Federation Studios launches international theatrical sales label, Ginger & Fed

Federation Studios launched global theatrical film sales under the label Ginger & Fed, created in partnership with Sabine Chemaly, through her recently formed company Ginger Films. “I am thrilled to join forces with Federation to launch this label at a time when cinema worldwide is on the cusp of a new era and revival," Sabine Chemaly, President, Ginger said. "The creativity and inspirational energy from the Federation team and their great producers, further confirms my belief that Ginger & Fed can bring some exciting feature films, either produced in-house or as third party acquisitions to the global market."

In charge of both film acquisitions and international sales, Sabine Chemaly will spearhead Ginger & Fed, while working closely with Federation’s sales team , which includes Monica Levy, Guillaume Pommier, Sarah Zarka, Lucile Avezard and Jeromine Ader, and their business affairs, servicing and marketing team. The complete list of films that will make up Ginger & Fed’s inaugural slate will be revealed at Unifrance‘s Rendez-Vous de Paris in January 2024. “We were waiting for the right partner to launch this new strategic activity for the group," Lionel Uzan, Directeur Général, Federation Studios said. "We found the perfect match with Sabine, whose excellent reputation among both producers and distributors is a huge asset for the success of our new venture."

The first film to be introduced by the new venture is the new movie, a post-apocalyptic thriller "Survive," produced by Monkey Pack  and M.E.S Productions. International sales will be co-handled by WTFilms, and Ginger & Fed. The film, featuring Émilie Dequenne and Andreas Pietschmann is directed by Frédéric Jardin and KMBO will release it theatrically in France.

In "Survive," Julia and her loving husband celebrate her son’s birthday on their boat in the middle of the ocean. When a violent storm nearly capsizes them, the family awakes in a desert land. Earth has undergone a tragic polarity reversal, draining water from the oceans. After her husband's death, Julia must save her children in a world where hungry creatures from the abyss hunt for fresh flesh! The launch will be followed by two comedies, both released in France by Apollo, "Rachel’s Game, a police comedy directed by Thierry Klifa.

Flamboyant and fiery Rachel, leads her clan as the dominant matriarch. She has raised her sons, Sam and Jérémie and her grandson Nathan in the world of scamming. Whether its luck or destiny, during a heist they unknowingly steal a Tamara de Lempicka painting without realizing its true value, which consequently leads to the breakdown of the family. Rachel will do whatever it takes to bring reconciliation to her clan. Meanwhile, Celeste, a clever and charming detective hired by the painting’s insurance company is on a mission to track them down across France.

The slate also includes "Oldies but Goodies," produced by My Family. The comedy directed by Claude Zidi Jr and featuring Kev Adams, alongside Jean Reno, Chantale Ladesou, Liliane Rovère, Daniel Prevost and Michel Jonaz. Thanks to Milann, retirees and young orphans now live together, bringing joy to both the young and the old…. That is, until the day when social services close the facility, claiming that it doesn’t reach the correct health standards. Milann has no choice but to move the residents to the « Bel Azur Club » where they will have to learn to get along with the current resident retirees, who are also incredibly strong-willed! But the closing of the retirement home was a trap, in which Milann is at risk of losing everything. In these troubled times, he will find love, a new mentor and the support of all those to whom he gave hope, in order to overcome the difficulties.

The idea to expand into international feature film sales naturally progressed, as did the collaboration with Sabine Chemaly, who has garnered more than 11 years of experience while securing TF1 Studio’s international film and TV drama sales. Ginger & Fed also derived from Sabine Chemaly and Federation Studio’s shared belief that the future holds strong potential for movie theaters, and this will be a primary focus for the new label that will address needs according to each respective territory.

Pascal Breton’s group, jointly led by Lionel Uzan and soon Marco Chimenz, already has a strong foothold in the film industry through its various production companies such as Bonne Pioche, Cheyenne Federation, Monkey Pack in France and Vertigo Films in the UK. "Despite the challenges that our industry is facing, production and distribution partners have shown incredible resilience and our goal with Ginger & Fed is to contribute by reinforcing the strength of French and European cinema in the world," Chemaly said.