Sales and finance outfit Global Constellation has secured a first wave of pre-sales on its upcoming World War II drama “Crux” as it debuts first footage at the European Film Market.
Helmed by Ulrike Toni Vahl in her feature debut and produced by Martina Haubrich (“Michael Kohlhaas”) and Berlin competition jury member Ewa Puszczyńska (“The Zone of Interest,” “Cold War”), the film delivers a stark and timely portrait of moral collapse in wartime, examining the cost of survival as humanity itself frays.
UFO Distribution has boarded the film for France, with Distri7 taking Benelux rights. Distribution rights in German-speaking territories were previously secured by Vuelta Germany.
Set in the waning days of World War II, “Crux” centers on a quiet village in Germany as it faces its darkest hour. While the men are away on the frontline, Greta, Anni and the remaining villagers try to preserve a semblance of life. But the discovery of unknown corpses along the river marks the unraveling of their world. As more corpses appear, fear gives way to hysteria, culminating in a chilling command: “No living Germans shall remain for the Russians to find.”
The film stars Jella Haase (“Berlin Alexanderplatz,” Netflix’s “Kleo”), Frida-Lovisa Hamann (“Enfant Terrible”) and Clemens Schick (“Die Ermittlung”).
“Crux” is produced by Martina Haubrich for Cala Film (“Michael Kohlhaas”), Puszczynska for Extreme Emotions and Claudia Schröter for Cala Film Erfurt, with cinematography by Camerimage winner Piotr Sobociński Jr. (“Corpus Christi”).
The film marks Vahl’s feature directorial debut, following a string of acclaimed shorts including “Gömböc” (Locarno Film Festival), “Below Zero” (Grand Prix Bristol Film Festival) and “Suffering,” nominated for the German Short Film Award.
“Crux” is funded by BKM (the cultural ministry of Germany), FFA, DFFF, MDM, FF MV, MBB, Eurimages, Polish Film Institute and BR/ARTE.