Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the North American and Latin American rights to Lebanese director Nadine Labaki’s “Capernaum,” the studio announced Thursday.
The film is set to premiere next Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival, where it is screening in competition.
The Lebanese director previously had two films, titled “Caramel” and “Where Do We Go Now?” premiere at the festival. “Where Do We Go Now?” won the Audience Award at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival and was also distributed by Sony Classics.
Labaki also wrote and also appears in “Capernaum,” which tells the story of a child who rebels against the life that’s been imposed on him and decides to bring a lawsuit against his parents.
“Capernaum” was produced by Khaled Mouzana, while CAA Media Finance brokered the distribution deal on behalf of the filmmakers with Wild Bunch, who represent the international rights.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to collaborate once again with Sony Pictures Classics. ‘Capernaum’ is very special to me, and with the passion Tom and Michael have for this film, I know this is the ideal partnership,” Labaki said in a statement.
Sony Pictures Classics added, “Nadine Labaki is one of the world’s great filmmakers. ‘Capernaum’ is an emotionally profound experience about the world we live in and promises to be a triumph in Cannes. Nadine Labaki’s moment as writer-director is here and now. It is thrilling to be working with her, as well as her producer Khaled Mouzanar, Vincent Maraval and Eva Diederix at Wild Bunch, and Roeg Sutherland and CAA.”
SPC plans a release for the film in December to qualify for an awards run.