Movies Sold At Sundance 2015: A Complete & Updated Guide
These are the movies sold at Sundance 2015. Many of the films that premiere at the Sundance Film Festival are hoping to attract a distributor and find a bigger audience, be it in theaters around the country or distributed through digital VOD. Throughout the festival we will be reporting on all of the movies sold at Sundance 2015. This list should help give you an idea about which movies may someday be available to you either theatrically of VOD. We’re including photo stills from each of the films along with all of the relevant information (director, cast, how much it sold for, the plot synopsis and more). Hit the jump to find out which movies sold at Sundance 2015.
Latest update:Samuel L. Goldwyn will releaseLila and EvestarringViola DavisandJennifer Lopez.Previous update:Jemaine Clement’sPeople, Places, Thingsis picked up byThe Film Arcade.
Movies Sold At Sundance 2015 Distributor Breakdown
These Movies Sold at Sundance 2015
We will be updating this post with 2015 Sundance Film Festival acquisitions throughout the festival. The post is organized from newest to oldest, with the latest acquisitions on the top.
Lila and Eve
Acquired:February 26By:Samuel L. GoldwynPurchase Price:NADirector:Charles Stone IIIStarring:Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Shea Whigham, Andre RoyoOther Info:A later 2015 release is plannedPlot Synopsis:
People, Places, Things
Acquired:February 24By:The Film ArcadePurchase Price: NADirector:Jim StrouseStarring:Jemaine Clement, Regina Hall, Stephanie Allynne, Jessica Williams, Michael ChernusOther Info:The Film Arcade plans a Summer 2015 release.Plot Synopsis:
Cartel Land
Acquired:February 12By:The OrchardPurchase Price:NADirector:Matthew HeinemanStarring:NAOther Info:The film won the Sundance Directing Award and Special Jury Award for Cinematography for documentaries. This release will be handled in conjunction with A&E IndieFilms.Plot Synopsis:
In the Mexican state of Michoacán, Dr. Jose Mireles, a small-town physician known as “El Doctor,” shepherds a citizen uprising against the Knights Templar, the violent drug cartel that has wreaked havoc on the region for years. Meanwhile, in Arizona’s Altar Valley—a narrow, 52-mile-long desert corridor known as Cocaine Alley—Tim “Nailer” Foley, an American veteran, heads a small paramilitary group called Arizona Border Recon, whose goal is to halt Mexico’s drug wars from seeping across our border.
Racing Extinction
Acquired:February 10By:Discovery ChannelPurchase Price:NADirector:Louie PsihoyosStarring:NAOther Info:Discovery will release the film in the top 10 markets and then premiere it on TV on every one of their 220 channels. It’ll then go on demand.Read our review.Plot Synopsis:
Believing that images can stimulate empathy and in turn change behavior, Psihoyos joins forces with activists, scientists, nature photographers, and cutting-edge inventors to draw attention to the dangers we face. While covert operations reveal the horrific black-market trade in endangered aquatic species, the film’s broader lens uncovers the even more disastrous consequences of human activity, chiefly the release of ocean-killing methane and carbon from energy consumption.
Being Evel
Acquired:February 9By:Gravitas VenturesPurchase Price:NADirector:Daniel JungeStarring:Johnny KnoxvilleOther Info:Gravitas will launch the film in theaters and on VOD later this year.Plot Synopsis:
Unexpected
Acquired:February 9By:Film ArcadePurchase Price:NADirector: Kris SwanbergStarring:Cobie Smulders and Gail BeanOther Info:The film played in the US dramatic competition.Plot Synopsis:
The Second Mother
Acquired:February 6By:OscilloscopePurchase Price:NADirector:Anna MuylaertStarring:Regina Casé, Michel Joelsas, Camila Márdila, Karine Teles, Lourenço MutarelliOther Info:The film won a Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance.Plot Synopsis:
Dark Horse
Acquired:February 6By: Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:NADirector:Louise OsmondStarring:Other Info:The documentary won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Documentary category.Plot Synopsis:
To the astonishment of the racing elite, Dream becomes an unlikely champion, beating the finest thoroughbreds in the land. Then, in one fateful race, the horse—which embodies the plucky band of misfits' hopes and dreams—has a near-fatal accident. Nursed back to health through the love of his owners, Dream makes a remarkable recovery, returning to the track for a heart-pounding comeback.
Sleeping With Other People
Acquired:February 5By: IFCPurchase Price:Above seven figures, according toVariety.Director:Leslye HeadlandStarring:Alison Brie, Adam Scott, Amanda Peet, Jason Mantzoukas, Natasha Lyonne, Jason SudeikisOther Info:Many companies were interested in the comedy, which we named one of the best of the festival.Plot Synopsis:
The Forbidden Room
Acquired:February 5By:Kino LorberPurchase Price:N/ADirector:Guy MaddinStarring:Geraldine Chaplin, Caroline Dhavernas, Roy Dupuis, Udo Kier, Charlotte Rampling, Karine VanasseOther Info:This film was shot as part of two different museum installations, with visitors able to look in on the shoot from just a few feet away.Plot Synopsis:
The Hallow
Acquired:February 3By: IFC MidnightPurchase Price:Low seven figures, according toDeadline.Director:Corin HardyStarring:Joseph Mawle, Bojana Novakovic, Michael McElhatton, Michael SmileyOther Info:Corin Hardy will next direct The Crow.Plot Synopsis:
Station to Station
Acquired:February 3By:No domestic distributor yet but “Films We Likelabel in Canada;Madman Entertainmentin Australia & New Zealand;Dogwoofin UK & Ireland;NonStop Entertainmentin Pan-Scandinavia; andFeltrinelliin Italy.“Purchase Price:NADirector:Doug AitkenStarring:NAOther Info:“A domestic deal will be announced shortly.“Plot Synopsis:
Finders Keepers
Acquired:February 2By:The OrchardPurchase Price:NADirector:Clay Tweel and Bryan CarberryStarring:John Wood and Shannon WhisnantOther Info:The Orchard plans a theatrical and digital release in 2015.Plot Synopsis:
Fresh Dressed
Acquired:Jan 30By:Samuel Goldwyn Films and StyleHaulPurchase Price:NADirector:Sacha JenkinsStarring:Pharrell Williams, Damon Dash, Karl Kani, Kanye West, Nas Jones, and Andre Leon TalleyOther Info:Will be released in theaters and to Vimeo later in 2015Plot Synopsis:
Acquired:February 2By:AlchemyPurchase Price:NADirector:Mora StephensStarring:Patrick Wilson, Lena Headey, Ray Winstone, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cho, Dianna Agron, Christopher McDonald, Alexandra Breckenridge, and Penelope MitchellOther Info:Will be released in theaters and on demand later in 2015Plot Synopsis:
Hot Girls Wanted
Acquired:NetflixBy:NetflixPurchase Price:NADirector:Jill Bauer and Ronna GradusStarring:NAOther Info:Rashida Jones is among the producers. Variety broke the news of the deal.Plot Synopsis:
A Walk in the Woods
Acquired:January 31By:Broad GreenPurchase Price:Seven figures with with print and advertising commitment in the teens, viaDeadline.Director:Ken KwapisStarring:Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Offerman, Kristen SchaalOther Info:Broad Green is new and promised a “a big theatrical release in late summer and early fall to factor into the Oscar race.“Plot Synopsis:
I’ll See You In My Dreams
Acquired:January 31By:Bleeker StreetPurchase Price:Mid to High Six Figures, according toDeadline.Director:Brett HaleyStarring:Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, Sam Elliott, Malin Akerman, June Squibb and Rhea PerlmanOther Info:Several other companies were in the hunt for the film.Plot Synopsis:
3 1/2 Minutes
Acquired:January 31By:HBOPurchase Price:NADirector:Marc SilverStarring:NAOther Info:Participant teamed with HBO to acquire the TV rights. The film will have a theatrical run in the Fall of 2015 before airing on TV.Plot Synopsis:
Ten Thousand Saints
Acquired:January 30By:Screen Media Films, viaThe WrapPurchase Price:NADirector:Shari Springer Berman & Robert PulciniStarring:Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Emily Mortimer, Julianne Nicholson, Emile Hirsch, Ethan HawkeOther Info:Based on the novel by Eleanor Henderson; this was one of Russ' two least-liked films at the fest.Plot Synopsis:
Songs My Brothers Taught Me
Acquired:January 30By:FortissimoPurchase Price:NADirector:Chloé ZhaoStarring:John Reddy, Jashaun St. John, Irene Bedard, Taysha Fuller, Travis Lone Hill, Eléonore HendricksOther Info:The film features a cast of non-professional actors.Plot Synopsis:
Digging For Fire
Acquired:January 30By:The OrchardPurchase Price:NADirector:Joe SwanbergStarring:Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt, Orlando Bloom, Brie Larson, Sam Rockwell, Anna Kendrick, Mike BirbigliaOther Info:Johnson co-wrote the film with Swanberg, who shot it on 35mm.Plot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 30By:IFC MidnightPurchase Price:NADirector:J.M CraviotoStarring:Tina Ivlev, Richard Tyson, Bianca MalinowskiOther Info:Both Peter and Germain agree this was the worst film they saw at Sundance.Plot Synopsis:
The Wolfpack
Acquired:January 29By:MagnoliaPurchase Price:NADirector:Crystal MoeselleStarring:The Angulo BrothersOther Info:This low-key doc about an unusual family features some surprisingly spot-on movie recreations.Plot Synopsis:
Mississippi Grind
Acquired:January 28By:A24Purchase Price:$2m, viaDeadlineDirector: Anna Boden and Ryan FleckStarring:Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, Sienna Miller, Analeigh Tipton, Alfre Woodard and Robin WeigartOther Info:Buzz has been oriented around audience reaction to performances by Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn.Plot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 28By:Focus World, a division of Focus FeaturesPurchase Price:NADirector:Jon WattsStarring:Kevin Bacon, James Freedson-Jackson, Hays Wellford, Shea Whigham, Camryn ManheimOther Info:Midnight filmdescribed by Russas a blend of Amblin and Coen Brothers ideas.Plot Synopsis:
Best Of Enemies
Acquired:January 28By:Magnolia & ParticipantPurchase Price:high six figuresDirector:Academy Award-winning Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom) and Robert GordonStarring:Other Info:The film made its world premiere in the U.S. Documentary Competition section. The film last Friday at the Library Theatre.Plot Synopsis:
City Of Gold
Acquired:January 28By:Sundance SelectsPurchase Price:North American RightsDirector:Laura GabbertStarring:Other Info:The film made its world premiere in the U.S. Documentary Competition sectionPlot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 28By:Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:$2 million for world rightsDirector:Paul WeitzStarring:Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, Marcia Gay Harden, Judy Greer, Laverne Cox, Sam ElliottOther Info:Plot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 27By:Fox SearchlightPurchase Price:$9 millionDirector:John CrowleyStarring:Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleesonm, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent, Julie WaltersOther Info: Nick Hornbywrote the screenplayPlot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 27By:MagnoliaPurchase Price:UnrevealedDirector:Sean BakerStarring:Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki RodriguezOther Info:Tangerinewasshot entirely on iPhone 5s.Plot Synopsis:
Knock Knock
Acquired:January 26By:LionsgatePurchase Price:$3 millionDirector:Eli RothStarring:Keanu ReevesOther Info:The filmhadeight offers.Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:
The Overnight
Acquired:January 26By:OrchardPurchase Price:NADirector:Patrick BriceStarring:Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartzman, Judith GodrècheOther Info:Expect a wide theatrical release, according toThe Wrap.Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:
Me, Earl And The Dying Girl
Acquired:January 25th late night, premiered earlier in the day at EcclesBy:Fox SearchlightPurchase Price:$12 million(A Sundance record)Correction, $4.7 millionDirector:Alfonso Gomez-RejonStarring:Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, RJ Cyler, Nick Offerman, Molly Shannon, Jon Bernthal and Connie BrittonOther Info:The film sparked a bidding war with Focus, CBS Films, Lionsgate, A24 and Miramax. Read ourMe, Earl and the Dying Girl review here.Plot Synopsis:
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Acquired:January 25By:Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:“the low seven figures"forNorth America and multiple other territories.Director:Marielle HellerStarring:Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgard, Kristen Wiig, and Christopher MeloniPlot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 25By:Open Road (U.S.) and Sony (international)Purchase Price:$7 million with a a minimum $20 millionmarketing commitmentDirector:Rick FamuyiwaStarring:Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Zoe Kravitz, Blake Anderson, and A$AP RockyOther Info:The film sparked a bidding war with The Weinstein Co., Open Road, Lionsgate, A24, Fox Searchlight, and Relativity all in the mix. Read ourDope reviewhere.Plot Synopsis:
The D Train
Acquired:January 25By:IFC FilmsPurchase Price:$3 millionDirector:Jarrad Paul and Andrew MogelStarring:Jack Black, James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike White, Kyle BornheimerOther Info:THRreported the news. Fox Searchlight and Lionsgate were also in the mix.Plot Synopsis:
Strangerland
Acquired:January 24By:AlchemyPurchase Price:Under $1.5mDirector:Kim FarrantStarring:Nicole Kidman, Joseph Fiennes, Hugo Weaving, Lisa Flanagan, Meyne Wyatt, Maddison BrownOther Info:Info viaDeadline.Plot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 24By:A24Purchase Price:$1.5mDirector:Robert EggersStarring:Anya Taylor Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas DawsonOther Info:Deal not fully set, but looks likely according toTHR.Plot Synopsis:
The Bronze
Acquired:January 24By:RelativityPurchase Price:$3 millionDirectors:Bryan BuckleyStarring:Melissa Rauch, Gary Cole, Thomas Middleditch, Sebastian Stan, Haley Lu Richardson, Cecily StrongOther Info:Read our review here. Deal not 100% but looks likely according toDeadline.Plot Synopsis:
Misery Loves Comedy
Acquired:January 23By:Tribeca FilmPurchase Price:undisclosedDirectors:Kevin PollakStarring:Tom Hanks, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, Judd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Lisa Kudrow, Larry David, Steve Coogan, Jim Gaffigan, and Whoopi GoldbergOther Info:Feature-length documentary. Tribecca acquired North American rightsPlot Synopsis:
In Football We Trust
Acquired:January 22 in advance of its January 23 premiere.By:Relativity SportsPurchase Price:undisclosedDirectors:Tony Vainuku, Erika CohnOther Info:Feature-length sports documentary.Relativity Sports has produced and released “Being: Mariano,” “David Ortiz: In the Moment,” “Dwight Howard: In the Moment” and “Amar’e Stoudemire: In the Moment.“Dwayne Johnsoncame aboard as a producer.Plot Synopsis:
The End of the Tour
Acquired:January 22 in advance of its January 23 premiere.By:A24Purchase Price:$2-$3 millionDirector:James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now)Starring:Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Segel, Anna Chlumsky, Joan CusackOther Info:Comedy in the Premiere section.Deadlinereports it would get an awards release later this year.Plot Synopsis:
Acquired:January 22 in advance of its January 27 premiere.By:Magnolia PicturesPurchase Price:UndisclosedDirector:Andrew Bujalski (Funny Ha Ha, Mutual Appreciation, Computer Chess)Starring:Guy Pearce, Cobie Smulders, Giovanni Ribisi, Anthony Michael Hall, Brooklyn Decker and Constance ZimmerOther Info:Comedy in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Magnolia is eyeing a summer theatrical release for the film.Plot Synopsis:
Dreamcatcher
Acquired:January 22in advance of its January 25 premiere.By:Showtime NetworksPurchase Price:UndisclosedDirector:Kim Longinotto (Salma, Rough Aunties, Divorce Iranian Style)Starring:Plot Synopsis:
Don Verdean
Acquired:January 21 in advance of its January 28 premiere.By:LionsgatePurchase Price:UndisclosedDirector:Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre)Starring:Sam Rockwell, Jemaine Clement, Amy Ryan, Danny McBride, Leslie Bibb and Will Forte.Plot Synopsis:
