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3d ago

‘Josephine’ Reaches Berlinale on Sundance Momentum as De Araújo Demands Accountability

The Sundance winner now has U.S. distribution from Sumerian Pictures, with European deals pending.

Director Beth de Araujo and cast members Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Mason Reeves, Syra McCarthy, Eleanore Pienta and Philip Ettinger, composer Miles Ross, producer David Kaplan, producer Josh Peters and Co-Director of Film Programming of Berlinale Jacqueline Lyanga pose during a photocall to promote the movie 'Josephine' at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Maryam Majd
Director Beth de Araujo and cast members Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Mason Reeves, Syra McCarthy, Eleanore Pienta and Philip Ettinger pose during a photocall to promote the movie 'Josephine' at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Maryam Majd
Cast members Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan and Mason Reeves pose during a photocall to promote the movie 'Josephine' at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Maryam Majd
Cast member Channing Tatum attends a press conference to promote the movie 'Josephine' at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Maryam Majd

Overview

  • At Friday’s Berlin press conference, director Beth de Araújo said lack of accountability for rapists and pedophiles deepens survivors’ silence and shame.
  • Drawn from the filmmaker’s childhood experience, the drama follows an eight-year-old who witnesses a rape in Golden Gate Park, with Gemma Chan and Channing Tatum portraying the parents.
  • Producers recounted years of financing resistance and skepticism about commercial prospects, citing perceived bias against stories centered on women and assault survivors; Chan and Tatum also served as producers.
  • Newcomer Mason Reeves, a nonprofessional actor scouted at a farmers market, plays Josephine.
  • The Q&A briefly turned tense when a reporter raised a question about Berlinale’s stance on Gaza before moderators moved on, while Tatum discussed parenting and said, “Don’t f**k with my daughter.”