Joscha Bongard’s child influencer satire ‘Babystar’ boarded for sales ahead of Toronto premiere

EXCLUSIVE:  Rising German director Joscha Bongard’s narrative feature debut Babystar has been boarded for sales by Finland and UK-based outfit, The Yellow Affair ahead of its premiere as part of the Toronto Discovery strand.

The satirical drama explores the rise of family influencing and the children who become both product and commodity. Since birth, 16-year-old Luca has been the star of her parents’ influencer empire, her every milestone curated for millions of followers. When they announce plans for another child, the cracks in their perfect image intensify.

The film stars Maja Bons, Bea Brocks, Liliom Lewald, Joy Ewulu, Maximilian Mundt and Verena Altenberger. Bongard co-writes with Nicole Rüthers.

Lisa Purtscher and Lotta Schmelzer produce for Germany’s LiseLotte Films, in co-production with ZDF – Das Kleine Fernsehspiel (ZDF’s editorial department for emerging talents) and Filmakademie Baden-Württenberg. It was funded by MFG Baden-Württemberg and Hessen Film & Medien.

Bongard’s previous feature documentary Pornfluencer screened at DOK.fest Munich in 2022.

“I’m thrilled that my first [narrative] feature will premiere at TIFF 50 in the Discovery section,” said Bongard. “Some of my biggest heroes began their careers in this section and I’m excited to present Babystar to the Canadian audience.”

The Yellow Affair’s slate also includes Helen Walsh’s Edinburgh premiere On The Sea and Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s Berlin Panorama and BFI London Film Festival selection Dreamers.

• TIFF braces for protests ahead of hot-button premieres