Magnolia Pictures Picks Up Worldwide Rights to ‘Touchy Feely’

Lynn Shelton's ensemble film about a massage therapist with a problem premiered at Sundance this year

Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights to writer-director Lynn Shelton's "Touchy Feely," which premiered in competition this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

The acquisition marks a reunion between Shelton (photo below) and Magnolia, the distributor of Shelton’s 2009 comedy "Humpday."

Getty ImagesThe film is Shelton’s follow-up film to "Your Sister's Sister." It marks the second collaboration between Shelton and Rosemarie DeWitt, who received an Independent Spirit Awards Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in "Your Sister's Sister." The ensemble cast of "Touchy Feely" also includes Josh Pais, Ellen Page, Scoot McNairy, Allison Janney, Ron Livingston and newcomer Tomo Nakayama (of the indie rock band Grand Hallway).

Also read: The Surge of Women at Sundance – And What it Means For Filmmaking

"Touchy Feely" centers on a massage therapist (DeWitt) unable to do her job when stricken with a mysterious and sudden aversion to bodily contact. Meanwhile, the foundering dental practice of her uptight brother (Pais)  receives new life when clients seek out his healing touch.

“We are so happy to be working with the exquisitely talented Lynn Shelton again,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Her mastery of character and generous understanding of real human emotions is as great as anyone’s working in film today.”

The film was produced by Steven Schardt and filmed on location in Shelton’s hometown of Seattle.

"Who said you can't go home again?" asked Shelton. "My experience with Magnolia on the release of 'Humpday' was magical, so I couldn't be more thrilled that we have found the perfect distribution partners for 'Touchy Feely."'

The deal for the film was negotiated by Dori Begley, senior vice president of acquisitions at Magnolia, with Submarine and UTA on behalf of the filmmakers. Magnolia’s Christina Rogers will handle global sales.

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