The abortion drama starring Elizabeth Banks, Call Jane, has landed further key territory deals for Protagonist Pictures ahead of its premiere at Berlinale, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The film is the directorial debut of Phyllis Nagy and also stars Sigourney Weaver.
Call Jane is a woman’s rights drama that did well at Sundance, received hugely positive reviews, and landed a host of international deals in competition.
Along with Banks and Weaver, the film stars Kate Mara and Chris Messina. It was also sold to DCM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Umbrella Entertainment for Australia and New Zealand, Mis.label for Scandinavia, Eagle for Italy, Shaw for Singapore, and Empire for South Africa. These join Roadside Attractions, which acquired U.S. rights in January with plans for a wide theatrical release this fall.
In Oscar nominee Nagy’s directorial debut, a traditional 1960s housewife unexpectedly gets pregnant. Then, abortions were still illegal in the U.S., so she discovers Jane, an underground abortion movement led by Virginia (Weaver). The group saves her life and helps her find purpose; helping other women take control of their destinies.
Call Jane is produced by Robbie Brenner (The Dallas Buyers Club), David Wulf, and Kevin McKeon. The film works from a Blacklist script by The Resident writers Hayley Schore and Roshan Sethi.