Mongrel International has come on board to sell international rights to Guy Maddin’s Sundance-bound film.

Evan Johnson co-directed The Forbidden Room, a New Frontiers selection about a submarine crew, a feared pack of forest bandits, a famous surgeon and a battalion of child soldiers.

Cast members include Mathieu Amalric, Louis Negin, Geraldine Chaplin, Udo Kier, Sophie Desmarais, Roy Dupuis, Maria De Madeiros, Charlotte Rampling, Karine Vanasse, Jacques Nolot, Caroline Dhavernas and Clara Furey.  

Phi Films, Buffalo Gal Pictures and the NFB produced The Forbidden Room.

The Forbidden Room is lush, fast, funny, and heady,” said head of Mongrel International Charlotte Mickie. 

“Simply put it is The True History of Film in all its dream-like and phantasmagoric splendour – evoking a fantastic rep cinema 70s vibe. 

“Hedy Lamarr gave us Ecstasy – how we miss her. But Guy and Evan are giving us ecstasy again and climaxes (so many climaxes!), just when our souls are crying out for exactly that remedy!

“We are also excited to be working with three very distinctive and innovative producing partners: Phi Films, Buffalo Gal Pictures and the National Film Board Of Canada.”  

Maddin added: “We’re in great hands with Mongrel and Charlotte. This odd movie, by far the most ambitious endeavour of my sketchy career, gets her! And that fact gets me! Wherever this arrangement takes us, this will be a passionate business relationship! I’m so excited.”