Berlin-based world sales company M-Appeal has closed key territory deals for Muriel d’Ansembourg’s “Truly Naked” ahead of its world premiere in the Berlinale’s Perspectives section, with sales to German-speaking territories and Korea signaling strong early market momentum. The first clip debuts here on Variety.
M-Appeal’s slate at last year’s Berlinale included Dag Johan Haugerud’s “Dreams (Sex Love),” which won the Golden Bear, and “Living the Land” by Huo Meng, who took the Silver Bear for best director.
M-Appeal told Variety “Truly Naked” was a “visually bold yet emotionally grounded drama centered on the discovery of authentic intimacy,” and added that the film “approaches sexuality and taboo themes through a distinctly female gaze.”
The story follows Alec, a soft-spoken, introverted teenager raised in the orbit of his father’s adult entertainment business. When the family relocates from London to a quiet seaside town, Alec hopes for a fresh start. Everything shifts when he meets Nina, “a fiercely independent young woman whose outlook challenges his understanding of connection.”
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the film generated interest from numerous companies and sparked a competitive bidding process among seven distributors seeking to secure the rights. Capelight Pictures ultimately prevailed with a strong proposal that includes a theatrical release across the territory. It will be partnering with theatrical distributor Polyfilm in Austria.
Capelight’s most recent acquisitions include Padraic McKinley’s “The Weight,” starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, premiering in the Berlinale Special Gala, as well as “Sunny Dancer,” directed by George Jaques and starring Bella Ramsey, selected for the Generation section.
Drew Golblatt, head of acquisitions at Capelight, said: “We were floored by ‘Truly Naked’ the first time we saw it and knew we wanted to be the distributors. The acting, directing and message behind this wonderful film are just brilliant.”
A similar dynamic unfolded in Korea, where distributors moved swiftly following early market exposure. Several offers quickly became competitive, with EnterMode Corp. securing the rights through a “robust theatrical commitment.”
EnterMode Corp. has recently handled titles including “The Thing With Feathers” by Dylan Southern (Sundance, 2025), “Nuremberg” by James Vanderbilt (Toronto, 2025), “Desert Warrior” by Rupert Wyatt, “Here” by Robert Zemeckis and “Heretic” by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
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