RAI Cinema International Distribution has made a remarkable impact at the recent Cannes market, successfully securing international distribution deals for a compelling slate of new Italian cinematic productions. This includes highly anticipated works from veteran directors Mario Martone and Gianni Amelio, alongside an exciting new offering from the promising filmmaker Irene Dionisio. These films are already generating buzz and are widely expected to make their premieres at the esteemed Venice Film Festival, underscoring Italy's vibrant contributions to global cinema. The diverse range of films, from gritty dramas to poignant documentaries and lighthearted comedies, demonstrates RAI Cinema's commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of Italian storytelling to audiences worldwide, solidifying its position as a key player in the international film market.

RAI Cinema Secures Global Deals for Diverse Italian Productions at Cannes

In a bustling Cannes market, RAI Cinema International Distribution finalized several key sales for its new and existing film catalog, reinforcing its strong presence in the global film industry. On May 18, 2026, the company announced successful acquisitions for a variety of Italian features and documentaries across multiple territories.

Renowned director Mario Martone's latest feature, 'Trick,' starring the acclaimed Toni Servillo, garnered significant interest. This Naples-set drama, fresh from a teaser presentation, was snapped up by distributors in Benelux (Paradiso Films), Brazil (Orta Film), Switzerland (Morandini), Greece (Dream Team Film), Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), and Bulgaria (Cinelibri). Martone, who competed in Cannes last year with 'Fuori,' continues to captivate international buyers with his distinctive storytelling.

Gianni Amelio's 'No Pain,' featuring Valeria Golino and Alessandro Borghi, also found international homes, with Beta Film acquiring rights for Bulgaria and Morandini for Switzerland, expanding the film's reach to eager European audiences.

Emerging talent Irene Dionisio, whose 2016 debut 'Pawn Streets' premiered at Venice's Critics' Week, saw her sophomore drama 'Idda' secure deals. This film, starring Italy's rising female stars Tecla Insolia and Romana Maggiora Vergano, follows two childhood friends on a journey up Sicily's Mount Etna. It was sold to Beta Film for Bulgaria and Orta Film for Brazil, indicating a strong international appetite for new voices in Italian cinema.

Paolo Genovese's innovative concept film, 'The Sound of Something New,' continued its impressive sales run. Following earlier acquisitions in Spain, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, and various Balkan countries, new deals were closed with Moonlight for France, Beta Film for Bulgaria, Orta Film for Brazil, Morandini for Switzerland, and Latvian Theatrical Distribution SIA for the Baltics. This broad distribution highlights the film's universal appeal.

RAI Cinema also capitalized on the growing demand for ecology-themed content, securing a deal with Beta Film for Bulgaria for Oscar-nominated Kossakovsky's new documentary 'Greenworld.' This film, a collaboration with plant neurobiology pioneer Stefano Mancuso, offers a fresh perspective on environmental issues.

Gabriele Muccino's 'Things We Don't Say,' from the director known for his Hollywood successes like 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' finalized numerous deals. These included acquisitions by Palace for Australia and New Zealand, Orta Film for Brazil, BookMyShow for India, Transilvania Film for Romania, Best Film for the Baltics, Morandini for Switzerland, Dream Team Film for Cyprus and Greece, Aurora Film for Poland, Leopardo for Portugal, and Il Media for South Korea, showcasing the film's global marketability.

The documentary 'Le Angelesse,' directed by Roberta Torre, which explores the lives of female inmates preparing for a Christmas carols performance in a Milan penitentiary, was acquired by Beta Film for Bulgaria, offering a poignant look at human stories behind bars.

Finally, the comedy 'A Good Day,' directed by and starring Fabio De Luigi, secured distribution with Palace for Australia and New Zealand, Morandini for Switzerland, and Spafax for inflight entertainment across Switzerland, Germany, Taiwan, and Oman. Additionally, catalogue sales included Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis' 'Heads or Tails' and Elisa Amoruso’s 'Beloved' to Orta Film for Brazil, and Gabriele Salvatores’ 'Napoli New York' to Moonlight for France, further diversifying RAI Cinema's international reach.

This impressive slate of sales at Cannes not only underscores the quality and diversity of Italian cinema but also demonstrates RAI Cinema's strategic prowess in navigating the competitive international film market. The success points to a promising future for these films and their creators on the global stage, enriching cultural exchange through powerful storytelling.