Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to director Michael Berry’s “Frontera,” which stars Ed Harris, Eva Longoria, Michael Pena, Aden Young and Amy Madigan, the company announced monday.
Myriad Pictures is handling international sales on “Frontera,” which Magnolia will release theatrically in 2014.
Berry co-wrote the script with Luis Moulinet III, and the film was produced by Ocean Blue Entertainment. Eric Austin Williams served as executive producer.
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In the vein of “Traffic” and “Babel,” “Frontera” is set in the dangerous area between the United States and Mexico. After crossing the border illegally for work, Miguel (Pena), a hard-working father and devoted husband, finds himself wrongfully accused of murdering a former sheriff’s (Harris) wife. After learning of his imprisonment, Miguel’s pregnant wife (Longoria) tries to come to his aid and lands in the hands of corrupt coyotes who hold her for ransom. Dissatisfied with the police department’s investigation, the former sheriff tries to uncover the truth about his wife’s death and discovers disturbing evidence that will destroy one family’s future, or tear another’s apart.
“‘Frontera’ is an exciting and relevant drama with a typically stellar performance from Ed Harris and great turns from the entire ensemble,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles.
Negotiations for “Frontera” were concluded at the Baja International Film Festival in Los Cabos, Mexico, a first for a major American motion picture. BIFF’s U.S. industry liaison Daniel Dreifuss believes that “placing the industry in such a special setting allows for a unique experience conducive to business. New professional relationships were formed as evidenced by the deals announced and forthcoming partnerships which we hope consolidate BIFF as a viable and needed market.”
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“Through the announcement of the various U.S. deals that finally crystalized at our second edition, Baja International Film Festival Los Cabos confirms its commitment to work towards becoming the most useful and relevant industry platform where Mexico, U.S. and Canada can meet and collaborate,” added Alonso Aguilar Castillo, president of the Los Cabos Arts and Culture association.
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia’s John Von Thaden with CAA on behalf of the filmmakers.