Animal Horse

The Grizzlies enter the Western Conference finals on -- no hyperbole -- the ride of the franchise's lifetime. Never before has the organization won as many games as they won this year -- 56 -- and never before has it reached this point, just four wins from competing for a championship. The Spurs, of course, are simply back, mounted on a familiar horse: San Antonio has won four titles since 1999 and this will be their eighth appearance in the Western Conference finals in the last 15 years. The NBA might as well re-name this round "The Gregg Popovich Invitational" when he retires.

Mads Mikkelsen, last year’s Cannes best actor winner – and TV’s Hannibal – plays the titular Michael Kohlhaas in the Arnaud des Pallieres drama. Chicago-based Music Box Films has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights in what is the first North American deal on a Competition title since the fest started on Wednesday (Worldwview picked up Jimmy P. ahead of the proceedings). The film is freely adapted from the 1811 Heinrich von Kleist novel which served as the inspiration for E.L. Doctorow’s Ragtime. It’s being sold by longtime Michael Haneke collaborator Les Films du Losange, whose chief, Margaret Ménégoz, produced Amour. The story follows a prosperous and honest 16th century horse merchant who falls victim to an injustice and raises an army to restore his rights. Produced by Les Films d’Ici (Waltz With Bashir), the movie sold ahead of its first market screening. This is des Pallieres’ first film to secure U.S. distribution. The cast also includes Bruno Ganz, Sergi Lopez and Holy Motors‘ Dennis Lavant. The deal was negotiated by Music Box consultant James Brown and Films du Losange’s Agathe Valentin. Music Box plans a 4th quarter 2013 theatrical release.