Vue Lumière announces the acquisition of The Thing with Feathers for the UK and Ireland from sales agent mk2 Films. This marks the first dramatic feature under the new distribution arm of the leading European exhibition company Vue, after their soft launch in 2024 with the Italian hit “There’s Still Tomorrow” and global phenomenon for families “Bluey at the Cinema.”

“The Thing with Feathers” had its world premiere at Sundance earlier this year, then went on to play as a Special Gala at the 75th Berlinale. It is based on the bestselling book by Max Porter, published by Faber, and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a grieving father of two young boys who loses his wife very suddenly. His extraordinary performance is both heartfelt and haunting.

Written and directed by Dylan Southern, known for his music documentaries “Meet Me in the Bathroom,” “Shut Up and Play the Hits” and the upcoming untitled Oasis project, it is produced by Adam Ackland and Leah Clarke for SunnyMarch (“We Live in Time,” “The Mauritanian” and the upcoming “Roses”) and Andrea Cornwell’s Lobo Films (“Love Lies Bleeding,” “Saint Maud”).

The film was developed with Film4, who co-financed alongside the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding) and Align, in association with Uncommon Creative Studio, mk2 Films and Rank and File, in co-production with Film i Väst and Filmgate Film. mk2 Films handles international sales and has now almost sold out.

Eve Gabereau, Director of Distribution at Vue Lumière, expressed her enthusiasm around bringing this remarkable story to UK and Irish audiences. “We feel that ‘The Thing with Feathers’ fully embodies what we are doing with Vue Lumière and what we want to say to audiences around cinema, storytelling, performance, creativity and impact. Also, we are committed to and energised by working with the filmmaking teams and UK partners Film4 and BFI in a joined-up way for the widest possible release.”

Vue founder and CEO Tim Richards CBE added: “We are honoured to be part of this project that both showcases exceptional talent and also tells a deeply moving story that will resonate with so many people. We know ‘The Thing with Feathers’ will captivate viewers and spark important conversations with a wide range of audiences.”

Fionnuala Jamison, Managing Director of mk2 Films, said: “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Vue Lumière on their first major dramatic feature. It’s a moving and distinctive film that we’re proud to see embraced by such an ambitious new player in the UK market.”

Vue Lumière plans to release “The Thing with Feathers” in cinemas across the UK and Ireland later this year. Further details regarding the release date and campaign activity will be announced soon.

About Vue Lumière
Vue Lumière is the new film distribution division of Vue, the number one exhibitor in the UK and the largest privately owned operator in Europe. Soft-launched in 2024 with the successful theatrical releases of Italian hit “There’s Still Tomorrow” and global phenomenon for families “Bluey at the Cinema,” Lumière plans to release initially in the UK, 10-12 independent, international features per year and across all rights. Dylan Southern’s “The Thing with Feathers,” based on the bestselling Max Porter book and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, marks a bold acquisition for them – crossing artforms, highlighting talent and making an impact through the power of cinema. Vue was founded in 1999 by Tim Richards CBE and now spans more than 2000 screens across 223 sites and covers eight territories for exhibition: the UK and Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland and Lithuania, Denmark and the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.vue-international.com/vue-lumiere