In a record-breaking sale of 25$ million, Apple Studios has acquired the worldwide rights to the virtual Sundance powerhouse that quickly caused a bidding war, CODA. The studio is also in the process of buying out pre-sold international territories that financed the film’s production. 

Written and directed by Siân Heder, the film centers around a young hearing girl named Ruby, played by breakout star Emilia Jones, who lives with her deaf family. Her dreams of singing lead her to a scholarship opportunity, which forces her to make a life-changing choice between her own goals and caring for her family. 

“I have been so moved by the outpouring of response to the film and am so excited to have found a partner in Apple that loves and deeply gets this movie, the spirit in which it was created and is committed to having this film reach the widest audience possible in a thoughtful and meaningful way,” said Heder in a statement to Variety. “The whole CODA team is also so grateful to Sundance for being a part of the film’s journey. I hope that this film and Apple’s powerful support will help kick down some doors standing in the way of inclusion and representation and pave a path for more stories that center characters from the Deaf and Disabled community. The world has waited too long for these stories to be told. Now is the time. No more excuses.” 

So far, CODA has received glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike. Amazon was pushing to acquire the film but didn’t have the ability to release it within the year due to their already stacked 2021 slate.