Saban Films has acquired the North American rights to the thriller “Siberia,” which stars Keanu Reeves, Ana Ularu and Molly Ringwald, the distributor announced Friday.
Matthew Ross directed the romantic crime-thriller that was written by Scott B. Smith from a story by Stephen Hamel and Smith. Hamel and Reeves produced alongside Gabriela Bacher of Summerstorm Entertainment/Film House Germany, Dave Hansen and Braden Aftergood.
“Siberia” follows Lucas Hill (Reeves), an American diamond trader who sells blue diamonds to buyers in Russia. He soon begins an obsessive relationship with a Russian cafe owner while dealing with the dangerous world of diamond trade.
“‘Siberia’ is a fresh departure from your average love story, balancing the high-wire act of being a thriller with pacing that keeps you on your toes till the last frame,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley in a statement. “Everyone will love this.”
Ross’ first feature, “Frank & Lola,” premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. It was later acquired and released by Universal Studios.
Cassian Elwes helped to arrange financing and is executive producing with Marc Hansell, Devan Towers, and Jere R. Hausfater; Wayne Marc Godfrey and Robert Jones of The Fyzz; Christian Angermayer and Klemens Hallmann of Film House; Chris Lemole and Tim Zajaros of Armory Films; and Phyllis Laing and Jeff Beesley of Buffalo Gals.
Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films, with Endeavor Content on behalf of the filmmakers.
Saban Films already acquired Gerard Butler’s “Keepers” at this year’s festival. Earlier this year, the company bought the rights to “Lizzie,” starring Chloe Sevigny and Kristen Stewart, at Sundance.