The esteemed film sales company, The Match Factory, is poised to make a significant impact at the Berlinale competition, showcasing a quartet of compelling cinematic works. Among them are two highly anticipated features, "Queen at Sea" and "Home Stories," for which the company will initiate sales. These films represent a diverse array of storytelling, ranging from intimate character studies to historical dramas, promising a rich experience for festival-goers and industry professionals alike.
The Match Factory's Quadruple Premiere at Berlinale
On January 20, 2026, The Match Factory announced its impressive lineup for the forthcoming Berlinale competition. Spearheading their presentation are two films making their global debut: "Queen at Sea" and "Home Stories." Lance Hammer's "Queen at Sea" features the Academy Award-winning actress Juliette Binoche and the two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Courtenay. This film marks Hammer's return to Berlin, following his acclaimed debut "Ballast," and delves into the poignant theme of dementia's impact on a woman's inner life, and the complex interplay of care, protection, and autonomy within a family. Joining Binoche and Courtenay are Anna Calder-Marshall and Florence Hunt. The Bureau produced this feature, with Tristan Goligher at the helm. This marks another collaboration between The Bureau and The Match Factory, which previously handled sales for Andrew Haigh's "45 Years" and will also manage his upcoming film "A Long Winter." Simultaneously, Eva Trobisch, an emerging talent in German cinema, presents her third feature, "Home Stories." Following her successful debut "All Good" and "Ivo," Trobisch's latest work explores profound themes of family, belonging, and identity, featuring an ensemble cast including Max Riemelt, Eva Löbau, and the debut of Frida Hornemann. Trimafilm produced the film in co-production with Komplizen Film, if…Productions, and ZDF/ARTE, in collaboration with The Post Republic.
Adding to this formidable selection, The Match Factory will also present Karim Aïnouz's "Rosebush Pruning" and Markus Schleinzer's "Rose." Aïnouz, known for his works like "Motel Destino" and "Firebrand," returns to Berlin with "Rosebush Pruning," a collaboration involving MUBI, The Match Factory, Kavac Film, The Apartment, SUR FILM, Crybaby, and Gold Rush Pictures. The film boasts an impressive cast including Callum Turner, Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, Lukas Gage, Elena Anaya, Tracy Letts, Elle Fanning, and Pamela Anderson. The screenplay for "Rosebush Pruning" was penned by Efthimis Filippou, with Viola Fügen and Michael Weber producing for The Match Factory. The company also represents several of Aïnouz's past works. Finally, Markus Schleinzer's third feature, "Rose," is a historical drama starring the Academy Award-nominated German actress Sandra Hüller. The film unravels the true and intricate narrative of a female deceiver who, defying societal norms, assumed a male identity to perpetrate various misdeeds. This Austrian-German co-production involves Schubert, Row Pictures, and Walker + Worm Film, marking continued partnerships for The Match Factory with these production houses.
The extensive and diverse slate of films brought by The Match Factory to the Berlinale competition underscores the company's commitment to independent cinema and its keen eye for compelling narratives and talented filmmakers. The selection of films, each with a unique voice and perspective, promises to captivate audiences and contribute significantly to the festival's artistic discourse. The blend of established names like Juliette Binoche and emerging talents like Eva Trobisch highlights a dynamic approach to film curation, fostering both critical appreciation and commercial success. This strong presence at such a prestigious festival is not only a testament to The Match Factory's reputation but also an exciting indicator of the vibrant and evolving landscape of international cinema.