Berlin-based sales company M-Appeal has acquired international sales rights to ‘Balcanica’, Nicola Sorcinelli’s debut feature starring Matilda De Angelis. The film will premiere in competition at the 23rd Giornate degli Autori, or Venice Days, alongside the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, giving it a prominent platform for international buyers and audiences.

The drama follows Afghan conductor Nasar and his tuba-playing son Jalil as they cross the Balkans after music is banned in Afghanistan, eventually meeting an Italian doctor named Greta. De Angelis stars alongside Babak Karimi and Ivar Wafaei; the film is written by Sorcinelli and Andrea Brusa and produced by Nightswim and Fremantle’s Wildside with several co-producers. M-Appeal described it as a timely story of empathy and human connection, while Sorcinelli said it explores restricted freedoms and the search for belonging.