Global Constellation Launches WWII Drama Crux at Cannes, Marking First Major Acquisition from ‘Zone of Interest’ Team

May 13, 2025: Global Constellation, the newly formed international sales division born from the merger of Film Constellation and Global Screen, has announced its first major feature film acquisition as the Marché du Film kicks off at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film, titled Crux, is a harrowing World War II drama directed by Ulrike Tony Vahl and produced in collaboration with key team members behind The Zone of Interest. The project marks a significant milestone for Vuelta Group, the parent company behind both Global Constellation and Vuelta Germany, as it secures both international sales and German distribution rights—signaling a strengthened cross-European strategy under the Playtime banner.

Currently in production and slated for delivery in Q2/Q3 2026, Crux is described as a visceral, emotionally charged reflection on the collapse of morality and the human cost of survival during wartime. The first still from the film was unveiled at Cannes, offering a glimpse into what promises to be a sobering cinematic journey.

Set in a tranquil German village during the final days of WWII, the story follows Greta, Anni, and other women left behind as the war rages on. As dead bodies begin appearing along a nearby river, their fragile reality unravels. Panic gives way to hysteria as the community is gripped by a chilling ultimatum: “No living Germans shall remain for the Russians to find.” The villagers are left to confront a horrifying moral reckoning—what does survival mean when humanity itself has eroded?

Crux stars Jella Haase (Berlin Alexanderplatz, KLEO), Frida-Lovisa Hamann (Enfant Terrible), and Clemens Schick (Die Ermittlung). The project is produced by Martina Haubrich of Cala Film, Ewa Puszczynska of Extreme Emotions (The Zone of Interest, Cold War), and Claudia Schröter for Cala Film Erfurt.

A powerhouse creative team supports the film, including:

• Piotr Sobociński Jr. (Corpus Christi) as cinematographer
• Katarzyna ‘Kasia’ Sikora (The Zone of Interest) as production designer
• Aleksandra ‘Ola’ Staszko (Ida, Cold War) as costume designer
• Jana Lindner (Call My Agent Berlin) as hair and makeup designer
• Andreas Baltschun (Der Pass) as editor
• Lorenz Dangel (September 5) as composer

Crux is financially backed by a wide array of prominent cultural bodies, including BKM, FFA, DFFF, MDM, FF MV, MBB, Eurimages, Polish Film Institute, and BR/arte.

This feature marks Vahl’s directorial debut following a string of award-winning shorts, including Gömböc (Locarno), Below Zero (Grand Prix, Bristol Film Festival), and Suffering (nominated for the German Short Film Award).

“We are proud to launch Crux at Cannes,” said Fabien Westerhoff, CEO of Global Constellation. “Ulrike Vahl delivers an unflinching, human portrayal of a community on the edge. This story, though set in the past, resonates powerfully with contemporary global audiences.”

Producers Martina Haubrich and Ewa Puszczynska added, “Working with Fabien’s brilliant team and our partners at Vuelta Germany allows us to bring this timely and essential narrative to the world stage.”

Thomas Sierk, Director of Sales & Acquisitions at Vuelta Germany, emphasized the significance of the deal: “Ulrike Vahl is among the most promising German directors of her generation. This acquisition not only supports her bold vision but also signals Vuelta Germany’s evolving strategy to amplify cross-border cinematic collaboration.”

As Crux begins its journey in Cannes, it’s poised to become one of the most talked-about European historical dramas in the international film landscape.