Upstart distributor Neon has acquired buzzy hip-hop biopic “Roxanne Roxanne,” TheWrap has learned.
Upstart distributor Neon, the shingle formed by former RADiUS co-head Tom Quinn and Alamo Drafthouse’s Tim League, has also acquired Sundance films “Ingrid Goes West” and “Beach Rats.”
“Roxanne Roxanne” tells the true story of the most feared battle MC in early-’80s NYC. Roxanne Shanté was a fierce teenager from the Queensbridge projects with the weight of the world on her shoulders. At age 14, she hustled the streets to provide for her family and was well on her way to becoming a hip-hop legend.
The film premiered Jan. 22 at Sundance to rave reviews.
Written and directed by Michael Larnell, “Roxanne Roxanne” stars Chanté Adams, Mahershala Ali, Nia Long, Elvis Nolasco, Kevin Phillips and Shenell Edmonds.
“Roxanne Roxanne” is produced by Nina Yang Bongiovi (“Fruitvale Station,” “Dope”), Mimi Valdes (“Hidden Figures,” “Dope”), Forest Whitaker (“Dope”) and Pharrell Williams (“Hidden Figures,” “Dope”).
Neon will release their first film, Nacho Vigalondo’s “Colossal,” the sci-fi action film starring Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis that premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival. “Colossal” was featured in Sundance’s Spotlight sidebar and will be released theatrically on April 7.
WME Global negotiated the sale.