mk2 Films

What mk2 Films does

mk2 Films is a Paris-based international film sales agent, producer, and distributor founded in 1974 as part of the MK2 Group established by Marin Karmitz and now controlled by the Karmitz family, with Nathanaël Karmitz as Chairman and Elisha Karmitz as CEO. The company curates and exploits a catalogue of more than 1,000 titles spanning silent-era restorations (notably Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Robert Bresson), French New Wave and post-New Wave masters (Truffaut, Varda, Demy, Chabrol, Resnais, Carax, Dumont), European and world-cinema auteurs (Kieślowski, Kiarostami, Haneke, Lynch, Dolan, Fukada, Sciamma), documentary heritage (Claude Lanzmann's Shoah), and contemporary competition titles. Underlying technology is centered on 4K and 2K film restoration—executed in partnership with L'Immagine Ritrovata/Cineteca di Bologna and The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project—plus the operational infrastructure to coordinate simultaneous worldwide theatrical releases across 70+ territories.

mk2 Films generates revenue through four primary streams: (i) international sales-agent commissions on a dozen or so new films per year (sold at Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and other markets to territory distributors such as Janus Films, StudioCanal, Film4, A Contracorriente, and Strand Releasing); (ii) direct theatrical distribution in France; (iii) catalogue licensing of restored classics to streaming/VOD platforms and reissue distributors globally; and (iv) restoration co-productions and new-film financing (e.g., Todd Haynes' De Noche, Blueprint/Film4's The Servant, Koji Fukada's Roca). Go-to-market is festival- and event-driven: the company premiered 11 films at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, executed Chaplin's The Gold Rush centenary across 2,000+ screens in 76 territories in a single launch day in June 2025, and won the Grand Prix (Minotaur) and Caméra d'Or (Ben'Imana) at Cannes 2026 alongside an earlier Oscar for Best International Feature Film (Sentimental Value). Customer segments are primarily B2B film distributors and exhibitors, with secondary exposure to streaming platforms, festivals, and end-cinema audiences.

Name

mk2 Films

Legal name

MK2 HOLDING

Website

https://mk2films.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

mk2 Films is a Paris-based international film sales agent, producer, and distributor founded in 1974, curating a 1,000+ title catalogue of restored classics and contemporary auteur cinema, serving global territory distributors, streaming platforms, and festivals across 70+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film Distribution Services

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

International Sales & Licensing (Territory Pre-Sales) (MPADAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Catalog / Library Distribution & Re-Release (MPADAJAK), Territory & Language Rights (International, Dubbing/Subtitling) (MPADALAH)

Keywords

• International film sales
• Film distribution services
• Classic film restoration
• Auteur cinema catalog
• Theatrical distribution rights

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. International Film Sales: Sales agent business model selling international distribution rights for new and catalogue films to distributors worldwide. Handles worldwide, France-specific, and territory-specific rights.
2. French Theatrical Distribution: Direct theatrical distribution of films in France through own distribution network.
3. Catalogue Licensing: Licensing of 1,000+ title catalogue including restored classics to distributors, streaming platforms, and festivals worldwide.
4. Restoration Services: Film restoration projects that generate revenue through co-production investments and restoration partnerships, creating renewed commercial opportunities for classic titles.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

mk2 Films is an international film sales agent, producer, and distributor that co-produces, sells, and distributes a catalog of more than 1,000 titles spanning classic restorations and contemporary auteur cinema. The company provides international and French distribution rights sales, 4K/2K film restoration services, and Cannes Film Festival representation for its represented filmmakers. It monetizes its catalogue through licensing to local distributors worldwide, direct theatrical distribution in France, and streaming/VOD licensing.

Product overview

mk2 Films is a Paris-based international film sales agent, producer, and distributor founded in 1974, curating a collection of over 1,000 titles. The core offering consists of International and French Collections covering classic restorations, contemporary auteur cinema, documentaries, and animation. The company provides film restoration services (4K/2K), Cannes Film Festival representation, and manages specialized sub-brand collections including the Claude Lanzmann Collection, Koji Fukada Collection, Michael Haneke Collection, Ang Lee Early Films, Xavier Dolan Collection, and Céline Sciamma Collection. Recent acquisitions have expanded their auteur classics library with titles from Gregg Araki (Mysterious Skin), Ari Folman (Waltz With Bashir), and partnerships with Martin Scorsese's The Film Foundation. The company positions restored heritage cinema as global theatrical events, exemplified by the 2025 centenary reissue of Chaplin's The Gold Rush across 76 territories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• mk2.Alt: Specialty distribution label for alternative and restored classic films
• TROISCOULEURS

Products and services

• International Film Sales & Distribution International sales agent service selling worldwide, French, and territory-specific distribution rights for a catalog of over 1,000 titles spanning contemporary auteur cinema, classic restorations, documentaries, and animation to distributors in 70+ territories.
• French Theatrical Distribution Direct theatrical distribution of films in France through mk2 Films' own distribution network, handling cinema partnerships and French theatrical release for new auteur films and restored classics.
• Film Restoration Services 4K, 2K, and HD film restoration services for classic cinema, working with restoration partners L'Immagine Ritrovata and Cineteca di Bologna to preserve works and re-release them to their original vision.
• Heritage Cinema Catalogue (800+ restored classic titles) Curated catalogue of 800+ heritage and auteur cinema titles available for international licensing, theatrical distribution, festival screenings, and streaming/VOD deals, with many films restored in HD and 2K.
• Claude Lanzmann Collection Worldwide distribution of Claude Lanzmann's complete cinematic works, including Shoah (1985), Le Rapport Karski, Tsahal, Pourquoi Israël, Lights and Shadows, and Un Vivant qui passe — landmark documentaries on Holocaust history.
• Céline Sciamma Collection Worldwide distribution of Céline Sciamma's complete filmography including Naissance des Pieuvres, Tomboy, Girlhood, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Petite Maman, and other works.
• Xavier Dolan Collection Worldwide distribution of Xavier Dolan's filmography including I Killed My Mother, Heartbeats, Laurence Anyways, Tom at the Farm, and French rights to Mommy.
• Michael Haneke Collection Worldwide distribution of Michael Haneke's films including Funny Games (2007), Code Unknown, and The Piano Teacher.
• The Gold Rush (Chaplin) Centenary Reissue Centenary 4K-restored worldwide theatrical reissue of Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush (1925), coordinated globally across 2,000+ screens and 76 territories.
• Koji Fukada Collection Collection of films by Japanese auteur Koji Fukada including Nagi Notes, Harmonium (Cannes Un Certain Regard winner), A Girl Missing, Love Life, Love on Trial, and Roca.
• Film Foundation World Cinema Project Collection Worldwide distribution (excluding North America) of prestigious films restored through Martin Scorsese's The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project, including Parajanov's Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, Ouedraogo's Yam Daabo, and Mehrjui's The Postman.
• Mysterious Skin 4K Restoration 4K-restored re-release of Gregg Araki's 2003 film Mysterious Skin, with mk2 Films handling international sales and French release.
• Waltz With Bashir 4K Restoration

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,000 screens across 76 territories reached for The Gold Rush centenary release
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 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

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Blueprint PicturesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026Co-production partner for 'The Servant' psychological thriller directed by Francis Lee, starring Colman Domingo, Nicholas Hoult, Noah Jupe, and Emma Corrin.
• Film4minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 May 2026Film4 is co-producing 'The Servant' alongside Blueprint Pictures and MK2, providing financing and UK/distribution support.
• Koji FukadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Sixth collaboration with Japanese auteur Koji Fukada on manga adaptation 'Roca'. Following 'Nagi Notes' (Cannes Competition), 'Love on Trial', 'Love Life', 'Harmonium' (Un Certain Regard winner), and 'A Girl Missing'.
• Film MovementminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 April 2026US distributor acquiring North American theatrical rights to re-release Bahram Beyzai's 'Bashu: The Little Stranger' in restored 4K.
• RitualminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 April 2026Montreal-based Canadian distributor acquiring North American theatrical rights (Canada) to 'Bashu: The Little Stranger' re-release.
• Marie-Clémentine DusabejambocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 April 2026International sales partnership for 'Ben'Imana', the first feature by a Rwandan director selected for Cannes Official Selection. Film will world premiere in Un Certain Regard.
• Big Creek ProjectscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 April 2026Production company for Ira Sachs' 'The Man I Love' starring Rami Malek. MK2 acquired worldwide distribution rights for this Cannes Palme d'Or contender.
• SBS ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 April 2026Co-production company for 'The Man I Love'. MK2 handles worldwide distribution while WME Independent handles North American sales.
• Martin Scorsese's The Film FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Deepening partnership with The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project. MK2 represents worldwide rights (excluding North America) to prestigious restored films from across the globe, including 10 new additions like Parajanov's 'Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors' and Ouédraogo's 'Yam Daabo'.
• Chris Coen Films Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Acquisition of worldwide rights to Michael Haneke's 'Funny Games' (2007), strengthening the Haneke catalogue that already includes 'Code Unknown' and 'The Piano Teacher'.
• Taiwan Film and Audiovisual InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Acquisition of worldwide rights to Ang Lee's first three features ('Pushing Hands', 'The Wedding Banquet', 'Eat Drink Man Woman') - the 'Father Knows Best' trilogy - from the institute where they were originally restored.
• Nancy GrantcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Acquisition of worldwide rights to Xavier Dolan's 'I Killed My Mother' and 'Heartbeats' from producer Nancy Grant, deepening their longstanding relationship with Dolan.
• Salaud MorissetminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Partnership on Wim Wenders' 'The End of Violence' project. Salaud Morisset collaborates with MK2 on this restoration/distribution initiative.
• Ari FolmancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2026Acquisition of worldwide rights to 'Waltz with Bashir' as a new 4K restoration is prepared. MK2 handles international sales for this landmark animated documentary.
• Gregg ArakicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Partnership for 4K restoration of 'Mysterious Skin'. MK2 handles international sales; Strand Releasing handles US theatrical. Director-approved restoration premiered at Sundance Classics.
• Céline SciammacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026Acquisition of worldwide rights to complete Céline Sciamma filmography including early films and 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire', 'Petite Maman', and recent short 'This Is How a Child Becomes a Poet'.
• Todd HaynescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026MK2 Films financing Todd Haynes' romantic film 'De Noche' starring Pedro Pascal, set in 1930s Los Angeles.
• Roy Export S.A.S.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Long-standing partnership for Chaplin restoration and distribution. Roy Export holds Chaplin rights and partnered with MK2 for The Gold Rush centenary restoration and global release across 70+ territories.
• Cineteca di Bologna / L'Immagine RitrovatacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Restoration partnership for The Gold Rush centenary. The Cineteca di Bologna's laboratory L'Immagine Ritrovata performed the 4K restoration. Also partners on Italian theatrical distribution.
• Les Films AlephcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Agreement for worldwide rights to Claude Lanzmann's films including Shoah, Le Rapport Karski, Tsahal, Un Vivant qui passe, and Pourquoi Israël. Les Films Aleph is Lanzmann's production company.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Match Factory: Cologne-based international sales agent and distributor handling auteur and arthouse cinema. Comparable sales-agent model, festival presence (Cannes, Berlin, Venice), and curated international rights business overlapping with mk2's core activities.
• Films Boutique: Berlin-based international sales agent specializing in arthouse and auteur cinema. Comparable sales-agent model with territory-by-territory rights deals and strong festival presence (Berlin, Cannes), directly overlapping with mk2's core business.
• Janus Films: US heritage cinema distributor and partner of mk2 (US/UK distribution). Distributes Criterion Collection and classic auteur cinema in North America with comparable curatorial, restoration, and theatrical re-release capabilities to mk2's collections business.
• Coproduction Office: Paris-based European sales agent and co-producer founded by Philippe Bober. Operates an analogous model of curatorial auteur international sales and co-production financing, competing with mk2 for festival-grade arthouse projects.
• Le Pacte: Paris-based French film distribution and sales company. Operates French theatrical distribution and international sales for arthouse and prestige titles, directly competing with mk2's French distribution business and sharing auteur/sales-agent DNA.
• Celluloid Dreams: Paris/London-based sales agent representing auteur filmmakers internationally. Operates a similar model of curated international rights sales, co-production financing, and festival-driven launches competing head-to-head with mk2 for top auteur projects.
• Wild Bunch: Paris-based international film sales agent and distributor founded by Vincent Maraval. Operates an analogous sales-agent model with global territory deals, co-production financing, and festival representation, directly competing with mk2 for Cannes auteur titles.
• HanWay Films: London-based international sales company founded by Managing Director Gabrielle Stewart. Sells arthouse, documentary and prestige film rights worldwide, with festival strategy and co-production financing directly comparable to mk2 Films' international sales model.

Broad incumbents

• StudioCanal: European heritage cinema distributor and rights holder (part of Canal+ group). Distributes Chaplin, Lynch, Haneke and other major catalogue titles directly competing with mk2 in Germany and other territories, and operates at substantially larger scale as part of a vertically integrated studio.
• Curzon: UK-based arthouse cinema chain, distributor, and streaming operator. Combines theatrical exhibition with rights distribution for arthouse and heritage cinema in the UK market, providing both complementary and competitive overlap with mk2's UK and theatrical activities.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/filmsmk2
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mk2films
• Facebookfacebook.com/mk2films
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mk2-films
• Instagraminstagram.com/mk2films

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries7 records

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 mk2 Films