Introduction to a New Film
The youngest North American distributor, Row K Entertainment, has made its first acquisition, bringing us and Canadian rights to Gus van Sant’s film at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film, based on a real story from 1977, tells the tale of an emerging Indianapolis entrepreneur who became a folk hero when he took his mortgage broker as hostage.
The Film’s Story and Acquisition
The story will open before the end of the year and receive a prize. Sources have determined the deal to be in the middle seven numbers, and it is assumed that Row K completed the negotiations, prevailing over other theater buyers who were also on the hunt. WME Independent and Cassian Elwes negotiated the film on behalf of the filmmakers, with WME Independent also taking on international sales.
Comparison to Other Acquisitions
This is the second major acquisition on site, following Focus Features’ move to acquire most of the world for the midnight madness horror film "obsession". The film received its North American premiere in TIFF on Sunday evening, after its world premiere in Venice, and will screen again in TIFF on Thursday.
The Film’s Cast and Production
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino. Cassian Elwes, Mark Akim, and Sam Pressman are among the producers. Row K President Megan Colligan praised the film, saying it is "an ambitious, artist-oriented film that reflects the kind of brave cinema that we want to bring to the audience".
Row K Entertainment and Its Partners
MCT BACKS ROW K and has been Lionsgate’s primary slate co-financing partner since 2023, investing in over 20 films with the studio, including the upcoming "The Long Walk", TIFF selection "Luck", and "The Housemaid". This partnership has enabled Row K to make significant acquisitions, such as the one for Gus van Sant’s film.
