Cannes' victors don't necessarily win in U.S.

May 24, 2007 CANNES -- "But will it translate in the states?" That's the lingering question as the 60th Festival de Cannes draws to a close -- awards will be handed out Sunday night as the fest brings down the curtain with its closing-night film, Denys Arcand's "Days of Darkness." Last year's Palm d'Or winner, Ken Loach's Irish civil war drama "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," took in only $1.5 million when it was released earlier this year by IFC Films, which also offered the movie as one of its First Take VOD titles. Sony execs had a special screening of their own May 18 in Los Angeles, and Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal immediately authorized Peter Schlessel, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisition Group president, to go after North American rights, which ultimately went for $11.5 million plus a $25 million P&A commitment.

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