In a competitive situation, Drafthouse Films has secured worldwide rights to Karyn Kusama’s well-received thriller “The Invitation,” which opened the Midnight section of the 2015 SXSW Film Festival.
Logan Marshall-Green (“Prometheus”) stars as a haunted man attending a dinner party at the house he once called home, who becomes gripped with paranoia that his ex-wife and her new husband are harboring an insidious agenda. Tammy Blanchard (“Into the Woods”), Michiel Huisman (“Game of Thrones”), Emayatzy Corinealdi (“Middle of Nowhere”) and John Carroll Lynch (“Zodiac”) also star.
For Kusama, who first made her mark with “Girlfight,” the film represents a return to her independent roots. Written and produced by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, the film was produced by Martha Griffin along with Nick Spicer of XYZ Films, and financed by Gamechanger Films in association with Lege Artis. Mynette Louie oversaw the film for Gamechanger, while Anthony Mancilla oversaw for Lege Artis.
“‘The Invitation’ has remained under our skin since we first saw it and we’re honored that we’ll be able to share with audiences everywhere,” said Drafthouse COO James Emanuel Shapiro. “Karyn, Phil and Matt have crafted one of the best mysteries we’ve ever seen.”
“I know I speak for our whole team when I say that we could not be more thrilled to be working with Drafthouse Films for the release of ‘The Invitation.’ Drafthouse is a one-of-a-kind label and an influential arbiter of taste. We love what they do. I’m excited by their passionate enthusiasm for the film and truly honored to be working with them,” said Kusama.
The deal was negotiated by ICM Partners and Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers, and James Emanuel Shapiro from Drafthouse Films.