ScreenDaily is reporting that John Butler’s heartwarming coming-of-age drama Handsome Devil has secured a number of international distribution deals at the Cannes Marché du Film.
Radiant Films International are handling the rights, and have secured deals with Rialto for Australia and New Zealand, Salzgeber for Germany, and Tongariro Releasing for Poland. The film had already been licensed to Icon Distribution for the UK and Ireland, and Breaking Glass Pictures for the U.S., with that release coming next month.
With his shock of red hair, proclivity for old rock songs, and general oddness, Ned is a certified outcast in his rugby-crazy, all-boy boarding school. Ned doesn’t even dislike rugby, but that doesn’t stop him from being an easy target. His mind is set on expulsion or escape, until the arrival of a new English teacher and a new roommate, a surprisingly sensitive rugby player with more than a few secrets, sets Ned on a path towards finally allowing himself to be heard.
Moe Dunford and Nicholas Galitzine in Handsome Devil © Treasure EntertainmentThe young cast is led by O’Shea and Galitzine (one of the 2015 Screen Stars of Tomorrow), with support from Andrew Scott (The Stag, Sherlock), Dunford (Vikings, Patrick’s Day), Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones), Ruairi O’Connor, Jay Duffy, Mark Lavery, and Jamie Hallahan. The film also features performances from Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman, Norma Sheahan, Mark Doherty, and Hugh O’Conor.
The accessible characters of Handsome Devil coupled with a warm and charming story is resonating strongly with the buyers who are looking for films that not only entertain but illuminate issues of our times. Our distribution partners have thoroughly embraced the potential of the film. As experts in releasing independent films in their markets we are excited to see Handsome Devil in cinemas near you.
Mimi Steinbauer – Radiant Films International, President and CEO
Handsome Devil is currently in Irish cinemas, and is great.