MK2 Films Adds Shorts by Corbet, Mendonça Filho, and Sciamma to International Sales Catalogue

Paris based distributor MK2 Films announced a trio of short film acquisitions that bring fresh material from three acclaimed directors to its global sales catalogue. The titles were revealed during the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, an event overseen by the Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux. By adding works from Brady Corbet, Kleber Mendonça Filho and Céline Sciamma, MK2 signals a clear intent to broaden its portfolio beyond feature‑length titles and to give collectors and programmers access to rare short‑form content.

MK2 Films expands its catalogue with short‑form cinema

Since its founding, MK2 has built a reputation for championing auteur‑driven projects that push cinematic boundaries. The latest acquisitions complement a growing list of short films that the company has positioned for international festivals, art house theatres and streaming platforms. According to a statement on the MK2 Films website, the shorts were selected for their artistic merit and for the directors' proven track records in feature filmmaking.

Why short films matter to distributors

Short films often serve as a laboratory for narrative experimentation. They allow established directors to explore new ideas without the financial pressure of a full‑length production. For sales agents, short‑form works fill programming gaps at festivals and provide valuable content for curated series. The Lumière Film Festival has long been a marketplace where such works find buyers, making it an ideal venue for MK2 to announce its new titles.

Brady Corbet, an American actor‑turned‑director, recently completed a short that continues his interest in intimate storytelling. Known for his feature The Childhood of a Leader, Corbet uses the short format to delve deeper into character psychology. The film, titled "The Man Who Fell to Earth", explores themes of isolation and identity through a minimalist visual style.

• Title: The Man Who Fell to Earth
• Runtime: 15 minutes
• Genre: Drama / Experimental
• Premiere: Cannes Short Film Corner 2024

Kleber Mendonça Filho, a leading voice in contemporary Brazilian cinema, brings a socially charged narrative to the collection. His short, "The Lost City", reflects on urban displacement and the lingering impact of colonial architecture. Mendonça Filho’s reputation for blending political commentary with personal stories, as seen in Bacurau, positions the short as a compelling entry for festival programmers.

• Title: The Lost City
• Runtime: 18 minutes
• Genre: Social Drama
• Premiere: International Short Film Festival of São Paulo 2024

Céline Sciamma, celebrated for her nuanced portrayals of gender and youth, contributes a lyrical piece titled "The Summer of 1992". The short captures a fleeting moment of adolescence set against the backdrop of a small French town. Sciamma’s precise use of sound and composition creates an immersive snapshot that resonates with audiences of all ages.

• Title: The Summer of 1992
• Runtime: 12 minutes
• Genre: Coming‑of‑age
• Premiere: Lumière Film Festival 2024

These acquisitions arrive at a time when the global market for short films is expanding. Streaming services such as MUBI and The Criterion Channel have dedicated sections for short‑form content, increasing demand for high‑quality titles. By securing distribution rights, MK2 positions itself to meet the needs of both traditional festival circuits and digital platforms.

Industry analysts note that the inclusion of short films by established directors can elevate a distributor’s brand. A recent report by the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC) highlights that short‑form sales have grown by 22 percent over the past two years, driven largely by international buyers seeking diverse programming.

For programmers, the three new titles offer distinct entry points into the directors' broader oeuvres. Corbet’s experimental approach complements his narrative features, while Mendonça Filho’s social focus aligns with his politically engaged filmography. Sciamma’s delicate handling of youth themes provides a natural bridge to her feature work such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

As the Lumière Film Festival concludes, MK2’s announcement underscores a strategic shift toward a more varied catalogue. The short films will be available for pre‑sale ahead of the upcoming Berlin International Film Festival, giving buyers early access to screening rights. This move reflects a broader industry trend where short films are no longer peripheral, but integral to a distributor’s offering.

Overall, the addition of Corbet, Mendonça Filho and Sciamma’s shorts enriches the international sales landscape and offers audiences fresh, concise storytelling from three of cinema’s most respected voices.