MK2 Films Bolsters Short Film Catalog with Noteworthy Acquisitions from Esteemed Directors

MK2 Films, a distinguished sales company based in Paris, has significantly expanded its curated collection of short films, integrating notable works from acclaimed directors Brady Corbet, Kleber Mendonça Filho, and Céline Sciamma. This strategic move aims to broaden the company's offerings beyond its well-established feature film business, providing a fresh perspective on the creative evolution and unique cinematic styles of these influential artists. The newly acquired films span nearly two decades, enriching a catalog that already boasts works from masters such as Jia Zhangke and the Dardenne brothers. This expansion not only opens up new programming possibilities for global festivals and cinemas but also allows audiences to delve into the earlier, often less-seen, facets of these directors' distinguished careers.

MK2 Films Strengthens Collection with Key Short Film Additions at Lumière Festival

On October 15, 2026, during the vibrant Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, France, MK2 Films made an exciting announcement regarding its enhanced international sales catalog. The French sales giant has brought into its fold three significant short films: Brady Corbet’s 2008 piece, “Protect You + Me,” Céline Sciamma’s recent creation, “Tutti Frutti,” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “South of Tehran.”

These acquisitions are a testament to MK2 Films' concerted effort to bolster its short-film division, complementing its already impressive feature film library. Frédérique Rouault, the insightful head of collections at MK2 Films, emphasized that these short films serve as a compelling dialogue with the iconic feature works of these filmmakers, offering fresh perspectives on their artistic vision. Rouault believes these additions will unlock new opportunities for film festivals and cinemas, enabling audiences worldwide to explore these rarely seen but profoundly influential cinematic narratives.

Céline Sciamma’s 44-minute short, “Tutti Frutti,” born from personal footage captured since 2022, offers an intimate glimpse into filmmaking as a solitary endeavor. This piece, commissioned by the Centre Pompidou and produced by Lilies Films, premiered in June during a dedicated retrospective in Paris and was honored with the Jury Prize at the 2026 Villa Medici Film Festival. MK2 Films already distributes Sciamma's 2023 short, “This Is How a Child Becomes a Poet,” and her complete feature filmography, including "Petite Maman" and updated 2026 editions of "Tomboy" and "Girlhood."

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s nine-minute “South of Tehran” features Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi recounting his early cinematic experiences. Produced by Emilie Lesclaux and Film at Lincoln Center, this short was filmed during the 2025 New York Film Festival. It originated from a series of profound conversations between Panahi and Filho, both of whom were presenting their latest features at the festival. The film debuted at the New York Film Festival as the inaugural project of NYFF Encounters, an annual initiative that commissions short films from directors during the festival. MK2 Films also handles international sales for Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident,” a 2025 Cannes Palme d’Or winner, and Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent,” which garnered him Best Director and Wagner Moura Best Actor awards at Cannes the same year.

Diving further into a director's history, Brady Corbet’s “Protect You + Me,” captured by cinematographer Darius Khondji, offers viewers a unique opportunity to witness Corbet’s early directorial prowess. This short film, which received an Honorable Mention at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009, predates his widespread success with “The Brutalist,” the critically acclaimed historical drama that secured three Oscars, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody, and earned Corbet the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival in 2024. This acquisition further solidifies MK2 Films’ enduring relationship with Corbet, who also featured as an actor in Michael Haneke’s “Funny Games,” now part of MK2’s catalog, and Gregg Araki’s “Mysterious Skin,” set for a 4K theatrical re-release by MK2.

This strategic move by MK2 Films underscores a valuable trend in the film industry: recognizing the profound impact and artistic merit of short-form storytelling. By integrating these diverse works from established auteurs, MK2 Films not only enriches its own repertoire but also provides a crucial platform for audiences to appreciate the often-overlooked genesis of creative genius. It's a reminder that even the most celebrated filmmakers often begin their journeys with shorter, more experimental pieces, which can offer deeper insights into their evolving craft and thematic concerns. This initiative serves as an inspiration for emerging filmmakers and a treasure trove for cinephiles, highlighting the continuous artistic exploration within the cinematic landscape.