Focus Features’ specialty label Focus World has acquired domestic distribution rights to Richard Loncraine’s comedy “Ruth & Alex,” which stars Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman, the company announced Wednesday.
Cynthia Nixon co-stars in the film, which was written by Charlie Peters, who adapted Jill Ciment’s book “Heroic Measures.” The movie made its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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“Ruth & Alex” was produced by Lori McCreary and Tracy Mercer via Morgan Freeman and McCreary’s Revelations Entertainment banner, as well as Curtis Burch via his Latitude Entertainment banner and Charlie Peters. Freeman executive produced with Sam Hoffman, Manu Propria Entertainment’s Richard Toussaint, Wade Barker and Gary Ellis, and Latitude Productions’ Bob Gass and Judy Burch Gass.
The story takes place over a weekend where a couple (Freeman and Keaton) must decide whether or not to sell their Brooklyn walk-up of 40 years. The film takes a comedic turn when the dynamic couple have to contend with eccentric open-house guests, their pushy realtor niece (Nixon), and the health of their beloved family dog — all while navigating New York City.
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The deal was negotiated by Anjay Nagpal, senior VP of Focus World, and WME Global and CAA on behalf of the filmmakers. Myriad Pictures is overseeing international sales.