The Orchard Grabs Domestic Rights to Sundance Drama 'We The Animals'

Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap at the Acura Studios

The Orchard announced on Wednesday that it has bought the domestic distribution rights to Jeremiah Zagar’s directorial debut, “We The Animals,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last week and won the event’s NEXT Innovator Award.

Written by Zagar and Dan Kitrosser and based on the novel of the same name by Justin Torres, “We The Animals” follows three boys growing up in rural New York as their parents go through a turbulent relationship. When the three grow up, the two elder sons resemble their loving but erratic father, while the youngest son, Jonah, grows closer to their mother.

Also Read: Evan Peters Heist Film 'American Animals' Bought by The Orchard and MoviePass

This is The Orchard’s second Sundance acquisition this year, previously acquiring rights to the art heist film “American Animals” with MoviePass Ventures last week.

“With ‘We the Animals,’ Jeremiah has masterfully created a dream-like backdrop for a story of personal identity and family,” said Paul Davidson, The Orchard’s EVP for Film & TV in a statement. “It is a captivating, magnetic film that deserves to be seen in theaters and we are proud to be a part of making that happen.”

Also Read: Why Amazon, Netflix Ghosted Sundance Sales After Dominating Last Year

“It’s always been my dream to get this movie out in theaters as widely as possible, and I’m thrilled to work with The Orchard to make that happen. I think they’re the perfect partner for this film,” said Zagar.

The deal was negotiated by Danielle DiGiacomo, VP of Acquisitions for The Orchard, and Eric Sloss of Cinetic Media. The film was financed by Cinereach and produced by Cinereach and Public Record.

Sundance 2018 #CelebSightings: Usher, Naomi Watts, Chloe Grace Moretz Cruise Around Park City (Photos)

After arriving in Park City to promote his film "Burden," the singer Usher said "Yeah!" to hitting up the scene.
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While everyone else was watching the NFL Championship games on Sunday night (Jan. 21), Usher shed his fur coat and indoor sunglasses to jump on the dance floor as Diplo spun at the "Skate Kitchen" party. The action went down at the DirecTV Lodge on Main St., festival sponsor AT&T's prime venue.
Dave Brewer
Elsewhere, Chloë Sevigny caused ripples in the opening days of the festival for her turn in the Lizzie Borden film, "Lizzie."

Also Read: ‘Lizzie’ Film Review: Chloë Sevigny Makes the Infamous Killer a Rebel With a Cause
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Jake Gyllenhaal arrived at the Eccles in an Acura MDX for the premiere of "Wildlife."

Also Read: ‘Wildlife’ Review: Paul Dano’s Directorial Debut Is an Austere Portrait of a Family in Crisis
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Jim Parsons is part of the all-star cast of "A Kid Like Jake." The parenting drama's ensemble includes Claire Danes, newly minted Oscar nominee Octavia Spencer, the terrifying Emmy winner from "The Handmaid's Tale" Ann Dowd, Amy Landecker, and...

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Priyanka Chopra.
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Naomi Watts found the secret to dry feet amid a flood of gray slush soaking Park City.

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Tom Felton brought the message of #TimesUp to high altitudes.
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Chloe Grace Moretz arrives in style while promoting her title role in the "Miseducation of Cameron Post." She plays a 1993 high schooler caught having sex with the prom queen, then forced into a gay conversion therapy center.

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Ethan Hawke, with two movies at the festival, still found time for a musical jam at the premiere party for "Blaze."

Also Read: ‘Juliet, Naked’ Review: Nick Hornby Adaptation Is a Rock ‘n’ Roll Charmer
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TheWrap's Party Report at Sundance is sponsored by Acura, the presenting sponsor of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Keep up with real-time images of the scene in Park City on @SundanceParties on Instagram.

The Party Report and this writer are not affiliated with nor endorsed by the Sundance Institute or the Sundance Film Festival.

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For more celebrity sightings at TheWrap's HQ inside the Acura Festival Village, click over here:

Also Read: Sundance Portraits From TheWrap at Acura Studios With Keira Knightley, Robert Pattinson and More (Photos)
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The Party Report rides shotgun with Priyanka Chopra, Jake Gyllenhaal, and more as a fleet of 100 Acura MDX luxury SUVs shuttles VIPs to screenings and parties

After arriving in Park City to promote his film "Burden," the singer Usher said "Yeah!" to hitting up the scene.

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Sundance 2018 #CelebSightings: Usher, Naomi Watts, Chloe Grace Moretz Cruise Around Park City (Photos)

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