Toronto Deals: Paladin and 108 Media Acquires Michel Gondry’s ‘The We and the I’

Paladin and 108 Media have snapped up the domestic rights to Michel Gondry's latest film "The We and the I," the two companies announced in Toronto on Saturday.

Directed and co-written by Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"), "The We and the I" follows a group of teens from the Bronx and explores their assorted lives and relationships in one day on the school bus.

Gondry, a French native who got his start as a music video director, uses a cast of newcomers for the film, which takes place almost entirely on the bus. He integrates mobile phone videos and text messages to achieve a distinctive visual style. 

"We are honored and thrilled to be working with Michel Gondry and his team on this totally one-of-a-kind film," Paladin President Mark Urman said in a statement. "Rarely have I seen the energy, anarchy and enthusiasm of teenagers rendered with so much authenticity and accuracy and with so little moralizing or condescension."

Also Read: Directors Michel Gondry, Tom Shadyac Follow Fired CAA Agent Dan Aloni to WME

It was two weeks ago that Paladin, Urman's New York-based indie, announced it had reached an agreement with 108 Media, a Canadian sales and distribution company, to jointly distribute films. Though the joint venture already had a slate of five films, the companies went to Toronto aiming to secure more titles.

That begins with his film from Gondry, who has long been an art-house favorite but only achieved great box office success with "Eternal Sunshine."

"This is exactly the kind of film we are looking to distribute — one that combines excellence with entertainment value, and a fresh, distinctive point of view," Abhi Rastogi, CEO of 108, said in a statement.

The film has yet to sell overseas, here Kinology is handling the rights.