WaZabi Films

Source: WaZabi Films

Anick Poirier and Lorne Price of WaZabi Films

Former Seville International executives Anick Poirier and Lorne Price have launched sales agency WaZabi Films with to focus on independent features with crossover potential, and art house films with awards pedigree from Québec, Canada, and the world.

WaZabi Films has struck an agreement with Les Films Séville to handle exclusive distribution of the Séville International catalogue including Cannes selections Matthias et Maxime from Xavier Dolan and Monia Chokri’s La Femme de Mon Frère.

The move effectively marks the end of eOne-owned Séville International, which had been winding down ever since eOne acquired the remaining stake in Sierra/Affinity last summer.

Poirier, who until recently served as head of international sales at Séville International, and Price, formerly director of sales at Seville International, will serve as co-presidents of the new venture, set up under the umbrella of production company DATSIT Sphere Inc.

“We are excited to continue to passionately represent the best that film has to offer to audiences worldwide,” said Poirier. “We are aiming to represent between 10 to 15 films per year and are currently exploring several options from all over the world.”

Price added, “We are equally excited to do it as part of the DATSIT Sphere team. As a multi-faceted, dynamic company, it will also allow us to explore expanding our activities.”

“It is important that Quebec films be distributed internationally by a local company. It is natural for us to entrust our films to Anick and Lorne. It also provides continuity to our partner filmmakers and producers”, said Les Films Séville president Patrick Roy.

“We are thrilled to add talents like Anick and Lorne to our team,” said DATSIT Sphère president and CEO Bruno Dubé. “The arrival of WaZabi Films aligns with our growth plans and allows us to continue our strategy of international expansion.”