Paris-based The Party Film Sales has concluded distribution agreements for the documentary “Tax Me (If You Can)” across multiple international territories, Variety has confirmed. The documentary is directed by Thomas Lafarge.
New co-producers joining the Little Big Story production include Spain’s RTVE, Switzerland’s RTS, Slovenia’s RTV, and Finland’s YLE. The announcements were made on the eve of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous market in Le Havre, scheduled to run from September 7 to 10.
The documentary is set to premiere on Arte France’s streaming platform, arte.tv, on September 8, followed by a broadcast on the ARTE channel on September 14.
Estelle de Araujo, co-head of international sales at The Party Film Sales, described the swift acquisition of leading European broadcasters as a positive indicator given current market pressures on public television funding. She highlighted the editorial significance of broadcasters choosing to air the film so soon after its production.
The feature, which can be screened as a 52-minute special or split into two 45-minute parts, continues Lafarge’s exploration of global financial power structures. The filmmaker previously collaborated with Adrien Pinon on “The World According to Amazon” and with Xavier Harel on “In the Murky Waters of BNP Paribas.”
In this project, Lafarge examines the rise in wealth among the ultra-rich over the past two decades. The narrative traces the influence of “trickle-down” economics, championed by American economist Arthur Laffer, against the growing momentum of the “tax the rich” movement. This contemporary push is influenced by French economist Gabriel Zucman and supported by donors such as Abigail Disney.
Lafarge noted that initial interest stemmed from media coverage of wealthy individuals advocating for higher taxes. He explained that while access to economists like Zucman required coordination around major events like the G20 summit in Washington, securing interviews with the ultra-rich proved significantly more difficult.
“People often think that wealthy French people have a problem talking about money. But in reality, wealthy people all over the world have a problem talking about money,” Lafarge said. “They know they’re exposing themselves to risks, and they’re very cautious.”
De Araujo expressed hope that the documentary will generate global discussion on wealth concentration and fair taxation. She anticipates further sales deals during the Le Havre market, particularly from partners in the Nordics, Japan, Portugal, and Eastern Europe.
“Tax Me (If You Can!)” was produced by Little Big Story, known for “Nicole Kidman: Eyes Wide Open” and “Welded Together.” It was made in co-production with Arte France and Public Sénat, with support from the CNC, PROCIREP, Société des Producteurs, ANGOA, and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
I’m curious how much they actually got the ultra-rich to open up on camera. That sounds tough to pull off.
Great timing hitting the market right before Le Havre. Solid wins for a niche topic like this.