Menemsha Films is proud to announce that it has acquired North American rights to the film “The Story of Annette Zelman” from France’s Film & Picture Distribution. The deal was negotiated by Neil Friedman of Menemsha Films and Marie-Laure Hebrand of Film & Picture Distribution.
This true-life “Romeo and Juliet”-esque tale takes place in 1940’s wartime France. Annette was Jewish. Jean was Catholic. They wanted to get married, but Jean’s parents were opposed. Annette Zelman was reported to the Gestapo by her fiancé’s father and was sent to Auschwitz.
A quintessential statement on love and romance, this riveting drama presents a story of extraordinary quality based on actual events recounted in the book Dénoncer les Juifs sous l’Occupation (Informing on Jews during the Occupation) by Laurent Joly.
In today’s world, the film has added resonance with the recent rise of anti-semitism.
Menemsha Films will launch the film on the North American film festival circuit, with the intention of releasing it in cinemas the first quarter of 2024.
Neil Friedman of Menemsha Films says “The film “The Story of Annette Zelman” is a true discovery in all its magnificence, highlighted by the captivating lead performance of young French actress Ilona Bachelier. The film is a heartfelt drama with true emotions that we are confident audiences will adore.”
Marie-Laure Hebrand of Film & Picture Distribution says: “In French, the appropriate expression is “coup de cœur”. The Menemsha team fell in love with our film “The Story of Annette Zelman.” This passion, along with their undeniable expertise in releasing arthouse films in North America, makes Menemsha the perfect distribution partner.”
