A round-up of today’s distribution sales, deals, and awards at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
Grandma
Synopsis: Self-described misanthrope Elle Reid has her protective bubble burst when her 18-year-old granddaughter, Sage, shows up needing help. The two of them go on a day-long journey that causes Elle to come to terms with her past and Sage to confront her future.
Director: Paul Weitz
Writer: Paul Weitz
Cast: Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, Marcia Gay Harden, Judy Greer, Laverne Cox, and Sam Elliott.
Buyer: Sony Pictures Classics | Early Talks
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Brooklyn
Synopsis: Set on opposite sides of the Atlantic, John Crowley’s Brooklyn tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey, a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.
Director: John Crowley
Writer: Nick Hornby
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleesonm, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent, and Julie Walters
Buyer: Fox Searchlight
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Tangerine
Synopsis: It’s Christmas Eve in Tinseltown and Sin-Dee is back on the block. Upon hearing that her pimp boyfriend hasn’t been faithful during the 28 days she was locked up, the working girl and her best friend, Alexandra, embark on a mission to get to the bottom of the scandalous rumor. Their rip-roaring odyssey leads them through various subcultures of Los Angeles, including an Armenian family dealing with their own repercussions of infidelity.
Director: Sean Baker
Writer: Chris Bergoch and Sean Baker
Cast: Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez
Buyer: Magnolia
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Previous Sales:
- A24: The End of the Tour, The Witch
- Alchemy: Strangerland
- Fox Searchlight: Me, Earl And The Dying Girl, Mistress America, Brooklyn
- IFC Films: The D Train
- Lionsgate: Don Verdean, Knock Knock
- Magnolia: Results, Tangerine
- Open Road: Dope
- Orchard: The Overnight
- Relativity Sports: In Football We Trust
- Showtime: Dreamcatcher
- Sony Pictures Classics: The Diary of a Teenage Girl
- Tribeca Film: Misery Loves Comedy
- Relativity: The Bronze
Science-in-Film Prizes
The Stanford Prison Experiment – Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize: $20,000
(Archive) Jonathan Minard and Scott Rashap – Sundance Institute/Sloan Fellowship: $20,000
(Tyfus) Jon Noble – Sundance Institute/Sloan Commissioning Grant: $12,500
(Otzi) Cutter Hodierne and John Hibey – Sundance Institute/Sloan Commissioning Grant: $12,500
