Cinema Guild has secured U.S. distribution rights for “Matt and Mara,” directed by Kazik Radwanski and starring Deragh Campbell and Matt Johnson.
The film debuted in the Encounters section at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year and closed the Jeonju International Film Festival in May.
The narrative follows Mara (Campbell), a creative writing professor, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she reconnects with Matt (Johnson), an author from her past. As their relationship develops, Mara navigates the complexities of her strained marriage to an experimental musician. When her husband unexpectedly cancels plans to drive Mara to a conference out of town, Matt accompanies her instead and the pressure in their undefined relationship slowly builds.
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Campbell and Johnson reunite for the film after their roles in Radwanski’s “Anne at 13,000 ft.”
The deal was brokered by Cinema Guild president Peter Kelly and the film’s producers, Medium Density Fibreboard Films.
“Very few directors today are working with the assured instincts that Kaz brings to every film,” said Kelly. “His ongoing collaboration with Deragh Campbell and Matt Johnson is creating something truly magical and we can’t wait to share ‘Matt and Mara’ with audiences far and wide.”
“Matt and Mara” is set to open at New York’s IFC Center on Sept. 13.
In addition to “Matt and Mara,” Cinema Guild has acquired Radwanski’s earlier features “Tower” (2012) and “How Heavy This Hammer” (2015), slated for digital release later this year. The distributor previously released “Anne at 13,000 ft.”
Cinema Guild’s upcoming slate includes Hong Sangsoo’s “A Traveler’s Needs,” Matías Piñeiro’s “You Burn Me,” and a 4K restoration of Shinji Somai’s “Moving.” Recent releases include Angela Schanelec’s “Music” and Hong’s “In Our Day.”
