Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American rights to “Viva,” a film directed by Irish filmmaker Paddy Breathnach, the distribution company announced Monday.
“Viva” is a coming-of-age tale set in contemporary Cuba, and tells the story of a gay young man’s reconciliation with this estranged, disapproving father.
Directed by Breathnach, who has helmed films like “Man About Dog” and “Blow Dry,” the film is executive-produced by Benicio del Toro and written by Mark O’Halloran.
The film, which received a positive response when it premiered at the 2015 Telluride Film Festival in September, stars Hector Medina, Luis Alberto Garcia and Jorge Perugorria. It is produced by Treasure Entertainment’s Rebecca O’Flanagan and Robert Walpole.
“Paddy Breathnach has delivered a gem with ‘Viva,’” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “The intimate look into life in Havana today is almost as fascinating as the beautiful performances and story.”
Co-starring Cindy Luis Manuel Alvarez, Pamela Renata and Cecilia Laura Aleman, “Viva” was co-produced with Nelson Navarro Navarro from Island Films in Cuba. It was financed by the Irish Film Board, Treasure Entertainment and Windmill Lane Pictures.
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia SVP of Acquisitions Dori Begley and Magnolia VP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden, and by Josh Braun of Submarine and Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films.
Magnolia Pictures plans to release the film in theaters in 2016.