Monterey Media has acquired U.S. rights to the independent film “Leonie,” from director Hisako Matsui. Emily Mortimer stars in the film with Christina Hendricks and Shidô Nakamura.
Mortimer plays the American journalist, educator and editor Leonie Gilmour, who falls in love with the famous Japanese poet Yone Noguchi (Shidô Nakamura) and gives birth to a son, the artist and architect Isamu Noguchi. The film is based on a true story.
Matsui was inspired to make the project after reading Masayo Duus’ “The Life of Isamu Noguchi.” Matsui also co-wrote the script and served as a producer on the film, and went through 14 drafts of the screenplay.
The film was shot on location in Japan and in the U.S.
The deal was brokered by ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers. The agency also represents Mortimer along with Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Independent Talent. Monterey plans a winter theatrical release for the film.
