The European Film Market (EFM) opened its doors on February 11, 2026, in Berlin, ushering in a dazzling showcase of international cinema that’s already generating significant buzz among buyers and film enthusiasts alike. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of films, with star power on full display: Emma Roberts, Kristen Stewart, Javier Bardem, Daisy Ridley, Kate Hudson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ana de Armas, and Amy Adams are just a few of the marquee names set to headline new offerings across genres. Whether you’re a fan of psychological drama, chilling horror, heartfelt romance, or high-stakes thrillers, the EFM’s slate promises something for everyone.
At the heart of the festival is At the Sea, directed by Kornél Mundruczó and starring the ever-versatile Amy Adams. According to Variety, the film follows a woman who, after completing rehab, returns to her family’s seaside house. There, she must confront not only the ghosts of her past but also the terrifying question of who she is without the career that once justified her self-destruction. The film is set to compete in the Berlin festival, with MK2 Films handling international sales and WME Independent managing domestic distribution. The emotional depth and raw vulnerability Adams brings to the role is already being praised by early industry watchers.
Horror fans can look forward to A Body in the Woods, directed by Stephen Cognetti and starring Emma Roberts as Alice Lincoln. Set at the turn of the century, the film plunges viewers into the haunted Marshall Woods, where Alice, isolated in a remote cabin, keeps vigil over a corpse amid chilling legends of witchcraft. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the story quickly descends into a waking nightmare when a silent woman appears at the edge of the forest, trapping Alice between the evil within and the nameless terror lurking outside. Manifest Pictures is overseeing sales for this spine-tingling tale.
Classic horror gets a modern twist in Doctor Caligari’s Cabinet of Wonders. Helmed by John Erick Dowdle and starring Michael Shannon as the titular villain, this film reimagines the iconic story of a traveling mesmerist and his sleepwalking accomplice, leaving a trail of grisly murders in their wake. Anton is handling worldwide sales, with CAA Media Finance covering North America. The film’s blend of psychological suspense and period atmosphere has already caught the attention of buyers looking for the next big genre hit.
Meanwhile, The Exiles, directed by Midi Z and featuring Sam Worthington and David Duchovny, transports audiences to Asia for a tale inspired by real-life events. The narrative centers on a desperate Westerner whose pursuit of fortune devolves into a deadly spiral of greed, rivalry, and murder. Mister Smith Entertainment is in charge of international sales, and CAA represents North America. This gripping drama promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
On a lighter note, Kristen Stewart stars in the comedy Full Phil, directed by Quentin Dupieux. The film follows wealthy American businessman Philip Doom as he attempts to reconnect with his daughter during a lavish trip to Paris. According to Deadline, their plans quickly unravel thanks to French cuisine, a 1950s horror film, and an overzealous hotel employee. Studiocanal is offering rights worldwide, with the exception of select territories.
Delving into true-life trauma, The Girl, directed by Marina Ziolkowski, is based on Samantha Geimer’s memoir recounting the aftermath of the infamous 1977 assault. The film presents the story from Geimer’s perspective, offering a poignant exploration of survival and resilience. West End is managing sales for this important and timely drama.
For those craving suspense, The Good Samaritan—starring Daisy Ridley as Dr. Rosalind Carver—offers a harrowing tale of rescue gone wrong. After saving a wounded man off the coast of Indonesia, Rosalind and her husband find themselves ensnared in a deadly conspiracy. Highland Film Group is handling international sales, with CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group covering the domestic market. The film’s high-stakes plot and exotic setting are sure to draw in audiences looking for a tense, globe-trotting thriller.
Romantic comedy makes its mark with Hello & Paris, starring Javier Bardem and Kate Hudson. The film, directed by Elizabeth Chomko, explores the evolving relationship between a fiercely independent landscape architect and a bestselling novelist as they navigate a transatlantic exchange of books and recipes. 193, a Legendary Company, is managing sales, and the film’s witty script and charismatic leads are expected to charm viewers worldwide.
War and survival take center stage in Last Flight, directed by Babak Anvari and starring Benedict Cumberbatch. The story unfolds over the final days of a 20-year war, following a young Afghan man’s desperate attempt to escape certain death. Protagonist Pictures is managing international sales, while WME Independent is handling the domestic side. The film’s timely subject matter and intense performances are already drawing critical attention.
Other notable entries include Leviticus, a horror film by Adrian Chiarella about two teenage boys facing a violent entity that takes the form of their deepest desires, with Neon handling worldwide distribution; Milo, starring Marion Cotillard, which tells of a woman’s quiet return to her past in a provincial town, managed by Studiocanal; and Skeletons, a modern creature horror from JT Mollner starring Brie Larson, represented internationally by FilmNation Entertainment.
Sci-fi and high-concept thrills are on offer with Soon You Will Be Gone and Possibly Eaten, directed by Egor Abramenko. The story follows a young couple whose wedding at a secluded mountain resort is disrupted by sinister, uninvited guests. Anton is handling worldwide sales, with additional support from Anonymous Content and WME Independent domestically.
On the creative side, Sunflower Child, directed by Jamie Touche and written by Jennifer James, explores the struggle of a young screenwriter torn between the promise of Hollywood fame and the desire to maintain artistic integrity. MSR Media International is handling sales, and the film’s introspective narrative is expected to resonate with aspiring filmmakers and artists alike.
Sweat, starring Ana de Armas and based on the acclaimed Polish film by Magnus von Horn, dives into the world of fitness influencers. The story follows Emma Kent as her carefully curated life unravels after a disastrous encounter with her idol. AGC International is overseeing sales for this timely examination of fame and obsession in the digital age.
Finally, The Worst, directed by Simon Woods and featuring a star-studded cast including Keira Knightley, Alicia Vikander, and Jamie Dornan, presents a chaotic evening among wealthy friends at a French chateau. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, waitress Niamh finds herself caught in the middle. Protagonist Pictures holds international sales rights, with UTA Independent Film Group managing domestic distribution.
And for families, the stop-motion animated feature Wildwood, directed by Travis Knight and produced by Laika, follows a teenager’s daring rescue mission in an enchanted forest outside Portland, Oregon. FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales, while Laika has partnered with Fathom Entertainment for U.S. theatrical distribution.
With such a diverse and star-studded slate, the 2026 European Film Market is shaping up to be a vibrant marketplace for fresh cinematic voices and genres. As buyers and audiences flock to Berlin, the excitement surrounding these films signals a strong year ahead for global cinema.