KMBO Secures French Distribution Rights for "Lucky Lu" Ahead of Cannes Debut

In an exciting development for the global film community, KMBO has acquired the French distribution rights to “Lucky Lu,” the feature debut of Korean-Canadian filmmaker Lloyd Lee Choi. This thrilling new film will make its worldwide premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival, marking a notable moment for both the filmmaker and the distribution company.

A Glimpse into "Lucky Lu"

“Lucky Lu” tells a gripping story set against the vibrant yet unforgiving backdrop of New York City. The film follows Lu, an E-delivery driver whose life spirals into chaos after his bike—the only means of making a living—gets stolen. With his family arriving imminently from Asia, Lu embarks on a desperate quest to retrieve his bike. This 48-hour journey highlights the stark realities of urban life, navigating through a community that struggles with indifference and systemic hurdles.

Vladimir Kokh, CEO of KMBO, expressed the company’s excitement, stating, “It’s been a long time since we’ve been so deeply moved by a film’s vision and emotional strength. This film undoubtedly marks the emergence of a major new filmmaker. ‘Lucky Lu’ is a gem of emotion and resilience — a film that moves you deeply and leaves you with a renewed sense of strength and hope.”

The Filmmaker Behind the Lens

Choi’s previous works set a solid foundation for his feature debut. His live-action short “Same Old,” which premiered in 2022 at the Cannes short film competition, garnered critical acclaim and later received an honorable mention at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film also made its mark at other significant events, including the New York Film Festival and Raindance, where it won the award for Best Short Film. Choi’s subsequent short, “Closing Dynasty,” earned accolades at the Berlinale and SXSW, further establishing him as a promising voice in contemporary cinema. As of now, “Closing Dynasty” is available for streaming on Netflix.

A Talented Cast and Crew

“Lucky Lu” features a stellar cast, headlined by Chang Chen, known for his performances in “Dune,” “The Assassin,” and “2046.” The film also stars Fala Chen of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and newcomer Carabelle Manna, who is expected to make a memorable impact. The production team behind this ambitious project includes prominent figures like Destin Daniel Cretton, renowned for his work on “Just Mercy” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” along with producers Nina Yang Bongiovi, Asher Goldstein, and others.

Key contributions to the film’s visual and auditory landscape come from talented professionals including cinematographer Norm Li and production designer Evaline Wu Huang. These collaborators ensure the film is not only powerful in its storytelling but also visually and sonically compelling.

Previous Successes of KMBO

KMBO’s portfolio includes a successful track record of distributing other notable debut features, such as Andrew Cividino’s “Sleeping Giant” and William Oldroyd’s “Lady Macbeth.” With each release, they have demonstrated a keen eye for impactful storytelling and emerging talent in the film industry.

Looking Forward

As “Lucky Lu” prepares to dazzle audiences at Cannes, anticipation continues to build. The film’s exploration of resilience within a tangible urban context is not only timely but resonates deeply with contemporary societal issues. With KMBO’s commitment to bringing powerful narratives to the French audience, the premiere is expected to set the stage for future cinematic conversations.

For continued updates about films and cinema, explore more of our coverage of Cannes Film Festival revelations, or delve into other exciting new films making waves in the industry.