Picturehouse Entertainment has picked up U.K. rights to Anne Fontaine’s “The Innocents” (Agnus Dei), which premiered at Sundance.
Set in Poland in 1945, the inspiring drama tells the true story of French Red Cross doctor Madeleine Pauliac who was on a mission to help World War II survivors when she crossed paths with a nun who sought help. She was then brought to a convent where several pregnant sisters were concealed, the victims of the Soviet soldiers’ barbarities. Unable to reconcile their faith with their pregnancy, the nuns turned to the doctor who became their only hope.
Penned by Sabrina B. Karine, Alice Vial, Pascal Bonitzer, the French-Polish drama toplines French up-and-comer Lou de Laage (“Breathe”) and Agata Kulesza (“Ida”).
The deal was negotiated between Films Distribution’s Sebastien Beffa and Picturehouse Entertainment’s Clare Binns.
“The Innocents” is produced by Eric and Nicolas Altmayer (“The New Girlfriend”). Eliza Oczkowska (“Rams”) and Klaudia Smieja (“Rams”) are co-producers. Films Distribution reps the film in international markets and has nearly sold the movie worldwide.
“I am absolutely delighted to be working with Films Distribution on Anne Fontaine’s extraordinary new film. This was one I just instantly loved at Sundance, a really sophisticated and thoughtful film about an important subject, beautifully made and with a fantastic cast. I can’t wait to bring this quality title to audiences in the U.K.,” said Clare Binns, Picturehouse’s director of programming and acquisition.
Music Box will release “The Innocents” in the U.S.
