Full Breakdown
Quiver Distribution Secures North American Rights to Willem Dafoe-Led Drama “The Birthday Party”
4/24/2026, 12:18:38 PM
Acquisition and Release Plan
Quiver Distribution announced acquiring North American rights to *The Birthday Party*, directed by Miguel Angel Jiménez. The film will open in theaters on June 5, 2026. Judah Klatzker negotiated the deal for Quiver with representatives from Bankside Films and Heretic.
Production and International Co-Production
The film is a Greek, Spanish, Dutch and UK co-production shot in Greece on Corfu and in Athens. Financing includes Greek Film Centre, ICEC, the Netherlands Film Fund, the BFI Global Screen Fund, and Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece. It premiered at the Locarno Film Festival.
Creative Team and Cast
Directed by Miguel Angel Jiménez, who co-wrote with Giorgos Karnavas and Nicos Panagiotopoulos, the film stars Willem Dafoe as Marcos Timoleon, with Vic Carmen Sonne, Joe Cole, Emma Suárez, Carlos Cuevas, Christos Stergioglou and Francesc Garrido. Runtime 103 minutes.
Synopsis and Thematic Premise
On a Mediterranean island in the 1970s, tycoon Marcos Timoleon throws an extravagant birthday party for his daughter and heir Sofia. Guests pursue personal agendas while Marcos secretly plans a decisive move concerning Sofia, who arrives with crucial news, sparking a volatile clash as night falls.
Official Statements & Responses
Quiver Distribution called the acquisition a strategic addition to its auteur-driven slate, noting the film’s “lavish visual scope and complex family dynamics.” The company cited the co-production and Locarno premiere as proof of strong international appeal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the party is a perfect excuse for various people in his life to approach him with their own agendas. But Marcos, who is used to ruthlessly controlling everything and everyone around him at whatever cost, is also secretly plotting a big decision on his daughter’s behalf. Sofia, however, has come to share some important news of her own. As guests start pouring in and night falls, the party grows rowdier and more decadent, while the inevitable clash between Marcos and Sofia reaches a climax.” — Official synopsis, *Deadline*
- “But Marcos, who is used to ruthlessly controlling everything and everyone around him at whatever cost, is also secretly plotting a big decision on his daughter’s behalf. Sofia, however, has come to share some important news of her own. As guests start pouring in and night falls, the party grows rowdier and more decadent, while the inevitable clash between Marcos and Sofia reaches a heartbreaking climax.” — Official synopsis, *ComingSoon*
- “The video introduces Dafoe as a multi-millionaire tycoon who throws an extravagant party for his beloved daughter’s birthday celebration.” — Trailer description, *ComingSoon*
- “During the event, he begins to slowly lose his grip on any sense of right and wrong after trying to control the lives of the people around him.” — Trailer description, *ComingSoon*
What's Next
Quiver will release the trailer before the June 5 launch, then open limited theatrical screenings and digital platforms. Observers expect further festival showings and possible awards-season positioning given the film’s European backing and star-studded cast.
