According to Deadline, A24 has acquired the North American rights to the action biopic A Prayer Before Dawn, directed by French filmmaker Jean-Stephane Sauvaire (Johnny Mad Dog). Joe Cole (Secret in Their Eyes) stars. The deal just closed at the Berlin Film Festival.

The screenplay was penned by Jonathan Hirschbein with a prior draft by Nick Saltrese. Based on the autobiography of Billy Moore entitled A Prayer Before Dawn: A Nightmare in Thailand, it follows the true story of Moore, who was a methamphetamine drug dealer. He was imprisoned for two years in a notorious Thai prison, Klong Prem, known for its violence and brutality. He survived his ordeal by becoming a champion in the lethal art of Muay Thai boxing.

Producers are Rita Dagher, Nicholas Simon and Hurricane Films’ Sol Papdopoulos and Roy Boulter. Meridian Entertainment’s Jennifer Dong and Figo Li along with James Schamus are executive producers. The film was shot in an actual Thai prison and features R-rated action that reportedly shocked and awed buyers after seeing promo footage.

A Prayer Before Dawn is currently in post-production.