Wild Bunch International Secures Asian Distribution for Drama
Key Data Points
- Seller: Wild Bunch International
- Title: Still River
- Producer: Denis Villeneuve
- Territories: Japan, South Korea, China, SE Asia
- Combined Value: $4.2 million
Wild Bunch International Closes Asian Territory Deals for Villeneuve-Produced Drama
Wild Bunch International has finalized distribution agreements across key Asian territories for "Still River," a drama produced by Denis Villeneuve, in deals collectively valued at approximately $4.2 million. The agreements cover Japan (Gaga Corporation), South Korea (CJ ENM), China (Huanxi Media), and a package of Southeast Asian markets (mm2 Entertainment).
The Project
"Still River" is a contemplative drama about a retired hydrologist who returns to the Canadian river system she studied for decades, only to discover that climate change has fundamentally altered the landscape of her life's work. The film is directed by Sarah Polley from an original screenplay, with Villeneuve producing through his Exodus Pictures banner.
The project has a production budget of CAD 14 million and is currently in post-production, with a completed cut expected by late spring 2026. Wild Bunch International launched sales at the 2025 AFM and has now sold the title across 35 territories worldwide.
Asian Market Performance
The Asian deals are notable for several reasons. Japan's Gaga Corporation paid a premium reportedly 25% above comparable titles, driven by Villeneuve's strong track record in the Japanese market where "Dune: Part Two" grossed over $45M. CJ ENM's acquisition for South Korea reflects the distributor's growing interest in prestige international dramas alongside its core focus on Korean-language content.
The China deal with Huanxi Media is particularly significant given the ongoing challenges of securing Chinese distribution for Western independent films. Sources indicate that the film's environmental theme aligned with priorities identified by Chinese regulators for 2026 import quotas.
Broader Implications
The success of "Still River" in Asian territories underscores the value of marquee producing talent in driving international sales. While Villeneuve's name carries obvious weight, the deals also highlight the growing appetite across Asian markets for cerebral, auteur-driven content — a category that has traditionally been dominated by European buyers.
Wild Bunch International confirmed that North American rights have been acquired by a major distributor, with a formal announcement expected at Cannes.