EXCLUSIVE: German sales outfit The Match Factory has launched sales on Phoenix, the new feature from Silver Bear winning director Christian Petzold.

The film, at financing stage and due to shoot in the autumn, will again star Petzold’s regular collaborator Nina Hoss, who also appeared in Yella (2007), Jerichow (2008) and in last year’s Berlinale and box-office success Barbara (2012).

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The Match Factory has already sealed pre-sales for France (Diaphana), Benelux (A-Film), Italy (BIM) and Switzerland (Look Now!). Further territories are expected to be concluded in Cannes.

While Barbara was set in the German Democratic Republic of the early 1980s, Phoenix goes back to the post-Second World War era, focussing on a woman who has survived the Holocaust. Presumedly dead, she returns home under a new identity to find out if her husband betrayed her.

Hoss stars alongside Ronald Zehrfeld.

“We are looking forward to another cooperation with Florian Koerner von Gustorf and Michael Weber of Schramm Film,” said Match Factory MD Michael Weber (no relation).

“We have worked with Christian Petzold on four films now are excited and confident about the reception of Phoenix on the international market.”

Barbara was a big seller for The Match Factory, going to 40 territories and generating significant box-office receipts worldwide.

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