Screen Media president Suzanne Blech will give the movie a day-and-date release in theaters and VOD this year before the film becomes available on Netflix.
“Shelter,” which debuted at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, was written by Bettany and financed by Daniel Wagner of BiFrost Pictures with an assist from The Bridge Finance Company.
Hannah (Connelly) and Tahir (Mackie) come from two different worlds but fall in love while homeless on the streets of New York. “Shelter” explores how they got there, and as more is revealed about their pasts, it’s clear that they need each other to build a future. The film is a love letter to the great New York dramas of the ’70s and an unsparing story of loss, love, sacrifice, redemption and, ultimately, hope.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Paul and his team in bringing this heart wrenching and ultimately inspiring tale which shines light on the ‘invisibility’ of the homeless,” said Blech. “Jennifer Connelly’s performance is Oscar-worthy.”
“’Shelter’ is not a polemic about homelessness being bad; every decent human being should know that it is so. It is a film about judgment and love – the world is complex and we are all innocents, all worthy of forgiveness and all worthy of a home,” added Bettany. “Screen Media Films has a proud history of making socially responsible films and I am honored to partner with them.”
“Shelter” was produced by Robert Ogden Barnum, Katie Mustard, Wagner and Bettany, and executive produced by Cassian Elwes, Aimee Sheih, Melanie Greene, Dana Brown, Clay Floren, and Kevin Scot Frakes.
The deal was negotiated by Suzanne Blech and Seth Needle, director of acquisitions & marketing, for Screen Media, with UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers.
Screen Media’s upcoming releases include Helen Hunt’s “Ride” starring Brenton Thwaites, Chris Messina’s “Alex of Venice” starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Riley Stearns’ “Faults,” also starring Winstead.
TheWrap's 25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2015: From 'Fifty Shades' to 'Star Wars' and 'Spectre'
"The Last Five Years"
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
Anna Kendrick continues her streak of musical roles with this big-screen adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's beloved Off-Broadway hit. "Smash" alum Jeremy Jordan co-stars. Trailer
Radius-TWC
"Fifty Shades of Grey"
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson's characters are set to become the next cinematic power couple in this highly anticipated adaptation of E.L. James' "mommy porn" hit. Trailer
Focus Features
"In the Heart of the Sea"
Release Date: March 13, 2015
Chris Hemsworth plays dashing first mate aboard the Essex, the real ship attacked by a giant whale that inspired literary classic "Moby Dick." Trailer
"Furious 7"
Release Date: April 3, 2015
Paul Walker rides one last time with Vin Diesel and his "Fast and Furious" family. We're eager to see how they say goodbye to Brian O'Conner. Trailer
Universal
"Avengers: Age of Ultron"
Release Date: May 1, 2015
The Avengers return -- much to everyone's delight. Admit it, including yours. Trailer
Marvel/Disney
"Pitch Perfect 2"
Release Date: May 15, 2015
Aca-awesome, the Barden Bellas are back! This time the a cappella troupe competes against international singers. High jinks ensue on a global scale. Trailer
"Mad Max: Fury Road"
Release Date: May 15, 2015
Its Comic-Con panel blew the roof off the place, and Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult look completely off the chain in the franchise's latest installment. Trailer
Warner Bros
"Tomorrowland"
Release Date: May 22, 2015
Brad Bird's highly secretive and highly anticipated project stars George Clooney as an inventor and rising star Britt Robertson as a teen who gets transported ... somewhere. Trailer
Disney
"Jurassic World"
Release Date: June 12, 2015
It's been way too long since there's been a "Jurassic Park" movie, and the franchise seems to be in extremely capable hands led by star Chris Pratt, who's proving to be our new favorite action hero. Trailer
Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello in a sequel to the stripping sleeper hit "Magic Mike" that's subtitled "Double Extra Large." So, yeah, we're excited. Look out for new cast and cameos in Amber Heard, Elizabeth Banks and Donald Glover.
Warner Bros.
"Ant-Man"
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Marvel rarely misses a step, and their latest stars unlikely superhero Paul Rudd -- who pretty much guarantees cinematic hilarity. Trailer
We have not seen a single still, behind-the-scenes photo or frame of video, but with Josh Trank ("Chronicle") directing this cast, we're betting Fox gets "Fantastic Four" right this time.
"Bond 24" no more, Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and the whole gang are back for one more James Bond romp, welcoming newcomers Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci.
Getty Images
"The Martian"
Release Date: Nov. 25, 2015
It's described as a cross between "Gravity" and "Castaway" and stars Matt Damon with Ridley Scott directing. Everything about "The Martian" screams prestige.
David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence are back together once again, which means it's time for another wacky, outlandish, probably Oscar-nominated film, this time about the inventor of Miracle Mop.
Getty Images
"Sicario"
Release Date: TBD
Denis Villeneuve is on a roll after the one-two punch of "Enemy" and "Prisoners" and this follow-up, starring Emily Blunt as a DEA agent, seems plenty promising.
Getty Images
"Southpaw"
Release Date: TBD
Following "Nightcrawler," Jake Gyllenhaal is on quite a hot streak and totally transformed himself (again) to play a boxer in Antoine Fuqua's latest gritty drama.
"Snowtown" director Justin Kurzel does a revisionist take Shakespeare's classic with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. This one is a no-brainer.
Weinstein Copmany
"Beasts of No Nation"
Release Date: TBD
Cary Fukunaga returns to features after an incredible run on HBO's "True Detective," and he's bringing Idris Elba with him, making this a must-watch on so many levels.
Focus Features
"Dark Places"
Release Date: TBD
Amazing "Gone Girl" raised anticipation for "Dark Places," also based on a Gillian Flynn bestseller. Add Oscar-winner Charlize Theron as another dangerous and mysterious anti-heroine, and we can't wait to peel back the layers.
A24
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Two Anna Kendrick musicals, Paul Walker’s final ”Fast and Furious“ and 22 more movies we can’t wait to see
"The Last Five Years"
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
Anna Kendrick continues her streak of musical roles with this big-screen adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's beloved Off-Broadway hit. "Smash" alum Jeremy Jordan co-stars. Trailer