Kafka Romance The Glory of Life sells widely

International buyers swoon The glory of lifea very un-Kafkaesque love story about Franz Kafka and his final romance.

The German-language drama, from directors Judith Kaufmann and Georg Maas, follows the romance between Franz Kafka (Sabin Tambrea) and Dora Diamant (Henriette Confurius) during the last year of the famous writer’s life, before his death from tuberculosis in 40 years.

Unlike most adaptations of Kafka’s work — from Orson Welles’ novel The trial (1962) to that of Steven Soderbergh Kafka (1991) to The castle (1997) by Michael Haneke — existential angst and fear are mostly absent from The glory of life. Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Kumpfmüller, the film instead focuses on what the filmmakers consider to be the happiest period of Kafka’s life.

Menemsha Films has acquired North American rights to The glory of life, with Condor taking France, Wanted Cinema acquiring the film in Italy, Divisa Red in Spain and September Film for the Benelux region. TrustNordisk, which is handling global sales for the film, has also struck deals with Turkey (Ozen Film), the former Yugoslavia (Cinemania Group), Taiwan (Swallow Wings) and Australia (Moving Story).

“This widespread interest speaks to the enduring fascination with Kafka’s extraordinary life and love story,” said Susan Wendt, managing director of TrustNordisk.

The glory of life had its world premiere in Germany on March 14 via distributor Majestic Film. The film’s release coincides with the 100th anniversary of Kafka’s death on June 3, 1924.