Friday came the official announcement that Sony Pictures Classics had picked up the biopic Maudie. Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine) and Ethan Hawke (The Magnificent Seven) headline the film centered around revered Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, played by Hawkins in the feature. The film was directed by Aisling Walsh from a screenplay penned by Sherry White. Outside of North America, Sony Pictures acquired the titles in many key regions including the United Kingdom, Latin America, Greece and Italy.

The film shines a light on Lewis, who overcame juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, to become one of Canada’s most treasured artists. Showcasing the challenges that persisted, Maudie charts its story as a fragile but motivated Lewis is hired as housekeeper for Everett Lewis (Hawke). Decide the difficulties and the odds in her path, she yearned to created art as she formed an unexpected romance with Lewis. The story focuses on their sometimes harried and difficult relationship as well as her rise as a signature folk artist in her own right. Sony Pictures Classics commented in a statement: “Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke are astounding and surprising, making Maudie an illuminating film experience.”

The film made its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival where Hawkins’ performance – the Brit earned an Oscar nomination for Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine – was held in particularly high esteem. No release date as yet been confirmed.