Film4 has appointed Cate Kane as its new senior commissioning executive, effective January 2026. Kane will join the creative leadership team and report to Farhana Bhula, the director of Film4, alongside senior commissioning executive David Kimbangi. This strategic move comes as Film4 aims to strengthen its position in the film industry, and Kane’s extensive experience in acquisitions is expected to play a vital role in shaping the company’s future projects.
Joining from Mubi, where she served as co-head of global acquisitions since 2020, Kane has been instrumental in acquiring critically acclaimed titles such as “Aftersun,” “The Substance,” “My Father’s Shadow,” and “The Worst Person in the World.” Her prior experience includes a nine-year tenure as head of acquisitions at Curzon Film, as well as roles at BBC Film, Casarotto Ramsay, and Content Film.
At Film4, Kane will collaborate closely with filmmakers to guide projects from early development stages through to production. “Having collaborated with Film4 for many years, I’m over the moon to now join Farhana’s brilliant team and help build on their extraordinary slate,” Kane stated. She emphasized her commitment to championing both established and emerging voices for audiences worldwide, reflecting her passion for the creative arts.
Bhula expressed her enthusiasm about Kane’s arrival, calling her “an exceptional creative force.” She noted that Kane’s instincts and track record align perfectly with the next chapter of Film4. “Cate has proven to be fearless in backing some of the most exciting new voices from the U.K. and is deeply committed to championing work that resonates with global audiences,” Bhula added.
Film4 has recently celebrated its support for four directorial debuts that are set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026. These films include Molly Manners’s “Extra Geography,” Rafael Manuel’s “Filipiñana,” Olive Nwoso’s “Lady,” and Joanna Natasegara’s “The Disciple.” This commitment to nurturing new talent underscores Film4’s dedication to innovative storytelling.
Kane’s appointment comes at a significant time for Film4, which is currently developing a diverse production slate. Upcoming projects include Alice Birch’s “Sweetsick,” featuring Cate Blanchett, and Jonathan Schey’s “Everybody Wants To F*ck Me,” starring Taron Egerton. Other notable projects include Andrew Haigh’s “A Long Winter” and Bijan Sheibani’s “The Arrival.”
With Kane’s expertise and vision, Film4 is poised to enhance its reputation as a creative hub for filmmakers and audiences alike.
