MK2 Films Acquires Jia Zhangke's 'Torino Shadow' Ahead of Cannes Classics Screening
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MK2 Films has secured worldwide rights to 'Torino Shadow', a new short film by acclaimed Chinese director Jia Zhangke. The 32-minute film, starring Zhao Tao, will premiere in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival. The project is part of the Torino Encounters initiative, which commissions filmmakers to create works inspired by the archives of Turin's Museo Nazionale del Cinema.
Facts First
- MK2 Films secures worldwide rights to Jia Zhangke's short film 'Torino Shadow'.
- The film is set to premiere in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival.
- 'Torino Shadow' is the second commission in the Torino Encounters series, which uses museum archives as creative material.
- The film stars Zhao Tao, a frequent collaborator of Jia Zhangke, and is set in China and Turin.
- MK2 Films' Cannes 2026 slate includes five competition titles and several other selections across festival sections.
What Happened
MK2 Films has acquired worldwide rights to 'Torino Shadow', a 32-minute short film by Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke. The film is scheduled to screen in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival. 'Torino Shadow' is the second film commissioned under the Torino Encounters initiative, a project launched by Turin's Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) on its 25th anniversary. The initiative invites filmmakers to create works using the museum's archives and collections as creative raw material. Carlo Chatrian, director of the museum, approached Jia Zhangke in 2025 with the concept of a short film tribute to the art of cinema.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of international cinema, you may soon have the opportunity to see a new work from a major auteur like Jia Zhangke at a film festival or in specialized release. The film's premiere at Cannes and its acquisition by MK2 Films suggests it could reach a global audience. The project highlights a creative model where filmmakers draw inspiration from historical archives, which could lead to more unique and culturally resonant short films being produced.
What's Next
Following its premiere at Cannes, 'Torino Shadow' may be screened at other international festivals or become available through MK2 Films' distribution channels. The next film in the Torino Encounters series, Radu Jude's 'Trailer for Dante's 'Paradiso'', is expected to premiere before the end of the year. Meanwhile, at Cannes 2026, MK2 Films will also present a significant slate of films, including five titles in the main competition.