APEX Content Market 2026: Penny Black Media Showcases Star-Driven Summer Slate
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During APEX Content Market 2026 in Dubai, Penny Black Media highlighted two major upcoming airline releases, TOW and A Tree Fell in the Woods, positioning both as centerpiece titles for in-flight entertainment (IFE) this summer. The distributor framed the films as premium and star-driven, designed to anchor curated onboard catalogs for global audiences.
Spotlight Movies Driving the Summer Slate
Situated at Booth 30 at APEX Content Market 2026, Penny Black Media showcased two flagship titles scheduled for airline release this summer. The company positioned both films as high-impact additions designed to stand out in crowded in-flight catalogs while appealing to broad passenger demographics.
The first, TOW, arrives with significant awards buzz and star power. Based on a true story and led by Rose Byrne, the 105-minute drama explores resilience, identity, and personal reinvention. Byrne’s recent Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You gives the film immediate clout. The cast also includes Octavia Spencer, Demi Lovato, Simon Rex, and Ariana DeBose.
For airlines, the appeal lies in the movie’s tone and pacing. TOW balances emotional depth with accessible storytelling, making it suitable for long-haul viewing without overwhelming casual audiences.
The second film, A Tree Fell in the Woods, is set on New Year’s Eve and follows four adults whose relationships unravel after a fallen tree triggers a chain of revelations. Starring Josh Gad, Alexandra Daddario, Daveed Diggs, and Ashley Park, the 96-minute film blends comedy and drama through sharp dialogue and character-driven tension.
Pairing these two titles showcases the company’s approach to create a well rounded content library. Both movies match Penny Black Media’s goal of giving airlines blockbuster, festival-recognized stories that improve the cabin experience.
Other Upcoming Highlights for May
Beyond the two aforementioned headline features, Penny Black Media also recently announced its May 2026 titles. The line-up includes sci-fi, European drama, comedy, and psychological thrillers, showing the company focuses on variety instead of targeting just one type of audience.
Leading the May lineup is Redux Redux, a sci-fi revenge thriller that premiered at SXSW. The story follows a mother traveling through parallel universes to keep facing her daughter’s killer, slowly blurring the line between justice and obsession. Its festival buzz and bold concept make it a strong pick for airlines that want to add more daring independent films to their catalogs.
Also included is Italian film IL Maestro (My Tennis Maestro). Directed by Andrea Di Stefano and debuted at the Venice Film Festival, it’s a coming-of-age sports story about mentorship, pressure, and personal freedom. Penny Black Media points to its universal themes and emotional pull, which work well with international audiences.
Other May titles expand the mix even further. German comedy Köln 75 tells the true story of a teenager who organized Keith Jarrett’s famous 1975 Cologne concert. Japanese psychological thriller Exit 8, praised at Cannes Midnight Screenings, adds a tense looping subway nightmare. Un Poeta (A Poet) and The Richest Woman in the World round out the slate with European character drama and social satire.
To read more about which new titles companies that attended APEX Content Market 2026 have on offer, click here.