. Agreements were also reached regarding basic terms for the distribution of The Iron Ivan and The Gamblers in Bulgaria.
A contract with Israel’s Channel 9 for the distribution rights to historical drama Ivan Son of Amir is nearly ready for signature. Romantic drama True Blue Story was shown outside Russia for the first time, and international distribution deals for that film are now being discussed.
Negotiations are also well underway for the US distribution of several Russia Television and Radio films.
Jérôme Paillard, Executive Director of the Marché du Film, noted the changing nature of Russia’s presence at the Cannes event. “Previously, Russia came to the event primarily to buy the rights to distribute foreign films in Russia. Now, however, this picture is changing. Russia has started producing attractive and high-quality content, which is competitive on the global market. This is beginning to be reflected in sales.”