Apple and A24 have acquired the global rights to “Boys State,” a political documentary and coming-of-age story following a group of politically active 17-year-old boys from Texas, Apple and A24 announced Monday.
Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine (“The Overnighters”) directed the film that premiered at Sundance this week in the U.S. documentary competition. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal was for $10 million, but sources would not confirm.
A24 will give the film a theatrical release before it appears on Apple TV+.
“Boys State” is a Concordia Studio presentation of a Mile End Films Production, and it’s the first deal since the new banner was announced. Laurene Powell Jobs, Davis Guggenheim, Jonathan Silberberg and Nicole Stott all served as producers on the documentary.
“It’s been an incredible experience watching audiences fall in love with the kids featured in ‘Boys State’ at Sundance. Along with Concordia Studio, we are thrilled to partner with two incredible companies, Apple and A24, that will help bring ‘Boys State’ to audiences all over the world,” the directors said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible experience watching audiences fall in love with ‘Boys State’ at Sundance. Along with Concordia Studio, we are thrilled to partner with two incredible companies, Apple and A24, that will help bring ‘Boys State’ to audiences all over the world.”
“Boys State” is described as a raucous journey into the heart of American democracy through an annual rite of passage in which a thousand teenage boys from across Texas come together to build a representative government from the ground up. High minded ideals collide with dirty tricks as four boys of diverse backgrounds and political views navigate the challenges of organizing political parties, shaping consensus and campaigning for office. Through impeachment threats, dramatic debates, and even nefarious internet memes, “Boys State” charts the twists and turns of these intersecting stories, revealing profound truths about our political choices and civic obligations, exposing the political fault lines in Texas and in our nation, and reminding us, ultimately, that democracy is not a spectator sport.
Also upcoming on Apple’s original film slate with A24 include Sofia Coppola’s “On the Rocks” and Josephine Decker’s “The Sky Is Everywhere.” Also upcoming for Apple are “Beastie Boys Story,” “Dads,” “The Banker” and “Wolfwalkers.”
Submarine negotiated the deal on behalf of Concordia Studio.
THR first reported the news.