French Distributor ARP Acquires Rights to Huo Meng’s Berlinale Competition Title “Living the Land”
In a significant move for international cinema, ARP, a prominent French film distribution company, has secured the distribution rights in France for Huo Meng’s highly anticipated film, Living the Land. The film, which is set to make its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) on Friday, February 23, 2024, has already generated considerable buzz in the industry. The acquisition was finalized by world sales agency M-Appeal at the opening of the European Film Market, a key platform for film professionals to negotiate distribution deals and discover new talent.
Living the Land is a poignant and evocative drama set against the backdrop of China’s socio-economic transformation in 1991. The story follows 10-year-old Chuang, whose family finds itself torn between the enduring weight of tradition and the relentless pull of modern progress. Through Chuang’s eyes, the film offers a intimate and deeply human exploration of a rural Chinese village grappling with change. A teaser clip released exclusively to Variety provides a glimpse into the film’s emotional depth and cinematic beauty, hinting at a powerful narrative that resonates with universal themes of identity, family, and resilience.
ARP’s acquisition of Living the Land underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to introducing Asian cinema to French audiences. Over the years, ARP has played a pivotal role in championing some of the most acclaimed Asian films, including Zhang Yimou’s Raise the Red Lantern (winner of the Silver Lion at Venice) and To Live (recipient of the Grand Prize at Cannes), as well as Chen Kaige’s Farewell My Concubine, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes. ARP has also brought Wong Kar-wai’s early works, such as Days of Being Wild and Happy Together, to French theaters, cementing its reputation as a bridge between Asian filmmakers and European cinephiles. Living the Land is the latest addition to this impressive legacy, and ARP plans to release the film theatrically in France, ensuring it reaches a wide audience.
Michèle Halberstadt, CEO of ARP, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, describing Living the Land as a “mesmerizing and immersive journey” that captures the daily lives of a rural Chinese village with profound emotional depth. “We have been captivated by the beauty and emotional resonance of Living the Land,” Halberstadt told Variety. “It is a moving story that invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of tradition and progress, themes that are just as relevant today as they were decades ago.” ARP previously collaborated with M-Appeal on the successful French release of Return to Dust, a film that also explored the lives of ordinary people in rural China, further solidifying their partnership in bringing compelling Asian stories to European audiences.
For director Huo Meng, Living the Land marks his second invitation to the Berlinale. His debut feature, Crossing the Border — Zhaoguan, was showcased in 2020 as part of the Special Program “On Transmission,” curated by celebrated Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke to celebrate the festival’s 70th anniversary. Huo Meng’s return to the Berlinale with Living the Land is a testament to his growing reputation as a filmmaker capable of crafting stories that resonate deeply with audiences. His latest work continues to explore themes of identity and social change, this time through the lens of a young boy navigating a world in flux.
The production of Living the Land has brought together a talented team of filmmakers and producers. Executive producer Yao Chen, a celebrated Chinese actress and producer, has been instrumental in supporting the project, while producer Zhang Fan has played a crucial role in bringing the film to life. The film is a collaboration between several prominent production companies, including Floating Light Film and Culture, Shanghai Film Group, Phoenix Legend Films, Bad Rabbit Pictures, and Lianray Pictures. Their collective efforts have ensured that Living the Land is not only a technically impressive film but also one that stays true to its artistic vision.
As Living the Land prepares for its world premiere at the Berlinale, anticipation is building among cinephiles and industry professionals alike. With ARP’s strong track record of introducing Asian cinema to French audiences, the film is poised to make a significant impact in France and beyond. By blending elements of drama and social commentary, Living the Land offers a profound exploration of a family’s struggle to balance tradition and progress, a theme that transcends cultural boundaries. For Huo Meng, ARP, and the entire production team, this film represents a meaningful step forward in showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary Chinese cinema on the global stage.
