Persimmon has announced the acquisition for North American rights of Director Nicola Rinciari’s feature “A Mosquito in the Ear,” which opened The Santa Barbara International Film Festival last month and was awarded the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema. The film, starring Jake Lacy (“The White Lotus,” “All Her Fault”), Nazanin Boniadi (“The Lord Of The Rings,” “The Rings Of Power,” “Hotel Mumbai”) and Ruhi Pal is based on the true story told in the graphic novel of the same name by Andrea Ferraris. The film follows Andrew and Daniela as they travel to Goa, India to retrieve their newly adopted 4-year-old daughter, Sarvari. However, their world begins to crumble when Sarvari refuses to leave the orphanage that she calls home behind. The couple’s attempts to safely ferry their new child from India back to the US proves to be an untenable task that is filled with chaos, intermarital conflict, and adventure around every corner.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Persimmon to bring ‘A Mosquito In The Ear’ to North American audiences, ” said Director Nicola Rinciari. “The film explores the complicated emotional terrain of identity and the ways cross-cultural encounters shape our most intimate relationships. I’m excited for audiences to experience this family’s journey on the big screen.”

“Mosquito in the Ear” will debut in limited theaters in 2026. The feature will continue to screen at various upcoming festivals in the U.S. and internationally including: Bari International Film Festival on March 24th, Annapolis Film Festival on March 28th and the Miami Film Festival on April 12th.

“Persimmon is overjoyed to be the North America partner on ‘A Mosquito in the Ear,’ ” said Mackenzie Maguire, Acquisitions Manager. “Nazanin Boniadi, Jake Lacy, and Ruhi Pal have incredible chemistry as they play out their roles in this complicated family dynamic. This film will have you crying, laughing, and on the edge of your seat.”

“’Mosquito in the Ear’ is a thoroughly lovely film– compelling, well-made, gently funny, and emotionally resonant, highlighted by nuanced performances and an astonishingly talented child actor, ” said Claudia Puig (Movie Critic, NPR and Santa Barbara International Film Festival Program Director). “It convincingly explores the complexities of overseas adoption and the many challenges that parenthood presents in relationships. It never sugar-coats or romanticizes any aspect of the adoption process, and thoughtfully depicts the complex cultural dynamics involved. As directed by Nicola Rinciari, it is just the movie we need in these times: humanistic, culturally enlightening and warmly engaging.”

“Mosquito in the Ear” is directed and co-written by BAFTA Newcomer Nicola Rinciari in its directing debut. The film is produced by Emily Dillard, Darren Dean (“The Florida Project,” “Tangerine”), Ali K. Rizvi (“Human Capital,” “Skin”), Frank Hall Green (“Run Amok,” “Gonzo Girl”), and Stephen Stanley (“What Lies Below,” “They live in the Grey”) and Jomon Thomas (“Monkey Man,” “Hotel Mumbai”). Production in India was helmed by Laurens Postma (“Exitz,” “The Interview: Night of 26/11”) and Sunitha Ram (“The Archies,” “After the Wedding”) of Lasutra Pictures, a division of YOYOGOA Communications PVT LTD.

The deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers and Mackenzie Maguire on behalf of Persimmon. Raffaella Di Giulio at Fandango is representing international sales, which officially launched at EFM this year.