Strand Releasing has bought U.S. rights to Leyla Bouzid’s “In a Whisper” on the heels of its world premiere in competition at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.
The California-based distribution company plans to give the film a robust festival run this year and a theatrical this late summer or fall. It’s one of the best-reviewed films of the Berlinale competition so far.
“In a Whisper” tells the story of a young woman, Lilia, who returns to Tunisia for her uncle’s funeral and reunites with a family that knows nothing about her life in Paris, especially not about the woman she loves. While she starts unraveling the mystery of her uncle’s sudden death, she also reveals her own personal secrets.
Touted as an emotional family mystery about intergenerational love and acceptance, “In a Whisper” marks the third film by rising Tunisian writer-director Bouzid, whose previous film “A Tale of Love and Desire” was the closing night film at Cannes’ Critics Week in 2021 and debut film “As I Open My Eyes” premiered at Venice in 2015.
“In a Whisper” stars Hiam Abbass (“Succession”) and Eya Bouteraa (“Red Path”) as a mother-and-daughter duo, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Marion Barbeau, Salma Baccar and Feriel Chamari.
The deal was done between Jon Gerrans of Strand Releasing and Nicolas Brigaud-Robert of Playtime.
“We’re thrilled to discover this film at the Berlinale and work with both Playtime our longtime collaborator once again and look forward to bringing Bouzid’s beautiful tale of family and acceptance to audiences in North America,” said Strand Releasing’s Marcus Hu.
Strand’s current releases include the new 4K restoration of Gregg Araki’s “Mysterious Skin,” which is being sold at the EFM, as well as Maryam Touzani’s “Calle Malaga” which had a healthy theatrical launch in the U.S.
English (US) ·