Sundance Winner 'Josephine' Lands Major U.S. Distribution Deal

Producer David Kaplan praises Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan's commitment to the indie film.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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David Kaplan, producer of the Sundance breakout film 'Josephine', has praised the dedication of lead actors Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan to the project. The film, which follows an 8-year-old girl who witnesses a violent assault in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, has secured a major U.S. distribution deal with Sumerian Pictures after a competitive bidding process. Kaplan revealed the challenges the production faced in casting and financing the film, as well as his hopes for an upcoming 'It Follows' sequel.

Why it matters

The acquisition of 'Josephine' by Sumerian Pictures represents a significant deal for an independent film, particularly one that tackles the sensitive subject of sexual assault. Kaplan's comments highlight the importance of committed actors and directors in bringing challenging projects to fruition, even in the face of industry skepticism about their commercial viability.

The details

Tatum and Chan co-star as the parents of the 8-year-old protagonist Josephine, whose life is upended when she witnesses a violent sexual assault in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The film's director, Beth de Araújo, had to make creative compromises to cast the film's young lead, Mason Reeves, who had no prior acting experience. Kaplan revealed that the film's financing plan went through several iterations, with 99% of potential investors turning them down due to concerns about the film's perceived lack of commercial appeal.

  • The film had its international premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in competition, following its Grand Jury and Audience Award prizes at the Sundance Film Festival.
  • Principal photography began just 7 weeks after director Beth de Araújo discovered the film's young lead, Mason Reeves, at a farmer's market.

The players

David Kaplan

The producer of the Sundance breakout film 'Josephine'.

Channing Tatum

The co-star of 'Josephine' who took on a producer credit to help get the film made.

Gemma Chan

The co-star of 'Josephine' who had been attached to the project for many years and remained committed to it.

Beth de Araújo

The director of 'Josephine' who discovered the film's young lead, Mason Reeves, at a farmer's market just 7 weeks before principal photography began.

Mason Reeves

The 8-year-old actress who makes her big screen debut in the lead role of 'Josephine'.

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What they’re saying

“Gemma's involvement in this film dates back very many years. She stood by it when it was happening before and it fell apart, and she stood by it, when it was time to make the movie. She made the time and was so deeply committed to the character she played.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Deadline)

“Channing was a much later addition but I heard stories from people who were involved in the film and people who weren't involved in the film that he would see people who could finance the film and say, 'I'm trying to make this film, Josephine, and I believe in it so strongly, and I hope you'll be a part of it.'”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Deadline)

“Mason was only seven at the time… she turned eight on set. We had a little party… she's actually younger than on the page, but she seemed so mature for her age.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Deadline)

What’s next

Kaplan is hopeful that the 'It Follows' sequel, with David Robert Mitchell returning to direct and led by Neon, on which he is a producer, will shoot this summer.

The takeaway

The successful acquisition of 'Josephine' by Sumerian Pictures, despite industry skepticism about the film's commercial viability, underscores the importance of committed actors and directors in bringing challenging independent projects to fruition. This deal highlights the potential for films that tackle sensitive social issues to find mainstream success when backed by passionate creative teams.