Syndicado Secures ‘Paul’ and ‘Sirens Name’ for Berlin Premieres

Syndicado Movie Gross sales has enthusiastically announced its acquisition of two remarkable films that have been selected for the prestigious Berlinale: “Paul,” directed by Denis Côté, which is set to have its world premiere in the Panorama Dokumente section, and “Sirens Name,” a captivating work by Miri Ian Gossing and Lina Sieckmann, included in the Discussion board lineup. This exciting development highlights Syndicado’s commitment to promoting innovative cinema on the global stage, showcasing their keen eye for unique storytelling and diverse voices in the film industry.

Côté’s documentary, “Paul,” delves into the life of an individual named Paul, who grapples with the challenges of depression and social anxiety. In his quest for security and connection, he finds solace in performing household tasks for dominant women, earning the title of the submissive “Cleansing Simp Paul.” By sharing his uniquely quirky routines on various social media platforms, Paul seeks to combat his pervasive loneliness and establish a sense of community. This film not only captures his personal journey but also sheds light on broader societal issues concerning mental health and the search for meaningful relationships.

Filmed from an honest and nonjudgmental perspective, “Paul” presents an engaging portrait of an eccentric yet endearing character. This documentary offers a fresh and insightful take on the universal quest for well-being, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own paths to happiness. Côté’s ability to portray the complexities of human emotion and connection creates a narrative that is both relatable and thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to the Berlinale lineup.

The talented producers behind this fascinating documentary include Hany Ouichou and Karine Bélanger, both associated with Coopvidéo Montréal in Canada. Additionally, the distribution rights for “Paul” in Canada are managed by Métropole Movies, ensuring that this compelling narrative reaches audiences across the nation. This collaboration signifies a dedication to sharing diverse stories and supporting the Canadian film industry while paving the way for future projects that explore similar themes.

Denis Côté has made a significant mark in the film industry, with his first feature film, “Les états nordiques” (2005), winning the prestigious Golden Leopard prize for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival. His subsequent work, “Vic+Flo Saw a Bear,” was awarded the Silver Bear for Innovation at the Berlinale in 2013. Furthermore, his film “Hygiène sociale” received accolades, winning the Best Director award in the Encounters section at Berlinale in 2021. Côté’s impressive track record showcases his talent and dedication to pushing cinematic boundaries.

Gossing and Sieckmann make their feature-length debut with “Sirens Name,” a captivating exploration of the merfolk subculture through the lens of performance artist and siren Una the Mermaid, portrayed by Gina Rønning. This film seamlessly merges elements of science fiction, road movie, and documentary, offering a unique perspective on a vibrant subculture that utilizes imaginative imagery to address themes of collective trauma, body politics, and the desire for a transformative identity. As audiences engage with this film, they are invited to reflect on the connections between art, identity, and societal narratives.

In a recent statement, the directors shared their inspiration: “In 2017, we discovered online a fascinating subculture in Portland, Oregon, where individuals identified as merfolk. They expressed that they not only donned silicone tails to dress up as sirens but also embraced this identity as a fundamental part of their everyday lives. Upon meeting Una the Mermaid in Portland, a prison psychologist and trauma advocate by profession, we felt an immediate and profound connection. Una and her collective were embodying the vision we harbored for our siren character—a being capable of merging interdisciplinary knowledge and forging new ways of relating to each other and the world.”

“Sirens Name” is produced by Filmfaust, in collaboration with Schalten Und Walten, the artistic collective formed by Gossing and Sieckmann. The film also boasts co-production partnerships with Elbe Stevens Films from the Netherlands and Germany’s ZDF/Das kleine Fernsehspiel. The dedicated producers behind this project include Claus Herzog-Reichel and Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, who are committed to bringing innovative and thought-provoking cinema to audiences worldwide.