EXCLUSIVE: Haut et Court has snapped up French rights to Spanish actor and director Aina Clotet’s debut film Viva ahead of its world premiere in Cannes Critics’ Week.

The Paris-based company acquired the film shortly after a pre-festival industry screening for French distributors organised by sales company Loco Films.

Clotet, who is known at home for her award-winning performances in series This Is Not Sweden and Someone’s Daughter (La filla d’algú), directs and stars as 40-year-old Nora who is consumed with a need to feel alive having death stared death in the face.

She dives into passionate relationships with two very different men, Tom and Max, whose opposing natures reflect her own inner conflict. But when neither can fill the void, Nora is forced to face the truth, she will have to confront a deeper fear driving her hunger for life.

The Catalan, Spanish, English and French-language film is produced by Edmon Roch at Ikiru Films and Marta Baldó at Funicular Films, the company created with Aina Clotet, Jan Andreu, Marc Clotet in 2021. Caramel Films has Spanish rights.

“Viva is a film as vibrant as a heartbeat; it’s a film that celebrates life with brilliance; it’s a film full of energy driven by the amazing Aina Clotet,” Haut et Court said of its acquisition.

“It is both generous and raw, and the balance is always just right… Viva is a film where we reclaim our place and reinvent ourselves more freely.”

Viva is among seven features selected for the competition of the 65th edition of parallel section Cannes Critics’ Week, running from May 13 to 21.

A French theatrical deal is a cornerstone of international sales campaigns for Cannes-bound arthouse titles, and the acquisition of Viva by Haut et Court will be regarded as a strong endorsement for the film.

The company’s recent slate includes Palestine 36, Berlinale Golden Bear winner Yellow Letters and doc breakout Whispers in the Woods as well as upcoming features Cannes Directors’ Fortnight title Carmen The Rebellious Bird.

Loco Films’ current slate also features Cannes Official Selection film Avril Besson’s Marvelous Mornings with India Hair, Eric Cantona and Raya Martigny which debuts as a special screening.