Jia's 'City' notches up Cannes sales

MK2 nabs distribution on docu-fiction movie

By JOHN HOPEWELL

CANNES -- Gallic major MK2 has closed distribution deals on major territories for Jia Zhangke's "24 City," playing off its Competition screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

New Wave has taken the U.K., With Cinema has snapped up Korea, Japanese co-producer Bitters End will handle Japanese distribution, and Ad Vitam handles distribution in France.

"24 City" has also closed Benelux (Cineart), Greece (Seven Group), Portugal (Atalanta) and countries of the former Yugoslavia (Megacom).

Chronicling the demolition of an old state-owned factory to make way for a theme park called 24 City, Jia's docu-fiction pic mixes interviews with real people and fictional characters, played by thesps including Joan Chen.