ScreenDaily is reporting that Protagonist Pictures will represent the worldwide sales rights (excluding the UK and Ireland) for Paddy Breathnach’s forthcoming feature Rosie. The film will world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month.
Rosie tells the story of a mother trying to protect her family after their landlord sells their rented home and they become homeless. Finding a room, even for a night, is a tough job and finding somewhere permanent to live is even harder. Within the confines of their car, Rosie and John Paul strive to maintain a loving home while shielding their young family from the reality of the situation around them. ROSIE examines how even in times of crises; the love and strength of a family can endure.
Rosie stars Sarah Greene (Noble, Rebellion) in the title role, alongside Moe Dunford (Vikings, Handsome Devil) as her partner John Paul. The pair also appear in Lance Daly’s forthcoming Black 47, which also features at Toronto. Newcomers Ellie O’Halloran, Ruby Dunne, Darragh McKenzie and Molly McCann star as their children.
Rosie is Irish author Roddy Doyle’s first original screenplay in 18 years and is a direct response to the current housing crisis in Ireland. The film is Paddy Breathnach’s first since making the longlist for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy awards with Viva.
Rosie is produced by Emma Norton, Rory Gilmartin and Juliette Bonass. Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe are Executive Producers for Element Pictures and Dearbhla Regan is the Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland Executive Producer. Finance came from Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, BAI, and RTE.
The film centres on the chronic lack of housing across Ireland, which is currently one of the most pressing social issues, not just in Ireland, but in so many countries across the globe.
Rory Gilmartin, Producer – Element Pictures
Paddy, Roddy and our fantastic cast have created a human story that echoes the real-life experiences of families all over the world. We really believe that Protagonist are the perfect partners to bring Rosie to an international audience.
Emma Norton, Producer – Element Pictures
Rosie is that perfect mix of exceptionally well-made cinema and timely social relevance that creates the kind of experiential viewing that resonates so strongly with audiences.
Dave Bishop, CEO – Protagonist Pictures
Element Pictures Distribution will release the film in Ireland on October 12th.