Pathé is enhancing its film library by acquiring five titles from the London-based production company Celador Films, including the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire,” directed by Danny Boyle.
Pathé has a long-standing relationship with Celador Films and its founder, Paul Smith. Together, they have worked on various projects, including the global distribution of “Slumdog Millionaire.” The new deal adds Neil Marshall’s “Centurion,” Jon Harris’s horror films “The Descent” and “The Descent Part 2,” and Tom Harper’s “The Scouting Book for Boys” to Pathé’s collection.
Pathé’s president, Ardavan Safaee, expressed excitement about the acquisition. “We are thrilled to welcome these acclaimed titles, which have achieved both commercial success and prestigious awards recognition, into the Pathé library,” he said. He added that the company aims to maximize the films’ potential and keep them captivating for audiences in the years ahead.
Paul Smith emphasized the strength of the partnership, stating, “Throughout most of the existence of Celador Films, Pathé has efficiently and successfully acted as our distributor in the U.K. and France, and as our sales agent worldwide for nearly all of our titles.” He noted that this new agreement reflects their long-standing collaboration and trust in Pathé’s stewardship of Celador Films’ titles.
Pathé is experiencing a productive year, with several hits, including “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which is currently the second highest-grossing French-language film of 2024, with nearly 9 million tickets sold. Additionally, Jacques Audiard’s crime musical “Emilia Perez” is representing France in the Oscar race. Both films will compete at this year’s American French Film Festival.
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