Sarah Arnold's 'Too Many Beasts' Wins Best European Film at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight
Cannes Directors’ Fortnight Prizes: Sarah Arnold’s Debut ‘Too Many Beasts ’ Wins the Best European Film Award
Image: Variety
French director Sarah Arnold's debut film, 'Too Many Beasts,' has won the Europa Cinemas Label for Best European Film at the 2026 Cannes Festival's Directors’ Fortnight. The film, praised for its unique blend of genres, follows a disgraced Corsican cop investigating a farmer's disappearance amidst escalating tensions between farmers and hunters.
- 01'Too Many Beasts' is described as a genre-bending film, combining elements of noir thriller, detective comedy, and small-town mystery.
- 02The film stars Alexis Manenti as Fulda, a disgraced Corsican cop, and Ella Rumpf as the station's psychologist, Stéphane.
- 03The Europa Cinemas Label jury included exhibition executives from various European cinemas, emphasizing the film's potential for wider promotion.
- 04Sarah Arnold has previously won multiple awards for her short films, establishing her reputation before this debut feature.
- 05The film is produced by 5 à 7 Films and co-produced by several French organizations, highlighting its strong backing in the film industry.
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At the 2026 Cannes Festival's Directors’ Fortnight, French director Sarah Arnold's debut film, 'Too Many Beasts' (original title: 'L’Espèce explosive'), has been awarded the Europa Cinemas Label for Best European Film. Critics have praised the film as “grippingly offbeat” and “impactful and very funny,” showcasing its unique blend of genres, including noir thriller, detective comedy, and small-town mystery. The film follows Fulda, portrayed by Alexis Manenti, a disgraced Corsican cop who is transferred to France's Northeast, where he investigates the disappearance of a farmer amid rising tensions between farmers and hunters. He forms an unexpected bond with Stéphane, played by Ella Rumpf, the station psychologist. The film's recognition by the Europa Cinemas Label ensures additional promotion and incentives for exhibitors to extend its theatrical run. Arnold's previous work includes several award-winning short films, paving the way for her successful feature debut. 'Too Many Beasts' is produced by 5 à 7 Films and co-produced by various French organizations, reflecting strong industry support.
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The film's recognition at Cannes may lead to increased visibility and extended theatrical runs, benefiting local cinemas and audiences.
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