Paris- and Berlin-based sales company Salaud Morisset has partnered with Studiocanal, the BFI and Film4 to launch an international Mike Leigh collection spanning some of the acclaimed British filmmaker’s most celebrated works.
The collection includes “Bleak Moments” (1971), “High Hopes” (1988), “Life Is Sweet” (1990), “Naked” (1993), “Career Girls” (1997), “Topsy-Turvy” (1999), “All or Nothing” (2002), “Vera Drake” (2004) and several of Mike Leigh short-films.
The agreement grants Salaud Morisset the non-exclusive theatrical and non-theatrical rights in available territories worldwide for a selection of films represented by the three companies, with the objective of “expanding the circulation and visibility” of Leigh’s work across cinemas, cinematheques, festivals and cultural institutions internationally.
The initiative was spearheaded by Marina Girard Muttelet, who represents Thin Man, Leigh’s production company.
The collection will allow exhibitors and programmers to organize curated retrospectives and thematic events around Leigh’s body of work, while Salaud Morisset will also continue to promote each title individually across theatrical, festival and non-commercial circuits.
François Morisset, founder of Salaud Morisset, said: “I am incredibly proud and excited about this new model. Our work complements beautifully the extraordinary work that has already been done by the producers, sales agents and distributors of Mike Leigh’s films over the years. There is something wonderful about diving into the filmography of such a major auteur and rediscovering the richness, humanity and diversity of his work on the big screen.”
He added: “At a time when repertory cinema and curated theatrical experiences are becoming increasingly important, we strongly believe Mike Leigh’s films deserve to continue living around the world – not only as classics, but as vibrant works that still deeply resonate with contemporary audiences.”
The deal further expands Salaud Morisset’s growing activities in heritage and repertory cinema circulation. The company previously partnered with the Wim Wenders Stiftung on a 25-films collection including “Paris, Texas” and “Wings of Desire.”