‘Splitsville’ Receives Eight-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes; Director Michael Angelo Covino Moved to Tears

At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Michael Angelo Covino’s second feature film, ‘Splitsville,’ premiered to great acclaim, receiving an eight-minute standing ovation. The comedy, co-written by Covino and Kyle Martin, explores complex relationships through the story of Ashley, who asks for a divorce, prompting Carey to seek support from friends Julie and Paul. Their initially open marriage unravels when boundaries are crossed, leading to chaos in their relationships. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Nicholas Braun, O-T Fagbenle, David Castañeda, and Charlie Gillespie. Covino, known for his award-winning debut ‘The Climb,’ developed ‘Splitsville’ alongside Kyle Marvin under a multi-year first-look deal with Topic Studios. The film is produced in collaboration with Neon and TeaTime Pictures, with a U.S. theatrical release set for August 22, 2025. The emotional reaction from Covino during the Cannes premiere highlights the personal significance and artistic achievement of this project.