According to Deadline, Swen has acquired distribution rights to Benedict Andrews’ provocative drama Una starring Rooney Mara (Lion) and Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story). Swen is an established distributor in Latin America and is partnering with Eammon Films to handle the theatrical release and Vision Films to distribute ancillary platforms.
Swen Group founder Murray Lipnik said, “We are very excited to be entering the U.S. market and have a great team in place to bring this acclaimed film to audiences across the country.” Added Eammon Films’ Rob Lynch, “I am thrilled and honored to be working with Swen. Una is an incredible film with absolute bravura direction by Benedict Andrews and flat-out extraordinary and riveting performances by Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn.” Vision Films’ managing director and CEO Lise Romanoff said, “Rooney Mara’s performance is unnerving, and the story filled with conflict, intensity and emotions will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.”
David Harrower adapted his own award-winning play Blackbird for the film. The story is about a young woman, Una, (Mara) seeking a reunion with the middle-aged man, Ray, (Mendelsohn) who sexually abused her at age 12, a crime for which he was arrested and served time. Una’s re-appearance brings to light secrets and long-buried memories from the past. Ray’s newly crafted life and Una’s emotional stability hang in the balance.
Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Tara Fitzgerald (TV’s Churchill’s Secret), Tobias Menzies (Black Sea), and Natasha Little (TV’s The Night Manager) co-star. Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly are producers with WestEnd’s Maya Amsellem and Bron Creative. Kevin Loader, Sharon Harel and Eve Schoukroun of WestEnd are executive producers with Bron’s Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth and Andrew Pollack, and Film4’s David Kosse and Sam Lavender.
Una debuted at Telluride last fall. Swen is planning a theatrical release this summer or early fall.
Leave a Comment