Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired U.S. rights to dance drama “The Fits” from Mongrel International just ahead of the film’s North American premiere at Sundance’s Next program.
The debut feature from director Anna Rose Holmer was developed and produced through the 2014/15 edition of the Venice Biennale Cinema College program and world premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year. Oscilloscope will release the film theatrically in the summer, where it will first open in New York’s new Metrograph theater.
“The Fits” stars Royalty Hightower as an 11-year-old tomboy who is bewitched by the tight-knit dance team she sees practicing in the same Cincinnati gymnasium where she boxes. Enamored by the power and confidence of the strong community of girls, she absorbs the dance routines and masters drills from a distance.
Nick Shager said in a review for Variety: ” Though unlikely to make many commercial waves, this immensely promising debut — developed as part of a micro-budget program at the Venice Biennale institute that stipulates all projects be completed in under a year — suggests a bright future for its maker.”
Oscilloscope’s Dan Berger said, “‘The Fits’ is exactly the type of film that Oscilloscope was created to champion — the masterfully executed result of a purely singular filmmaking vision. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to release it and equally thrilled to see what Anna does next.”
The film was produced by Lisa Kjerulff and Anna Rose Holmer. It’s the recipient of the Rooftop Films and Brigade Festival Publicity Grant.
The agreement was brokered by Charlotte Mickie of Mongrel International on behalf of the filmmakers.
