Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to “The Selfish Giant,” a film fable about growing up in contemporary Britain that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight.
The film was written and directed by Clio Barnard, who is best known for the documentary “The Arbor.” It was made with the backing of British Film Institute and Film4.
The story centers on a teenage boy and his best friend who busy themselves collecting scrap metal as something of an escape from the emotional neglect they receive at home. It earned strong notices at Cannes for Barnard’s skillful blending of realism and myth.
“‘The Selfish Giant’ is cinema that tells an unsure nation who we are,” Robbie Collin wrote in the Telegraph.
The deal for the film was negotiated by Arianna Bocco, senior vice president of acquisitions and productions for Sundance Selects/IFC Films, with Mike Goodridge of Protagonist Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.
In a statement, Jonathan Sehring, President of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, praised Barnard’s work on the film, saying, “We are honored to be able to work with a filmmaker who we believe is a talent that will continue to awe us with her work for many years to come.”
Sundance Selects is a sister label to IFC Films and IFC Midnight and is owned and operated by AMC Networks.
