We are thrilled to announce that GENTLE MONSTER the new feature film by Marie Kreutzer was invited to run in competition at the Festival de Cannes (May 12th-23rd 2026).
The film stars Léa Seydoux, Jella Haase, and Laurence Rupp. With Catherine Deneuve also appearing in the film, GENTLE MONSTER marks a premiere: Seydoux and Deneuve are appearing together in a feature film for the first time. The ensemble is rounded out by numerous other renowned actors, including Anton Rubtsov, Nils Strunk, Patrycia Ziółkowska, Sylvester Groth, Regina Fritsch, Rainer Doppler, Katharina Lorenz, Alma Hasun, Sami Loris, Jeanne Werner, and many more. Malo Blanchet also makes his screen debut. The film is an Austrian-German-French co-production produced by Film AG (Austria), Komplizen Film (Germany), Kazak Productions (France) and Kjellson Wik and Film i Väst (Sweden). In association with Desmar, and Ad Vitam (French Distribution) and Alamode Film (German and Austrian Distribution). In coproduction with ORF (Film/Fernsehabkommen), ZDF and ZDF/Arte. With the support of Österreichisches Filminstitut, DFFF - Deutscher Filmförderfonds, Filmfonds Wien, Eurimages - Council of Europe, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, Land Niederösterreich and Cinestyria Filmcommission and Fonds. International sales mk2 Films.
Judith Kaufmann is responsible for the film’s cinematography; her impressive work has recently graced films such as Yellow Letters, Late Shift, The Glory of Life, The Teachers' Lounge, and Corsage. Myrna Wolff (The Empress, Luden, Dear Thomas) created the detailed and atmospheric set design. The French musician Camille, who won the Oscar for Best Original Song in March 2025 (for El Mal from Emilia Pérez), is responsible for the score. Ulrike Kofler (Corsage, Wild Mouse) is responsible for the editing as for all of Marie Kreutzer's films. A long-standing collaboration also continues with Monika Buttinger for costume design (A Land Within, Eismayer, Corsage), while the makeup is entrusted to the experienced duo Sam Dopona and Verena Pellegrini (Kafka, Sleeping with a Tiger).
The project was selected for the Investors Circle at the 2025 Cannes Film Market and awarded the prestigious ArteKino International Prize.
Marie Kreutzer (Screenplay & Director): "GENTLE MONSTER is an uncomfortable film on a topic that we as a society would rather not deal with. The fact that it is now finding its first audience on Europe’s largest and most glamorous film stage makes me incredibly happy and proud!"
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