Dekanalog has acquired North American distribution rights to «Amoeba», the debut feature from Singaporean filmmaker Tan Siyou, in a deal struck with Bangkok-based sales agent Diversion. The agreement brings one of the most decorated festival titles of the past year to audiences across the United States and Canada.
«Amoeba» premiered in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, a platform known for spotlighting emerging filmmakers with distinctive voices. The film went on to win a string of honors on the international festival circuit, including Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. It also collected prizes at several other festivals, cementing its reputation as one of the standout art-house releases of the season.
The acquisition marks another step in Dekanalog's ongoing strategy of bringing acclaimed international cinema to North American viewers. The distributor has built a reputation for handling festival favorites that might otherwise struggle to find a foothold in a crowded theatrical market. For Tan, the deal represents a significant vote of confidence in a first feature that has already traveled widely on the festival circuit.
Diversion, the Bangkok-based sales outfit handling the film's international rights, has been steadily expanding its footprint in the global market. The company's decision to partner with Dekanalog for North America reflects the continued appetite for Asian cinema among specialty distributors and audiences alike.
The film's awards run has been a key factor in driving interest from buyers. Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards is a notable honor that highlights the film's resonance with younger audiences and its thematic focus on youth experience. Additional festival prizes have further strengthened its commercial and critical profile.
North American distribution plans, including a release date and platform strategy, have not yet been announced. Specialty distributors typically roll out acquired festival titles across a mix of theatrical engagements, virtual cinema offerings, and streaming partnerships, with the exact approach depending on the film's performance and market conditions.
Tan Siyou's emergence as a filmmaker to watch comes at a moment when Singaporean and Southeast Asian cinema is drawing increased attention from international programmers and distributors. Festivals such as Toronto have increasingly served as launchpads for directors from the region, connecting them with global audiences and industry partners.
The deal was negotiated between Diversion and Dekanalog, with terms not disclosed. For Dekanalog, «Amoeba» joins a catalog that reflects its commitment to director-driven international cinema. For Tan, the North American release will introduce her work to a new and potentially much larger audience.
Further details about the North American rollout are expected to be announced in the coming months.