Cannes Film Festival Title ‘In Waves’ Secured By Netflix For Global Distribution. 

With the 2026 Cannes Film Festival well underway, several deals have already come out of it. Netflix has used this opportunity to bolster their own library of titles, as they’ve just picked up distribution rights for In Waves. 

In Waves follows AJ, a shy high schooler who meets and befriends Kristen, a big-time surfing fan. As the two begin to nourish a growing friendship, the discovery is made that Kristen faces a terminal illness, limiting the time that the two have. As the reality of the situation begins to set in, the two set out to make the most of Kristen’s time, and the most of their bond.

The film marks the first time that director Phuong Mai Nguyen will helm a feature film. Her past features have been specifically short films, including 2014’s My Home and 2012’s The End. Variety noted that the script is based on the graphic novel form AJ Dungo, adapted by Samuel Doux and Fanny Burdino. 

Variety also notes that the race for In Waves was a highly competitive one. The overall deal, which makes Netflix the main distributor for the film outside of its native territory of France, could have totaled somewhere in the million dollar mark. 

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