Wim Wenders Produced ‘I’ll Be Gone in June’ Acquired for North America

KimStim has acquired all North American rights to Katharina Rivilis’ debut feature film, “I’ll Be Gone in June,” following its world premiere in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. The acquisition was announced on May 23, 2024, shortly after the film's debut on the Croisette. Wim Wenders, the acclaimed director known for films such as "Paris, Texas" and "Wings of Desire," served as an executive producer on the project, lending his significant industry experience and reputation to Rivilis' first feature-length directorial effort. The film's acquisition by KimStim, a distributor known for art-house and international cinema, signals its potential for a significant theatrical and ancillary release across the United States and Canada.

“I’ll Be Gone in June” is a coming-of-age drama that unfolds in Las Cruces, New Mexico, during the critical months surrounding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The narrative centers on Franny, a 16-year-old German exchange student whose idealized perception of America is profoundly challenged by the events of that period. The film explores themes of cultural displacement, the loss of innocence, and the search for identity against a backdrop of national trauma and global uncertainty. Rivilis, who also wrote the screenplay, draws upon personal experiences to craft a story that is both intimate and resonant with the broader historical context.

The Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival is a highly respected program that showcases distinctive directorial voices and emerging talent, often featuring films that are more experimental or unconventional in their approach. "I'll Be Gone in June"'s inclusion in this section highlights its artistic merit and its potential to engage audiences with its unique perspective. The festival's platform provides a crucial launchpad for international films, attracting distributors and generating critical buzz. The acquisition by KimStim underscores the film's appeal to a discerning audience segment that values thoughtful storytelling and international cinema.

Katharina Rivilis, a filmmaker with a background in documentary and short films, makes her feature directorial debut with "I'll Be Gone in June." Her previous work has explored themes of identity and belonging, and this film continues that exploration through the lens of a young protagonist navigating a complex and rapidly changing world. The involvement of Wim Wenders as an executive producer is a significant endorsement, suggesting a strong artistic vision and compelling narrative within the film. The specific details of the distribution deal, including release dates and planned marketing strategies, are expected to be announced by KimStim in the coming months, following the film's successful premiere and subsequent acquisition.