Jordan Firstman's directorial debut, Club Kid, has ignited a fierce bidding war among top distributors following its successful premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
High-Profile Distributors in the Mix
Following the film's glowing reviews on Friday, major players including Mubi, Focus Features, Searchlight Pictures, A24, and Netflix are vying for rights, according to sources speaking to Variety. Offers are reportedly reaching high seven-figure sums, with potential to close at eight figures. UTA is managing sales, with Charades assisting internationally.
Some Bidders Bowing Out
While interest remains high, some have already exited the fray. Christian Parkes' Warner Bros. indie label, Clockwork, initially engaged but has since stepped back, insiders report. Teddy Schwarzman's Black Bear maintains interest, and further offers are anticipated as the festival progresses.
Plot and Production Details
Club Kid portrays a Manhattan club promoter confronting the realities of his lifestyle when he meets the 10-year-old son he never knew he had. Firstman, who both wrote and directed the film, explores themes of identity and responsibility. The project was produced by Topic Studios, with Oscar winner Alex Coco, Michael Bloom, Galen Core, and Ryan Heller serving as producers.
Critical Acclaim and Market Impact
The film has been praised for its unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. Guy Lodge of Variety highlighted the film's charm and depth, noting that it showcases more of Firstman's talent beyond his social media presence. The high demand for Club Kid marks a significant moment in a Cannes year where many films had pre-arranged distribution deals.
Firstman, represented by UTA, Black Bear, and The Lede Company, is known for his work on the HBO series I Love LA and Rotting in the Sun.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/jordan-firstman-club-kid-bidding-war-cannes-sales-1236751009/
