French Distribution Deal Revives Hollywood Silent Era Classics, Featuring Clara Bow's Iconic 'It'

In a significant move for cinematic heritage, French distributor Carlotta Films has partnered with U.S. restoration specialist Artcraft Pictures to bring a celebrated collection of Hollywood's silent and early sound era films to France. This collaboration ensures that iconic works, including Clara Bow's star-making picture 'It'—a film recently brought into contemporary conversation by Taylor Swift's musical homage—will reach new generations of viewers through theatrical screenings and home video formats. The agreement highlights a shared dedication to preserving and promoting the foundational artistry of cinema.

The strategic alliance between Carlotta Films and Artcraft Pictures was officially unveiled at the prestigious Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, France. A highlight of this launch was a specially restored rendition of Clarence G. Badger's 1927 romantic comedy, 'It.' This particular film is renowned for catapulting Clara Bow to international fame, solidifying her status as the original 'It girl' of Hollywood. The screening on October 17th at Lyon's Auditorium was made even more special with live organ accompaniment from the accomplished Italian musician Gabriele Agrimonti, immersing the audience in the authentic silent film experience.

The catalogue covered by this new distribution agreement extends beyond 'It' to include a diverse array of cinematic treasures. Notable inclusions are Herbert Brenon's 1926 adventure 'Beau Geste,' starring Ronald Colman; Cecil B. DeMille's 1921 drama 'The Affairs of Anatol,' featuring Gloria Swanson; and William C. deMille’s 'Miss Lulu Bett,' an adaptation of Zona Gale's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The collection also encompasses significant early sound films, such as Lionel Barrymore’s 1929 production 'His Glorious Night,' with John Gilbert in a leading role, showcasing the transition period of cinema.

Artcraft Pictures was established by two prominent American film preservationists: James Mockoski, an experienced archivist and restoration expert with a history of working alongside Francis Ford Coppola at American Zoetrope, and Robert A. Harris, celebrated for his collaborations with James C. Katz on seminal restorations of films like David Lean's 'Lawrence of Arabia' and Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo.' The company's name itself is a nod to the original Artcraft Pictures, a distribution entity founded in 1916 that later integrated into Paramount Pictures, famously associated with silent-era legends such as Mary Pickford.

James Mockoski expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Artcraft Pictures is delighted to collaborate with Carlotta Films, emphasizing their mutual commitment to keeping the foundational elements of cinema vibrant for new admirers. This enduring passion ensures that many beloved classics will not fade into obscurity. Artcraft is also actively involved with the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, a collaboration that began in 2025 focusing on the restoration of Paramount’s silent-era productions. Their restored version of 'Beau Geste' notably premiered earlier this year at the Telluride Film Festival.

For Carlotta Films, a company that has dedicated nearly three decades to distributing classic cinema across France, this agreement substantially broadens their existing collection. Their current catalogue already features significant silent era masterpieces, including F.W. Murnau’s 'Sunrise,' works by Frank Borzage and Erich von Stroheim, and G.W. Pabst’s 'Pandora’s Box,' starring Louise Brooks. Carlotta plans to roll out these newly acquired films in France through theatrical releases and Blu-ray editions, with specific release dates to be announced in due course. Carlotta's Vincent Paul-Boncour conveyed his pleasure in representing Artcraft and introducing French audiences to these meticulously restored American silent films, praising the expertise of Mockoski and Harris and celebrating the launch of their collaboration with the French premiere of 'It.'

This joint venture marks a new chapter in film preservation and accessibility, promising to rekindle appreciation for cinema's rich history among a broader audience. By meticulously restoring and re-distributing these classic works, Carlotta Films and Artcraft Pictures are ensuring that the artistry and narrative power of early Hollywood continue to resonate and inspire. The commitment to presenting these films in their best possible form underscores the timeless appeal and cultural significance of these pioneering cinematic achievements.