The 2016 Sundance Film Festival may be in the history books, but the films that were showcased at the famed Park City festival will continue to live on as more and more of them get picked up for theatrical distribution. The Orchard recently acquired North American rights for the drama Christine following the film festival. The fact-based drama, directed by Antonio Campos (Simon Killer), stars Rebecca Hall (The Town).
The British-born Hall picked some of the best reviews of her career for her performance as Christine Chubbuck. Set in 1970s Florida, the film centers around the television reporter who gained infamy after committing suicide on the air. The film focuses on Chubback’s challenges professionally, tumultuous personal life as well as her unrequited love with a colleague (played by Six Feet Under‘s Michael C. Hall). BorderLine Films, the company behind similarly minded gritty dramas including Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) and James White (2015) produced the film.
In a statement, Campos stated, “We’re so happy that Christine has found a home with The Orchard. Their passion and enthusiasm has truly excited us, and we can’t think of a better partner.” Coincidentally, Christine wasn’t the only Sundance film that revolved around the Chubbuck story- the documentary hybrid feature Kate Plays Christine also debuted in Park City this year, marking perhaps an enticing double feature of sorts; the film has yet to be picked up for theatrical release. Aside from Christine, The Orchard also acquired Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople and the documentary Life, Animated out of Sundance this year.
Hall can currently be seen in the indie Tumbledown and will be featured in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming The BFG; the actress is currently shooting the romantic comedy Permission.
Leave a Comment