U.S. distributor Menemsha Films has sealed a North American deal on historical thriller “Frontier” with Barcelona-based studio Filmax.
Directed by Judith Colell (“Elisa K”), the WWII drama, inspired by true events, follows a Spanish customs officer who risks everything to help Jews escape Nazi-occupied France across the Pyrenees.
The project was first introduced to buyers at May’s Cannes Marché du Film, where it sparked early interest. Finalized ahead of Toronto Film Festival’s first market weekend, the pact marks a significant step for Filmax as it continues to roll out one of its flagship fall titles.
“Frontier” is a Spanish-Belgian co-production, teaming Spain’s Coming Soon Films and Banijay Iberia’s Diagonal TV with Belgium’s Bulletproof Cupid.
Set in 1943, the story centers on Manel Grau, a customs officer in a Spanish border town who defies his superiors to aid Jews escaping Nazi-occupied France. With the support of villagers and a French smuggler, Grau embarks on a dangerous mission that jeopardizes his own life and that of his family, while reigniting wounds from the still-recent Spanish Civil War.
The ensemble cast features Bruna Cusí (“Upon Entry”), Miki Esparbé (“More the Merrier”), Asier Etxeandia (“Pain and Glory”), Maria Rodríguez Soto (“A House on Fire”), Belgian actor Kevin Janssens (“Revenge,” “Close”), and Jordi Sánchez (“La que se avecina”).
Filmax will release the film theatrically in Spain in December, following an international festival run scheduled for this fall.
Long recognized for its focus on top-tier arthouse world cinema, Menemsha Films was drawn to the project’s artistic and commercial crossover appeal. “They connected so strongly with the film. They will take good care of it and give it great exposure in its North American rollout,” said Filmax Head of International Ivan Díaz.
Menemsha founder Neil Friedman praised the feature as “world-class filmmaking on every level,” adding: “We are ecstatic to be distributing this wonderful film and to be working with the Filmax team.”
