“Lovingly shot in warm natural light, and accompanied by a gentle, lilting soundtrack,
HOLY COW is shot through with compassion for its rascally yet vulnerable protagonist.”
– Lee Marshall, Screen International
“A deeply engrossing film.
It has the richness and texture of a beautifully rendered novella.”
– Ankit Jhunjhunwala, Screen Anarchy
Kino Lorber in association with Zeitgeist Films have acquired U.S. and English-speaking Canadian rights to HOLY COW (Vingt Dieux), which had its world premiere at Un Certain Regard at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Youth Prize. The film is written and directed by first time feature director Louise Courvoisier, and marks the on-screen debut of Clement Faveau as the young farmer Totone. Zeitgeist is planning additional stops at fall festivals and a theatrical opening at Film Forum in the first quarter of 2025, with a national theatrical rollout to follow.
After the tragic death of his father, 18-year-old Totone (Faveau) is thrust into the unexpected and very adult role of looking after his younger sister and their failing family farm in the Jura section of France. He assumes even more responsibility when he enters a cash competition for the best Comte cheese made in this western part of the French Alps. A “verité” look at the hardscrabble life of French agriculture, HOLY COW is a moving love story and above all, an ode to the love of cheese.
The deal for HOLY COW was negotiated by Emily Russo and Nancy Gerstman, Co-Presidents of Zeitgeist Films and Head of Sales Agathe Mauruc at Pyramide International in Paris.
Zeitgeist Co-Presidents Russo and Gerstman found HOLY COW to be, “a very touching story – well acted, well directed, well shot and with a lovely soundtrack. Something for “foodies” to feast on! Bravo to all!”
Pyramide Head of Sales Mauruc added, “We are delighted that the release of HOLY COW in the US is being handled by Zeitgeist and Kino Lorber. We are confident in the film’s potential, particularly due to its French touch and the beautiful story revolving around the famous Comté cheese. We wish them much success with it.”