Culture 5 min read By Trevor Kendall
Venice-Selected ‘Agata the Writer’ Starring Mia Wasikowska Boarded by MMM Film Sales
French sales company MMM Film Sales has acquired international rights to ‘Agata the Writer,’ starring Mia Wasikowska, ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival’s Venice Days section.
French sales company MMM Film Sales has boarded international rights to “Agata the Writer,” an Australian film starring Mia Wasikowska that will world-premiere in the Venice Days section of the Venice Film Festival, where it will compete. The acquisition positions the film for a global audience as it heads into one of the most closely watched festival showcases of the year.
Directed by filmmaker and artist Kuba Dorabialski, the project marks a notable collaboration between an emerging director and a seasoned actress. Wasikowska, known for her roles in “Jane Eyre,” “The Kids Are All Right,” and “Crimson Peak,” continues a career that has balanced independent cinema with larger studio productions. The film is produced by Alex White, whose previous credits include “The Stranger” and “Nitram,” both of which earned critical attention on the festival circuit.
MMM Film Sales, based in Paris, has built a reputation for handling auteur-driven titles with strong festival pedigrees. The company’s recent slate includes “The Quiet Son” and “The Kingdom,” both of which premiered at major European festivals. By picking up “Agata the Writer” ahead of Venice, MMM is signaling confidence in the film’s commercial and critical prospects, particularly in the competitive international art-house market.
Venice Days, also known as Giornate degli Autori, is a parallel section of the Venice Film Festival that focuses on independent and innovative cinema. It has historically served as a launching pad for films that go on to receive wider distribution and awards attention. Past selections include “The Salesman,” which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, and “The Babadook,” which became a cult horror hit. A competition slot in this section often raises a film’s profile among international buyers and critics.
“Agata the Writer” is described as a character-driven drama, though plot details remain under wraps. The title suggests a focus on a writer named Agata, and the film is expected to explore themes of creativity, identity, and personal struggle, common threads in Dorabialski’s artistic work. Dorabialski, who has exhibited in galleries and museums, brings a visual sensibility to his feature debut, which may appeal to audiences looking for a distinctive directorial voice.
The acquisition by MMM Film Sales comes at a time when the international sales market is increasingly competitive, with streaming platforms and traditional distributors vying for festival titles. For independent films like “Agata the Writer,” securing a sales agent before a major premiere is crucial to ensuring broad distribution. MMM’s involvement suggests that the film will be marketed to distributors across Europe, North America, and other territories, potentially leading to theatrical releases in multiple countries.
Wasikowska’s participation is likely to be a major draw for buyers. The actress has maintained a selective filmography, often choosing roles in challenging, director-driven projects. Her recent work includes “The Devil All the Time” and “Bergman Island,” both of which premiered at major festivals. Her presence in “Agata the Writer” could help the film stand out in a crowded Venice lineup.
As the Venice Film Festival approaches, “Agata the Writer” joins a slate of high-profile premieres, including Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine,” starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. The festival, which runs from late August to early September, will feature a mix of established filmmakers and emerging talents. For Dorabialski, a strong showing in Venice could establish him as a director to watch in the international film community.
MMM Film Sales has not yet announced specific distribution plans for “Agata the Writer,” but the company’s track record suggests it will seek to place the film with reputable distributors in key markets. The Venice premiere will provide the first critical and audience reactions, which will likely shape the film’s trajectory on the festival circuit and beyond.
