There’s Still Tomorrow: The Global Triumph of Paola Cortellesi’s Historic Dramedy

Vision Distribution has successfully closed deals for There’s Still Tomorrow in 18 countries across three continents.

Paola Cortellesi’s black-and-white dramedy There’s Still Tomorrow (C’è Ancora Domani), set in post-World War II Rome, has transcended its Italian roots to become a global phenomenon. Actress-turned-director Paola Cortellesi’s movie has not only captivated audiences in its home country but also gained widespread international acclaim, breaking box office records as the most successful Italian title of the year.

The film’s international appeal is evidenced by its acquisition in 18 countries across three continents. Vision Distribution, a major player in international sales, has successfully negotiated deals with various distributors. Limelight secured the rights for Australia and New Zealand, Providence Filmes for Brazil, Swallow Wings Films in Taiwan, and Lev Cinema in Israel.

Catia Rossi, the head of international sales at Vision Distribution, attributes the film’s success to its strong storytelling, original cinematic style, and universal themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Set in 1946, the film unfolds during the days leading up to Italy’s historic referendum granting women voting rights. Cortellesi, who also directs, stars as Delia, a woman trapped in a cycle of domestic abuse, yearning for both personal emancipation and a brighter future for her daughter. The narrative weaves a delicate tapestry of comedy and romance against the grim realities of the post-war era, a unique blend that Cortellesi humorously dubs “pink neorealism.”

The film has seen remarkable sales across Europe, with major distributors securing the rights for various territories. Universal Pictures will bring the film to audiences in France, BTeam Pictures in Spain, and Art Film in the Netherlands. The film has also found enthusiastic buyers in Denmark (Future Film), Sweden (Folkets Bio), Belgium (Arti Film), Greece (Weird Wave), Hungary (Mozinet), Switzerland (Morandini Film Distribution), and Finland and Norway (Future Film). The movie’s international success demonstrates the global appetite for stories that balance entertainment with historical significance.

One particularly heartwarming acquisition story comes from Israel, where Lev Cinema picked up There’s Still Tomorrow after a screening at the Haifa festival. The decision was prompted by a call from the buyer’s 90-year-old mother, who was moved by the film and the audience’s applause and insisted that her son acquire it “at all costs.” This personal connection underscores the emotional impact and universal resonance of Cortellesi’s directorial debut.

The film opened the Rome Film Festival this year, marking the beginning of its triumphant journey. With a current box office standing at 18.9 million euros ($20.6 million) and counting, There’s Still Tomorrow has exceeded all expectations, becoming a cinematic force to be reckoned with. Vision Distribution, in collaboration with Fremantle-owned Italian company Wildside, along with Netflix and Sky Italia, played a crucial role in bringing this remarkable project to fruition and now is fielding interest from several U.S. distributors eager to bring There’s Still Tomorrow to American audiences. There’s Still Tomorrow not only cements Paola Cortellesi’s reputation as a director but also underscores the power of storytelling in uniting global audiences through shared experiences of laughter, love, and resilience.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter