Berlin-based Picture Tree Intl. has boarded international sales on “The Perfect Holiday” (Der perfekte Urlaub), the latest feature from hit German filmmaker Bora Dagtekin. Picture Tree will introduce the project to buyers during the Cannes Market with a first teaser.
Dagtekin has directed a string of hit comedies in Germany, all starring Elyas M’Barek, “Turkish for Beginners,” which grossed $24 million, “Fack ju Göhte” (literally translated as “Fuck You Göhte”), which grossed $77.7 million in 2013, as well as its two popular sequels, and the spin-off hit “Chantal in Fairyland,” which grossed $29.7 million in 2024.
Currently in post-production, “The Perfect Holiday” marks the only local sequel to “The Perfect Secret” (Das perfekte Geheimnis), the German adaptation of Paolo Genovese’s global phenomenon “Perfect Strangers.” The star-studded cast includes M’Barek, Karoline Herfurth, Florian David Fitz, Jella Haase, Frederick Lau, Wotan Wilke Möhring and Jessica Schwarz.
Picture Tree is planning to introduce both films to international buyers as a potential package, leveraging the strong brand recognition of the underlying concept, which remains one of the most remade properties in recent film history.
German major Constantin Film will release the film theatrically in October. During Cannes, Picture Tree will begin early buyer conversations, with a view to launching the completed film with a market premiere at AFM 2026 in Los Angeles.
The new installment sees Dagtekin return to his signature blend of sharp comedy and ensemble storytelling, expanding the thematic universe of the original into a fresh setting. While plot details remain under wraps, the film is positioned as a high-concept commercial comedy with strong crossover appeal.
“ ‘The Perfect Holiday’ continues Bora Dagtekin’s outstanding ability to combine bold comedic setups with highly relatable emotional dynamics,” said Andreas Rothbauer, managing director at Picture Tree. “We see strong international potential for this unique sequel, particularly given the enduring success of ‘Perfect Strangers’ and its many local adaptations.”
Picture Tree has previously collaborated with Constantin Film on the international rollout of major German hits, including the “Fack Ju Goehte” trilogy and “Chantal and the Magic Kingdom.”
“The Perfect Holiday” is produced by Lena Schömann, who also produced “Turkish for Beginners,” “Fack ju Göhte” and its sequels, and “Chantal in Fairyland.” Dagtekin wrote the screenplay. Oliver Berben is executive producer. The film was supported by the FilmFernsehFonds Bayern (FFF), Filmförderungsanstalt (FFA) and Deutscher FilmFörderFonds (DFFF).
