1-2 Special Acquires North American Rights to Cannes Winner 'A Man of His Time'

Boutique distributor 1-2 Special has acquired all North American distribution rights to Emmanuel Marre's Cannes competition title A Man of His Time, according to Deadline. The company will release the film in theaters next year.

The film had its world premiere in the main competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Best Screenplay Prize. It also received the Prix des Cinémas Art et Essai, a Special Mention from the Prix de la Citoyenneté jury, and the CST Award for Best Artist-Technician.

What is the film about?

Inspired by the life of Marre’s own great-grandfather, A Man of His Time is set in September 1940. It follows Henri Marre (played by Swann Arlaud) as he arrives alone in Vichy, France, as the Nazi-collaborating regime settles in. Broke and estranged from his family, the 49-year-old carries copies of his self-published manifesto and is determined to secure what he believes is his rightful place in the new administration. As he sets his plan into motion, serving the machinery of the new order, he may be pursuing something more urgent: escape from his own ruin.

What did the director say?

In a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Emmanuel Marre expressed his enthusiasm for the deal. “I’m absolutely delighted that the film is being distributed by 1-2 Special,” he said. “To be part of their carefully curated lineup is a real honor for A Man of His Time. I can’t wait for the film to reach audiences in the U.S. and to see how they respond to it, to this deeply European story, yet one that resonates in so many ways with our contemporary world.”

The film is Marre’s second feature, following Zero Fucks Given, which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Critics’ Week. A Man of His Time was produced by Kidam in France and Michigan Films in Belgium, with a lengthy list of co-producers including Les Films Pelléas and France 2.