Buyers embrace Canadian open relationship comedy ‘Follies’

EXCLUSIVE: Eric K. Boulianne’s Follies, about a couple exploring polyamory after 16 years together, has wooed buyers in multiple territories after world premiering at Locarno Film Festival in August for Totem Films. 

The film has sold to Switzerland (Frenetic), the Baltics (Kino Pavasaris), Germany and Austria (Filmperlen), Spain (Flamingo), Portugal (Alambique) and Taiwan (Cineplex).

Mischa Schiwow, co-director at Frenetic Films says the film “won me over with its irreverence and infectious humour.” Dovilė Grigaliūnaitė, head of acquisitions at Kino Pavasaris, described the film as “a modern love story, honest, uncomfortable, funny, and sad, just like real life often is.” 

After earning a junior jury special mention in Locarno, the film went on to a North American premiere in the Centrepiece section at Toronto International Film Festival and won the grand prix at the Calgary International Film Festival. 

Boulianne stars in his debut feature opposite Catherine Chabot as a longtime couple living in Montreal with their two children who decide to open their relationship to explore new sexual possibilities with multiple partners, but complications ensue. It is produced by Coop Vidéo de Montréal and Entract Films will release it in Canada on January 30, 2026. 

Totem’s slate includes Nastia Korkia’s Venice Lion of the Future winner Short Summer, Locarno entries Kukla’s Fantasy and Rosanne Pel’s Donkey Days, Vytautas Katkus’ Karlovy Vary best director prizewinner The Visitor, and Suzannah Mirghani’s Venice Critics’ Week title Cotton Queen.

Boulianne is a prolific screenwriter known for Before We Explode, The Dishwasher and Viking. He has directed several short films that have premiered in festivals, including Cannes and Venice.

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