XYZ has acquired the U.S. and Australia/ New Zealand distribution rights for the sports drama Backspot. The movie initially premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). 

First-time feature filmmaker D.W. Waterson directed this intense look into the world of cheerleading. The cast includes Devery Jacobs (Reservoir Dogs) and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld). XYZ Films plans to release “Backspot” domestically in the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand in the Spring of 2024. 

The film revolves around an ambitious cheerleader (Jacobs) who faces new challenges and heightened pressure for perfection when she and her girlfriend are selected for an all-star cheer squad with a demanding head coach.

The film was produced with the participation of Telefilm and Ontario Creates in association with Crave and CBC. Financial support came from the Shaw Rocket Fund and Rogers Telefund. The movie also stars Kudakwashe Rutendo, Thamoas Antony Olajide, Noa Diberto, Olunike Adeliyi, Wendy Crewson, and Shannyn Sossamon. The rights deal for distribution was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group with James Emanuel Shapiro from XYZ Films, who expressed gratitude to the filmmakers for allowing XYZ to distribute the film. Shapiro called it “the best cheerleading movie since Bring It On.”

The producers have also expressed their excitement for the film, “The Backspot filmmaking team is thrilled to partner with American distributor XYZ Films. Their collection of work is elevated, their roster of emerging filmmakers is impressive, and we are grateful for Backspot to be listed among them. Through conversations, XYZ has proven their deep understanding of our kick*ss cheerleading film and has been a steadfast champion. We are so excited to see where this partnership takes Backspot.”