EXCLUSIVE : Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has acquired North American rights to Daruma , an indie drama exec produced by Oscar winner Peter Farrelly ( Green Book ).
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Believed to be the first film in American cinematic history to star two authentically-cast disabled lead actors in a narrative not about overcoming a disability, the film hits limited theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis on November 15, premiering on digital the same day.
Directed by Alexander Yellen ( Z-Nation ), Daruma tells the story of Patrick (Tobias Forrest), who discovers he has a daughter as the result of a forgotten fling prior to becoming paralyzed. He takes the girl, Camilla (newcomer Victoria Scott), with the promise of a payout, only to quickly learn that he can’t parent her as she needs. He then enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor Robert (John W. Lawson) to take her to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country. Along the way, he discovers the redemption he’s been seeking his entire life and resolves to better himself so that he can be the father his daughter deserves.
Kelli McNeil-Yellen wrote the script and produced alongside Alexander Yellen and Jodi Binstock. Pic’s cast also includes Abigail Hawk, Barry Bostwick, Sandi McCree, Kelli McNeil-Yellen and Joy Nash.
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“Making Daruma has been a profoundly moving and rewarding experience,” said director Alexander Yellen, who also served as the film’s cinematographer. “We’re grateful to the numerous people, festivals, and organizations who came with us on this journey because they saw the immense value and potential of a project like this.”
Stated Freestyle’s Head of Digital Film Distribution Bill Vergos, “We knew we had to have this title the moment we saw the sold-out screening at Slamdance. I’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for a film at that particular festival than what I saw with Daruma . It’s such a unique and beautiful film that not only serves the most historically underrepresented market in the U.S., but tells a story that everyone can relate to, one about friendship, fatherhood, and found family.”
Freestyle negotiated the deal to acquire Daruma with Sean Pope of Ramo Law.
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