M-Appeal Acquires Rights for Film When I Existed
The Berlin-based sales agent has picked up the international rights for the upcoming feature film.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Foreign
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Berlin-based sales agent M-Appeal has officially acquired the international distribution rights for the new feature film When I Existed. The film, which explores the lives of a long-married couple, is set to hold its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
Why it matters
The acquisition highlights the film's appeal as a project that balances humor with humanity. It serves as a key development for the production, which was previously showcased at the Cannes Market Ventana Sur Goes to Cannes event.
The film features characters who have navigated 40 years of marriage and a 40-year career at a construction firm. Director Alejandro Damiani previously saw his 2016 short film reach 13 million views on YouTube.
The players
M-Appeal
This is a Berlin-based international sales agent specializing in the distribution and representation of feature films.
Alejandro Damiani
He is a filmmaker who co-directed this project and previously gained attention for a viral 2016 short film.
César Troncoso
He is an actor who portrays the main character Silvio Bertolini in the production.
Silvia Kutica
She is an actress who plays the role of the protagonist's wife in the film.
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
This is an annual film festival held in Estonia that hosts international premieres and competitions.
The details
Directed by Alejandro Damiani and Martin Avdolov, the project is an international co-production between teams in Uruguay and Spain. César Troncoso stars as Silvio Bertolini, while Silvia Kutica portrays his wife, with cinematography provided by Manuel Branaa.
Timeline
The acquisition and festival premiere are scheduled for October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This acquisition follows the precedent set by the Cannes Market Ventana Sur Goes to Cannes showcase, which serves as a vital bridge for regional Latin American productions to secure global distribution. It reflects the continued efforts of international agencies to bring cross-border co-productions to wider festival audiences.
Viewers will be able to see the film's debut during its upcoming world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The acquisition ensures that the film will reach international markets beyond its initial production centers in Uruguay and Spain.
The takeaway
This acquisition signals strong international interest in human-centric stories from Latin American co-productions. Audiences should watch for the film's upcoming festival circuit appearances to track its wider release trajectory.
Further reading
Discover more news on global cinema markets at the Foreign section.
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