Deadline is reporting that Magnolia Pictures has acquired the worldwide rights to Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane’s new documentary In Loco Parentis.
In Loco Parentis tells the story of Headfort, the last remaining boarding school for primary age children in Ireland. Directed by Ní Chianáin with co-direction for David Rane and set on a sprawling estate in Kells, Co. Meath, the documentary melds two seemingly incongruent worlds as the ultra-modern teaching of Headfort’s brilliant staff is set against the 18th century backdrop of the school’s grand reception rooms, long corridors and secret doors. The idyllic surroundings provide a space where teachers become mentors and surrogate parents as they usher the young pupils through their last days of childhood.
In Loco Parentis is produced by Soilsíu and financed by the Irish Film Board, the Broadcast Authority of Ireland, RTÉ, TVE, and Creative Europe.
Magnolia Pictures plan to release the film in the U.S. later this year and is now talking to international distributors at the European Film Market in Berlin.
Irish filmgoers will have their first chance to see the film when it premieres at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival on Monday, February 20th at 8.30pm.