15-05-2025
UK Indie Film ‘Tramp' Secures Theatrical Deal With China Film Group — Cannes Market
EXCLUSIVE: UK independent film Tramp has secured a theatrical distribution deal with China Film Group.
The film is set for theatrical release in China towards the end of this year or early-2026, with production company EMC Productions adding that they are also exploring opportunities for the film to be available on Chinese streaming platforms.
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Tramp is a sports drama that explores the worlds of mixed marital arts (MMA) and motherhood. Loosely inspired by real athletes, the film follows a British-Polish fighter whose meteoric rise is derailed by an unexpected pregnancy.
Produced by London-based EMC Productions, the film stars Izabella Malewska (Cold Feet, Holby City) and Alessandro Babalola (Top Boy, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare), and is shot by Tristan Chenais (Rogue Agent, Dust to Dreams).
Tramp is the debut feature from Philip James McGoldrick.
Earlier this year, EMC Productions brought in Chinese producer Jiawei Li, who also runs Green Brick, an initiative that aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration between the UK and Chinese film industries, focusing on international film projects, commercials and music videos.
'We'd like to underline how unusual Tramp's position is in today's landscape' said McGoldrick. 'Some high-level sales directors were convinced we wouldn't get this far — let alone secure international distribution. When was the last time a wholly British film, with no U.S. studio backing, achieved this kind of reach? It's a rare moment, and we're incredibly proud of it.'
McGoldrick added: 'We're pleased to bring our debut feature to China through our partnership with Green Brick, led by our associate producer Jiawei Li. Green Brick was founded to strengthen cultural ties between the UK and China, and we're proud to be collaborating with them. The film embodies so much of what makes British culture unique, so we're excited to share that with Chinese audiences. The release will be handled by China Film Group, the country's largest and most established distributor- giving Tramp a unique opportunity to access China's multi-billion-dollar theatrical market with the support of trusted local partners.'
Li said: 'I deeply appreciate the Tramp film project and am honored to be part of it. I will be leading efforts to distribute Tramp in the Chinese market through my collaboration with China Film Group, while also exploring opportunities for the film to be available on major Chinese streaming platforms.'
Marina Elderton, producer and co-founder of EMC Productions, added: 'Tramp offers an unvarnished look at life behind the spectacle of MMA — it's about the personal struggles, resilience, and reinvention that shape a fighter's journey, and in many ways, all of ours. With the film now complete, we're following a carefully curated festival strategy, targeting platforms that align with its vision and champion the kind of character-driven storytelling at its core.'
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