Stephane Celerier’s Paris-based Mars Distribution has scooped French rights to Sebastián Lelio’s “Disobedience”, one of the hottest projects being pitched at the AFM, Variety reports.
Repped in international markets by FilmNation Entertainment, “Disobedience” stars Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz, who is also producing. The film is expected to start shooting early next year.
“Disobedience,” based on Naomi Alderman’s novel, follows a woman who returns to her Orthodox Jewish home after learning about the death of her estranged father and sparks an upheaval within the community. The script was written by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewic.
Ed Guiney at Element Pictures is producing with Frida Torresblanco at Braven Films and Film 4.
“Disobedience” spurred a bidding war among a flurry of French distributors. The project is the latest buzzed-about title to join Mars Distribution’s slate. The company, which is minority-owned by Vivendi’s StudioCanal, also recently acquired Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight” and Wim Wenders’ “Submergence” (with Selective Films).
FilmNation Entertainment is expected to close a U.S. deal on “Disobedience” during the AFM.
