Christopher Abbott, Cynthia Nixon Drama ‘James White’ Sells to The Film Arcade

Josh Mond’s directorial debut premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year

The Film Arcade is acquiring U.S. distribution rights to Josh Mond‘s directorial debut “James White,” which stars Christopher Abbott, Cynthia Nixon and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, the company announced Monday.

A coming-of-age story about a young New Yorker struggling to take control of his self-destructive behavior in the face of momentous family changes, “James White” had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, where it was the recipient of the “Best of Next” Audience Award.

The Film Arcade is planning a traditional theatrical release for the film this fall, followed by an awards campaign highlighting the performances by Abbott and Nixon.

Directed by “Martha Marcy May Marlene” producer Mond of Borderline Films, “James White” explores loss and the deep relationship between a mother and son James White (Abbott) is a troubled twenty-something trying to stay afloat in a frenzied New York City.  He retreats further into a hedonistic lifestyle, but his mother’s battle with a serious illness forces James to take control of his life. As the pressure mounts, James must find new reserves of strength or risk imploding completely.

“James White” is the latest feature film from Borderline Films, a New York City-based production company formed in 2003 by Tisch film school alums Mond, Antonio Campos and Sean Durkin.  Their notable film credits to date include “Afterschool,” “Martha Marcy May Marlene” and “Simon Killer.”

“James White” was produced by Campos, Durkin and Melody C. Roscher.  tarring alongside Abbott, Nixon and Mescudi are Makenzie Leigh, Ron Livingston and David Call.

“On behalf of the incredible cast and crew of ‘James White,’ I’m heartened by the response and proud to team up with The Film Arcade on the theatrical release. The response at Sundance has been humbling and we look forward to continuing the journey with our distributor,” said Mond.

Josh Mond has crafted a personal and powerful drama in his tour-de-force directorial debut,” said The Film Arcade’s Andy Bohn. “The brilliant performances by Christopher Abbott and Cynthia Nixon will be among the year’s best and help make Josh’s film an extraordinary achievement that needs to be seen.”

The film was shot on location in New York City and marks the first lead film role for Abbott, whose previous film and TV credits include “Hello, I Must Be Going,” “The Sleepwalker” and HBO’s Girls.”

Best known for her role in “Sex and the City,” “James White” provides Nixon with one of the most significant film roles of her career.

The Film Arcade negotiated the deal with UTA Independent Film Group.

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