Bleecker Street it has secured U.S. distribution rights to Argentinean-born Chilean director Sebastián Lelio’s English-language debut “Disobedience,” the company announced Wednesday.
The film, which premiered this month at the Toronto International Film Festival, stars Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola.
Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s screenplay, adapted from Naomi Alderman’s book, follows a woman as she returns from New York after the death of her estranged rabbi father to the Orthodox Jewish community in North London where she grew up.
Once back at home, she stirs up controversy when she shows an interest in a childhood friend.
The movie’s producers include Frida Torresblanco for Braven Films, Ed Guiney for Element Pictures, and Rachel Weisz for LC6 Productions. Film4 developed the film and co-financed with FilmNation Entertainment, which is also handling international sales.
Executive producers are Rose Garnett and Daniel Battsek for Film4, Ben Browning and Glen Basner for FilmNation Entertainment, Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures, as well as Eric Laufer and Giovanna Randall.
“Sebastian has captured, with real authenticity, the universality of love and faith, and the strength and sacrifice it takes to fight for what you believe in,” Bleecker Street CEO Andrew Karpen said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring Rachel Weisz’s, Rachel McAdams’ and Alessandro Nivola’s powerful and honest performances to audiences across the country next year.”
Director Lelio said, “Bleecker Street has proven in just a few years the power independent filmmaking can have across a wide range of audiences, and I am thrilled ‘Disobedience’ has found a home there with like-minded creatives.”