A24 has been given US rights Sing singthe Colman Domingo drama that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival about a prison performing arts program.
Greg Kwedar directs the feature film that focuses on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program that runs from the prison of the same name where inmates produce and act in stage productions. The story centers on the friendship of RTA alumni John “Divine G” Whitfield (played by Domingo) and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself, as they stage an original production.
Outside of Oscar nominee Paul Paci, who plays the program’s regular director, the rest of the cast consists of formerly incarcerated performers who have gone through the RTA program.
Black Bear, the Marfa Peach Company and Edith Productions financed and produced the film, written by Clint Bentley, Brent Buell and Kwedar.
“The film has a leisurely pace that some may find too taxing. But patient audiences will find the experience worthwhile, especially as the film invites independent investigation into the program and the film team’s ethical production model,” it said. The Hollywood Reporter judgement from the movie.
CAA Media Finance negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. Black Bear sells international territories.
This deal comes before the conclusion of the Toronto fest, which has seen a few deals. Netflix has secured the rights to Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut in an eight-figure deal Woman of the Hour.
