ArtMattan Films acquires U.S. rights to Cannes selection Marie Madeleine

ArtMattan Films has picked up U.S. distribution rights to Marie Madeleine, the Haitian drama from writer-director and star Gessica Généus. The film is set for a U.S. theatrical and digital release in 2027 after festival stops at Cannes, Toronto, Chicago and ADIFF.

Why it matters: - ArtMattan Films is bringing a Haitian-led drama about faith, desire and self-determination to U.S. audiences. - The acquisition positions Marie Madeleine for a wider release in 2027 after a strong festival run and multiple awards. - The film adds to ArtMattan Films’ long-running slate of international stories centered on people of color.

What happened: - ArtMattan Films acquired U.S. distribution rights to Marie Madeleine, the new drama written and directed by Haitian filmmaker Gessica Généus. - Généus also stars in the title role. - The company plans a U.S. theatrical and digital release in 2027. - The film premiered in the Cannes Première section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. - Marie Madeleine also had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The details: - The film is set in Jacmel, on Haiti’s southern coast. - The story follows an independent sex worker whose life intersects with Joseph, a young man deeply involved in an evangelical community. - As the relationship develops, Joseph begins to question his faith. - The film explores personal freedom, identity and compassion beyond moral judgment. - Généus appears alongside Béonard Monteau. - Nicolas Canniccioni served as cinematographer. - The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cabourg Film Festival. - Canniccioni received the Bayard Award for Best Cinematography at the Namur International Francophone Film Festival. - The film continues its festival run with selections at the Chicago International Film Festival and the African Diaspora International Film Festival. - Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com wrote that the film “provides such soaring visuals that it’s easy to have an unshakeable faith in this ambitious aim.” - Courtney Small of That Shelf called it “a captivating look at identity that ranks among the year’s best works.” - More information is available at AfricanFilm.com and ArtMattanFilms.com.

Between the lines: - The acquisition gives ArtMattan Films another prestige title with festival recognition already built in. - Généus continues a career focus on intimate stories tied to Haitian society, dignity and belonging. - The film’s themes suggest a broader conversation about how religion and social expectations shape private lives.

What's next: - Marie Madeleine is expected to continue its festival circuit before its U.S. rollout. - ArtMattan Films is targeting a theatrical and digital launch in 2027. - The company is likely to lean on the film’s Cannes, Toronto and prize recognition to build U.S. awareness.

The bottom line: - ArtMattan Films has secured a festival-backed Haitian drama with awards momentum, critical praise and a 2027 U.S. release plan.