Following its six-minute standing ovation as a midnight movie selection at the Cannes Film Festival, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have acquired North American distribution rights to “The Surfer,” the psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan. The announcement was made by Adam Fogelson, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and Roadside Attractions co-presidents Eric d’Arbeloff and Howard Cohen.
“Lorcan’s movie is a stunning visual experience with an incredible palette, coupled with Nicolas Cage at his absolute best,” said Lauren Bixby, SVP, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “We could not be more proud to bring this film to theaters.”
Cohen and d’Arbeloff concurred, “We cannot wait for ‘The Surfer’ to ride the theatrical wave next year. One man’s gnarly quest to introduce his son to a legendary surf spot ranks among the greatest Nicolas Cage performances.”
Also starring Julian McMahon, Nic Cassim, Miranda Tapsell, Alexander Bertrand, Justin Rosniak, Rahel Romahn, Finn Little, and Charlotte Maggi, “The Surfer” is written by Thomas Martin. Producers of the film are Leonora Darby, James Harris, Robert Connolly, James Grandison, Brunella Cocchiglia, Nicolas Cage, and Nathan Klingher, alongside executive producers Apur Parikh, Robert Patterson, Lorcan Finnegan, Mark Lane, Michael Rothstein, Sam Hall, Ford Corbett, Mark Fasano, Ryan Winterstern, Josh Harris, Greg Friedman, Jatin Desai, and François Tétaz.
In the film, a man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son, but is humiliated by a group of powerful locals and drawn into a conflict that rises with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him right to his breaking point.
The film will be released in 2025. The deal was brokered by WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers. North Five Six is handling international sales.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations and the STARZ premium global subscription platform, bringing a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a more than 20,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.
About Lionsgate Studios
Lionsgate Studios (NASDAQ: LION) is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate Studios’ bold and entrepreneurial culture.
About Roadside Attractions
Since its founding in 2003, Roadside Attractions films have grossed over $500 million and garnered 23 Academy Award nominations. Recent releases include Independent Spirit Award winning “Emily The Criminal” starring Aubrey Plaza, Ray Romano’s directorial debut “Somewhere in Queens” starring Romano and Laurie Metcalf, Oscar short-listed documentary “Beyond Utopia,” directed by Madeleine Gavin; Oscar shortlisted International feature, “The Monk and the Gun;” Karim Aïnouz’ historical drama “Firebrand,” starring Academy Award and Golden Globe Nominee Jude Law and Academy Award Winner and Golden Globe Nominee Alicia Vikander, the action-thriller “Boy Kills World” starring Bill Skarsgård and “Summer Camp” staring screen legends Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates And Alfre Woodard.
Upcoming films from Roadside include “City of Dreams,” inspired by true events about human trafficking, Lee starring Academy Award Winner Kate Winslet with performances by Josh O’Connor, Academy Award Nominee Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård and Academy Award Winner Marion Cotillard, the enchanting family film, “My Penguin Friend” and renowned artist Titus Kaphur’s directorial feature, “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” starring Spirit Award Winner and SAG Nominee André Holland, Tony Award Nominee John Earl Jelks, Oscar Nominee Andra Day, and Oscar Nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
The company has released such critical and commercial hits as “The Courier,” “Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It,” “Judy,” “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Love & Friendship,” “Mr. Holmes,” “Love & Mercy,” “A Most Wanted Man,” “Dear White People,” “Mud,” “Winter’s Bone,” “The Cove,” “Margin Call” and “Super Size Me.” Roadside is known for innovative strategies that maximize the value of their films via theatrical box office success.