EXCLUSIVE: Global Constellation, the new international sales arm created by the fusion of Film Constellation and Global Screen, has unveiled its first feature film acquisition as the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film gets underway.
In a move reflecting the growing integration of its European operations, parent company Vuelta Group has secured both German distribution and international sales rights to the upcoming WWII drama Crux by Ulrike Tony Vahl.
It marks the first coordinated acquisition between Vuelta Germany and Global Constellation, the revamped international sales and financing outfit that operates under the Playtime banner. Currently in production, Crux is launching to buyers at Cannes and is aimed at a Q2/3 2026 delivery.
Global Constellation has unveiled a first exclusive still for the film, described as a harrowing and timely meditation on the collapse of morality in wartime, and the cost of survival when humanity itself is on the brink.
The drama is set in a a quiet village in Germany as World War Two comes to a close, as it faces its darkest hour. While the men are away on the frontline, Greta, Anni, and the remaining villagers try to preserve a semblance of life. But the discovery of unknown corpses along the river marks the unraveling of their world.
As more corpses appear, fear gives way to hysteria, culminating in a chilling command: “No living Germans shall remain for the Russians to find.” With death looming and morality collapsing, the villagers face an impossible question: what does survival mean when humanity itself is lost?
The film stars German rising star Jella Haase (Berlin Alexanderplatz, Netflix’ KLEO), Frida-Lovisa Hamann (Enfant Terrible) and Clemens Schick (Die Ermittlung).
It is produced by Martina Haubrich’s Cala Film (Michael Kohlhaas), Ewa Puszczynska’s Extreme Emotions (The Zone of Interest, Cold War) and Claudia Schröter for Cala Film Erfurt.
The film features cinematography by Camerimage winner Piotr Sobociński Jr. (Corpus Christi).
The high-profile crew is topped by Production Designer Katarzyna ‘Kasia’ Sikora (The Zone of Interest), Costume Designer Aleksandra ‘Ola Staszko’ (Köln 75, Cold War, Ida), Hair & Make Up Designer Jana Lindner (Call My Agent Berlin), Editor Andreas Baltschun (Der Pass) and Composer Lorenz Dangel (September 5).
Crux is funded by BKM (The cultural ministry of Germany), FFA, DFFF, MDM, FF MV, MBB, Eurimages, Polish Film Institute and BR/arte.
The film marks Vahl’s feature directorial debut, following a string of acclaimed shorts including Gömböc (Locarno Film Festival), Below Zero (Grand Prix Bristol Film Festival), and Suffering, nominated for the German Short Film Award.
“With Crux, Ulrike Vahl delivers an unflinching and profoundly human portrait of a community at its breaking point. It’s a visceral, cinematic experience rooted in historical truth, and one that speaks directly to contemporary audiences. We’re proud to launch it at Cannes and bring this powerful story to distributors worldwide,” said Global Constellation CEO Fabien Westerhoff.
Producers Martina and Puszczynska added: “We are delighted to work with Fabien’s excellent team at Global Constellation and our friends at Vuelta Germany to bring this urgent story to the widest audience”
Thomas Sierk, Director Sales & Acquisitions at Vuelta Germany said the acquisition marked a new era of the company.
“Ulrike Vahl is one of the most exciting German filmmakers of her generation. This acquisition signals a new phase for Vuelta Germany and reflects our broader strategy to strengthen cross-market synergies under the Vuelta umbrella,” he said.
