Naïa Productions

What Naïa Productions does

Naïa Productions is a privately held French film production, distribution, and exhibition company founded in 2009 in Paris by Séverine Lathuillière and Philippe Aigle. The company produces feature films, documentaries, short films, and animated series across genres including animation, fiction, documentary, experimental cinema, and dance film, with a thematic focus on engaged cinema addressing ecology, identity, social justice, and cultural bridge-building. Its flagship productions include the animated feature Adama (2015, 400,000 admissions and integrated into French school cinema programs), Paradise Beach (2019), the Maguy Marin documentary l'Urgence d'Agir (2019, César 2020 selection), May B (2021), Et Maintenant ? (2023, Tribeca World Premiere), and Maldonne (2024, 14 international festival selections). Production is supported by institutional co-financing from the CNC, regional councils, and foundations including BNP Paribas, ENGIE, Hermès, and Sophie Rochas, with international sales routed through specialized agents (Celluloid Dreams for Adama, WTFilms for Epiphania) and theatrical distribution in France via Eurozoom.

The company's distinctive operational feature is Origin Cinéma, a 14-screen, 1,677-seat multiplex opened on December 23, 2021, in Dumbéa-Koutio, New Caledonia, operated as an mk2 franchise and serving as both an exhibition channel and a regional cultural hub. The cinema features laser projection, DARKSIDE 7.1 sound, VIP loungers, and the first urban solar farms in New Caledonia (1,500 panels, 250Kva capacity). It runs educational programs (Ma classe au cinéma), community festivals (La Femme dans tous ses états, Semaines bleues et vertes, Hip-Hop), a Micro-Folie digital museum with the City of Dumbéa, and from 2024 broadcasts of Opéra de Paris performances. Since opening it has welcomed over 500,000 spectators. The company has 11–50 employees including a ~30-person local cinema team, generates no publicly disclosed revenue, and is funded entirely by founder equity, institutional co-production financing, and foundation grants — with no disclosed external investment, M&A activity, or funding rounds.

Name

Naïa Productions

Legal name

Naïa Productions

Website

https://naia.pro

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film Production and Distribution

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) (512131), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)

akta.pro primary industry

Theatrical Distribution (Domestic) (MPADAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Anime Production (MPADACAF), Arts & Culture Documentaries (MPADADAI), Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera) (MPADAKAG), Short-Form Documentaries (MPADADAC), International TV Program Distribution (Sales/Output Deals) (MPABAMAD), Film Festivals & Festival Organizers (MPADAKAD)

Keywords

• Film production company
• Animated film production
• Documentary film production
• Cinema exhibition operation
• Film distribution services

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Film Production and Distribution: Naïa Productions produces and distributes feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, and experimental cinema. Revenue is generated through theatrical distribution fees, international sales commissions, and co-production financing from institutional partners (CNC, regional councils, foundations).
2. Cinema Exhibition (Origin Cinéma): The 14-screen Origin Cinéma multiplexe in Dumbéa, New Caledonia generates revenue from ticket sales, concessions (organic popcorn, confiserie, Origin Café), and event/festival programming. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
3. VOD / Streaming: Naïa launched its own VOD service via Vimeo On Demand, making titles such as Maguy Marin - L'Urgence d'Agir and MAY B available directly to consumers. Additional VOD distribution through Canal+ and ARTE platforms.
4. Cultural and Educational Services: Revenue from educational cinema programs (Ma classe au cinéma), festival programming, cultural events, and food/beverage sales at Origin Café, which offers poke bowls, wraps, bagels, and pastries made with local and seasonal products.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Naïa Productions is an independent French film company that produces animated, documentary, fiction, and dance cinema from its Paris studio, controls international distribution and sales for its catalogue, and operates Origin Cinéma, a 14-screen multiplex in Dumbéa, New Caledonia. Its catalogue spans feature films such as Adama and May B plus shorts, music videos, and educational programmes around dance and ecology, and the company monetises through sales to broadcasters, distributors, and direct cinema audiences.

Product overview

Naïa Productions is a French film production, distribution, and exhibition company founded in 2009 by Séverine Lathuillière and Philippe Aigle. The company produces feature films, documentaries, and animated works across genres, with notable productions including 'Adama, le Monde des Souffles' (2015), 'Paradise Beach' (2019), 'May B' (2021), and 'Maldonne' (2024). The company also operates the Origin Cinéma, a 14-screen multiplex in Dumbéa, New-Calédonia opened in December 2021, combining mainstream blockbusters with independent and art-house programming. Through its subsidiary cinema operations, Naïa offers educational film programs for schools and organizes cultural festivals. The company produces animated series such as 'Yoga Shalala' and has feature films in development including 'Epiphania', 'Muraya et la Terre sans Mal', and 'Nos bleus d'enfant'. Distribution includes theatrical releases, VOD via Vimeo On Demand, and partnerships with platforms such as Canal+ and ARTE.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Origin Cinéma: A 14-screen multiplex cinema complex (1,677 seats) located in Dumbéa-Koutio, Nouvelle-Calédonie, opened December 23, 2021. Features eco-friendly design with solar power, organic food offerings, and cultural programming including festivals, educational initiatives, opera screenings, and community events.

Products and services

• Origin Cinéma 14-screen cinema multiplex in Dumbéa, New Caledonia, offering mainstream, family, and arthouse programming including dance films and festival-themed seasons, equipped with laser projection, DARKSIDE 7.1 sound, and an automated projection control room.
• Adama (animated feature film) Animated feature film directed by Simon Rouby, telling the story of a 12-year-old West African boy's journey during World War I; an integrated song version won a 2016 César Award; a Naïa production distributed via sales agents and broadcasters.
• May B (dance-cinema feature) Feature dance film from choreographer Maguy Marin, performed and directed with the inclusion of amateur actors, produced and distributed by Naïa for theatrical, broadcast, and festival audiences.
• Maldonne (dance-cinema feature) Dance-cinema feature inspired by Pascal Rambert's play, co-produced by Naïa Productions; released theatrically and on VOD through company channels.
• Maguy Marin l'Urgence d'Agir (documentary feature) Documentary feature on choreographer Maguy Marin, produced by Naïa and co-produced by ARTE; combines performance, archival footage, and new interviews.
• Paradise Beach (TV movie/documentary) Television documentary/movie co-produced by Naïa with broadcasters, covering the reality of daily life and the ecosystem of a Pacific beach cove; produced for TV and festival markets.
• Epiphania (animated short film) Animated short film produced by Naïa that explores themes of time and perception; exhibited at festivals and educational screenings.
• Et Maintenant? (short film) Short fiction or documentary film directed by Anne Villacèque, addressing youth unemployment; co-produced by Naïa for broadcast on Arte.
• Yoga Shalala (animated short film) Animated short aimed at young audiences, produced by Naïa; distributed via television broadcasters and festival circuit.
• Nos bleus d'enfant (documentary short) Short documentary exploring the impact of early-childhood emotional shocks on adult life; intended for educational distribution on Arte for children.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400,000+ cinema admissions for Adama, with integration into national school cinema programs (Écoles & Cinéma, Collège & Cinéma) reaching students across France
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Celluloid DreamscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2023Celluloid Dreams, led by Saliha Guemraoui, handles international sales for Adama since October 2023, managing worldwide distribution rights for the animated feature film.
• mk2 (Franchise)coreOthers · 23 December 2021Origin Cinéma operates as a mk2 franchise — the first mk2 cinema franchise in New Caledonia. The franchise grants access to mk2's brand, programming coordination, and cinema operations standards. Naïa serves as the executive producer and operator of the mk2 Dumbéa multiplexe.
• MacGuff (Studio)coreTechnology or IntegrationMacGuff Studio is the animation studio developing Naïa's flagship animated features including Epiphania (directed by Jan Kounen) and Le Peuple de l'Arbre. The studio handles animation production and visual development, providing the technical backbone for Naïa's most ambitious animation projects.
• City of DumbéacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Dumbéa partnered with Naïa Productions to establish the Micro-Folie (digital museum) within Origin Cinéma, opening February 2022. The municipality also supports educational cinema programs and the overall cultural development initiative in Dumbéa-Koutio.
• CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée)coreOthersThe CNC provides financial support for Naïa's film productions and the Ma classe au cinéma educational program at Origin Cinéma. It is a key institutional backer for the company's educational cinema initiatives across France and New Caledonia.
• BiomondeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiomonde is the organic food supplier partner for Origin Cinéma's Ciné-Goûter monthly family screenings, providing BIO organic snacks for young audiences at the cinema.
• La Fondation Gilles CaronminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Fondation Gilles Caron co-produced the documentary Gilles Caron, le conflit intérieur with Naïa Productions, providing archival materials and institutional support for the film about the iconic photojournalist.
• Musée de l'ÉlyséeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Musée de l'Élysée in Lausanne co-produced Gilles Caron, le conflit intérieur with Naïa Productions, as part of the Le Conflit Intérieur exhibition it organized in 2013.
• UmédiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmédia is a co-production partner for Epiphania alongside Naïa Productions, providing financing and production resources for the animated feature film.
• EurozoomcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEurozoom handles French theatrical distribution for Epiphania, managing the film's theatrical release in France on behalf of Naïa Productions.
• WTFilmscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWTFilms handles international sales for Epiphania, selling worldwide distribution rights for the animated feature across theatrical, TV, and VOD markets.
• Opéra de ParisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2024, Origin Cinéma broadcasts live and recorded opera performances from the Opéra de Paris and Opéra Bastille, expanding its cultural programming beyond cinema to include performing arts content.
• La Compagnie Leïla KacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Compagnie Leïla Ka is the dance company of choreographer Leïla Ka and a co-producer of Maldonne alongside Naïa Productions and La Garance Scène Nationale de Cavaillon.
• La Garance - Scène Nationale de CavailloncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Garance Scène Nationale de Cavaillon is a co-producer of Maldonne alongside Naïa Productions and La Compagnie Leïla Ka, contributing to the production and likely future distribution of the dance film.
• ARTE FrancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorARTE France is a broadcast and coproduction partner for Maldonne, distributing the film via ARTE Concert. ARTE is associated with the project to provide broadcast exposure across France and Germany.
• La Compagnie Maguy MarincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Compagnie Maguy Marin is the dance company of choreographer Maguy Marin and a co-producer of both Maguy Marin, l'Urgence d'Agir and MAY B alongside Naïa Productions.
• Casterman (Éditions)minorOthersCasterman published the Epiphania graphic novel trilogy by Ludovic Debeurme (October 2021 integral edition) and is the source material publisher for Naïa's animated feature adaptation. Naïa Productions holds the film adaptation rights.
• Alliances Françaises / French Cultural NetworkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSéverine Lathuillière has developed collaborations with Alliances Françaises for Adama's international reach and with the diplomatic network (via Unifrance and Institut Français) to support animation sector activities and cultural promotion abroad.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• mk2: French cinema exhibition and production operator. Origin Cinéma is an mk2 franchise, and mk2's premium positioning, programming, and operational standards directly shape Naïa's exhibition arm—making it both partner and benchmark.
• Pathé: One of France's largest integrated film production, distribution, and exhibition groups. Comparable to Naïa across the full film value chain, but at vastly larger scale, with cinema circuits and major studio productions.
• Gaumont: Historic French cinema production, distribution, and exhibition company. Overlaps with Naïa in theatrical distribution in France and engaged-cinema production, though at much larger scale and broader genre focus.

Direct peers

• Wild Bunch: Major French/European independent film sales and distribution company. Highly comparable to Naïa's distribution arm (international sales, theatrical, VOD), and often represents similar auteur and engaged-cinema titles in international markets.
• Eurozoom: French independent film distributor handling theatrical releases of Naïa's Epiphania. Directly comparable niche indie distributor focused on art-house and auteur cinema in France.
• Météore Films: French independent film distributor focused on art-house and documentary releases. Comparable to Naïa's French theatrical distribution channel and overlapping on dance and documentary programming.
• KMBO: French independent film distribution company specializing in art-house and engaged cinema. Closely matches Naïa's positioning in French theatrical distribution for auteur and socially conscious films.
• Urban Distribution International: French independent distribution company specializing in art-house, documentary, and engaged cinema with both theatrical and international sales capabilities—directly paralleling Naïa's distribution model.
• Why Not Productions: French independent film production company known for auteur and engaged cinema. Comparable to Naïa's production slate, co-production financing model, and festival-circuit positioning.
• Miyu Productions: French animation studio producing short and feature animated films with art-house sensibility. Directly comparable to Naïa's animation production arm (Adama, Epiphania, Le Peuple de l'Arbre) in technique, scale, and target audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/naiaproduction
• Facebookfacebook.com/naiaproductions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naia-productions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Naïa Productions