Match Factory Takes on Sales for Two Berlinale Competition Films

The Match Factory, a sales company based in Germany, has started handling international sales for two films set to premiere in the main Competition section of the Berlinale next month. These are 'Queen at Sea,' directed by Lance Hammer and starring Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, and 'Home Stories,' the third feature from director Eva Trobisch. Both films will have their world premieres at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, running from February 12 to 22, 2026. The company plans to bring four films total to the event.

Background

The Berlinale draws filmmakers, buyers, and audiences from around the world each year to Berlin for new movies and industry talks. This year's edition, the 76th, features a strong lineup from North Rhine-Westphalia, with eleven funded projects across sections like Competition, Panorama, and Special Gala. Two of those in Competition received support from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, a funding body in the region.

The Match Factory has a long track record at major festivals. In past years, they handled sales for films at Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, picking up awards along the way. For example, they brought titles to the 75th Berlinale in Competition and other sections. Their catalog includes works from directors like Paolo Sorrentino, Jim Jarmusch, and Kelly Reichardt. Now, with Berlinale 2026 approaching, they add these two Competition entries to their slate.

'Queen at Sea' comes from Lance Hammer, known for his earlier film 'Ballast,' which premiered at Sundance. This new project stars Juliette Binoche, who won an Academy Award for 'The English Patient.' Details on the plot remain under wraps, but it marks a return for Hammer after years away from features. The Match Factory also produces some of their sales titles, showing their deep ties to independent cinema.

Eva Trobisch brings 'Home Stories,' her third film after 'Fuck Off' in 2013 and 'Lena Loves' in 2016. Both prior works played at festivals and gained notice for their raw take on young lives in Germany. This one fits into her ongoing look at personal and family ties. The Match Factory stepping in for sales signals confidence in its appeal to global buyers.

North Rhine-Westphalia's presence stands out this year. Besides these, the region funded 'Rose,' another Competition film about a woman in 17th-century Germany posing as a man after war. It got €450,000 in support. 'Rosebush Pruning' joins it in Competition, backed by €300,000. Other sections include Panorama titles like 'Staatsschutz' and 'Two Mountains Weighing Down My Chest.' The funding body highlights these as fresh voices with wide reach.

Key Details

The Match Factory announced the sales pickup this week, ahead of the festival. They will pitch 'Queen at Sea' and 'Home Stories' to distributors worldwide during Berlinale. Buyers from streaming services, theaters, and TV networks flock to Berlin for first looks at Competition films, which often set trends.

Film Production Notes

'Queen at Sea' involves Match Factory Productions in its making, alongside partners like Kavac Film. It received €300,000 from NRW funding. Distribution in Germany falls to MUBI. For 'Home Stories,' less public info exists on production partners, but Trobisch's past films drew praise for strong acting and real-life feel. The Match Factory's role covers world sales for both.

The company brings three more films to Berlinale, though sections for those are not yet specified. Past lineups show they favor bold, director-driven stories. Berlinale Competition juries award the Golden Bear to the top film, with others getting prizes for acting, directing, and scripts. Premieres here boost a film's path to theaters and awards seasons.

Juliette Binoche's involvement adds star power. She has worked across languages and genres, from Abbas Kiarostami films to blockbusters. Her role in 'Queen at Sea' pairs her with Hammer's style, which focuses on quiet, character-led drama. Trobisch, meanwhile, builds on her reputation in German indie circles.

“Eleven films and series from North Rhine-Westphalia are shaping Berlinale 2026 – with strong, new artistic voices, boldly gripping narratives and great social relevance.” – Walid Nakschbandi, CEO of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW

Festival director Tricia Tuttle oversees the program, known for mixing established names with new talents. Last year's Competition had films from Michel Franco and others via The Match Factory, showing their steady festival footprint.

What This Means

Sales launches like this help films find homes in different countries. The Match Factory's track record means buyers pay attention. A strong Competition slot raises a film's value, often leading to deals at the market. For 'Queen at Sea,' Binoche's draw could speed up sales to major territories. 'Home Stories' taps into interest in European stories about home and identity.

NRW's big showing shows the region's role in European film. Funding there supports stories that travel well, from historical dramas to thrillers. Two Competition spots for funded films point to quality control in grants. The Match Factory handling sales for one ties production, funding, and distribution closer.

Berlinale acts as a launchpad. Films here often hit Oscars, other festivals, or streaming hits. Buyers scout for the next breakout, and Competition premieres get prime screening slots. With four Match Factory titles, the company positions itself for a busy market.

Directors like Hammer and Trobisch gain from this exposure. Hammer's gap since 'Ballast' makes his return timely. Trobisch's third film tests if her style scales up. Binoche's part links indie work to wider audiences.

The festival overlaps with industry days, where deals close fast. Past Match Factory successes, like awards at Venice and Cannes, build trust. This move expands their 2026 slate, already busy with Venice and Cannes titles. For filmmakers, it means more eyes on their work. For viewers, it promises fresh cinema soon after Berlin.