Dark Star Pictures has swooped in to acquire North American rights to “Heads or Fails,” the sophomore feature from Belgian directing duo Harpo and Lenny Guit. The deal marks a continued partnership between the indie distributor and the Guit brothers, whose midnight sensation “Mother Schmuckers” made waves at Sundance 2021.
The acquisition was finalized between Dark Star Pictures president Michael Repsch and Best Friend Forever co-founder Charles Bin.
Fresh off its world premiere at last year’s Fantastic Fest, where it earned critical acclaim, “Heads or Fails” follows Armande Pigeon, Brussels’ reigning queen of misfortune. Unable to resist a bet, she finds herself perpetually on the wrong side of Lady Luck – until a fateful night when she joins forces with Ronnie, leading to an unprecedented winning streak that tests their judgment.
The comedy features a stellar ensemble including Maria Cavalier-Bazan in the lead, alongside “Mother Schmuckers” alums Axel Perin and Maxi Delmelle. The cast is rounded out by Michael Zindel (“A Good Jewish Boy”), Claire Bodson (“Tori and Lokita,” “Young Ahmed”) with special appearances by French cinema veteran Melvil Poupaud (“Jeanne du Barry,” “One Fine Morning”) and Les Rita Mitsuko frontwoman Catherine Ringer.
The film is a joint venture between Roue Libre Production’s David Borgeaud, Fair Play Production’s Gaétane Rieusset, and the directors’ Clubb Guitos banner. UFO Distribution is set to release the film in France on March 26.
“We could not be more excited to bring ‘Heads or Fails’ to North American audiences,” Repsch said. “A big part of Dark Star’s DNA is continuing to grow as our filmmakers do and working with the Guit brothers follow up to ‘Mother Schmuckers’ is doing just that. ‘Heads or Fails’ showcases the brothers maturation as storytellers, while still bringing their signature brand of shocking comedy.”
The acquisition adds to Dark Star’s growing portfolio of boundary-pushing international fare, which includes Fantastic Fest top prize winner “Property,” Cannes Critics Week grand prize recipient “Tiger Stripes,” Sundance entry “Kidnapping Inc.,” and the double Independent Spirit Award nominee “Big Boys.”
“Heads or Fails” comes from Best Friend Forever, whose current Berlin Film Festival slate features Kateryna Gornostai’s “Timestamp” – the sole documentary in competition – and Jun Li’s Panorama selection “Queerpanorama.” The Paris-based sales outfit, a sister company to Indie Sales launched at Cannes 2019, is managed by former Indie Sales marketing head Martin Gondre and entertainment lawyer Charles Bin, alongside Indie Sales co-founder Nicolas Eschbach.