Saban Films, who has been one of the most active U.S. distributors on the Croisette this week, has acquired U.S. distribution rights to writer/director Maria Pulera’s supernatural thriller Between Worlds, which stars Nicolas Cage (National Treasure, Ghost Rider), Penelope Mitchell (The Vampire Diaries, Hemlock Grove), Franka Potente (The Conjuring 2, The Bourne Supremacy), and Hopper Penn (War Machine, The Last Face). Eric Banoun and David Hillary produced alongside Pulera via their company Rise Up, LLC. Saban Films is planning a day-and-date theatrical/VOD release.
Between Worlds follows Joe (Cage), a down-on-his-luck truck driver haunted by the memory of his deceased wife and child. He meets Julie (Potente), a spiritually gifted woman who enlists Joe in a desperate effort to find the lost soul of her comatose daughter, Billie (Mitchell). But the spirit of Joe’s dead wife Mary proves stronger, possessing the young woman’s body and determined to settle her unfinished business with the living.
Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley said, “Nic’s talent and star-power is unparalleled. Having worked with him on a number of films such as The Trust and USS: Indianapolis: Men of Courage, we’re thrilled to be re-teaming with him and bring this to our audiences.”
“Between Worlds has been a true passion project for me and I am thrilled to partner with Saban for the theatrical release of my film in the US market,” commented Pulera, the film’s writer, director, and producer. “The story is an unusual approach to the traditional thriller but appeals to the wider audience and dives deep into the themes of family, love, and betrayal. Nicolas Cage, Franka Potente, and Penelope Mitchell give their all in a magnificent performance. I couldn’t be happier with the end result. I can’t wait to share this film with audiences around the world.”
Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films, and Jonathan Deckter negotiated on behalf of Voltage Pictures, who is also handling international sales.
Between Worlds marks Saban’s fifth acquisition out of the Cannes Film Festival also adding: the anthology Berlin, I Love You with Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, and Jim Sturgess; Matthew Ross’ Siberia starring Keanu Reeves; the Gerard Butler starrer Keepers; and David L.G. Hughes’ Viking Destiny to their slate. Earlier this year, Saban Films bought Craig William Macneill’s racy drama Lizzie, starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart out of the Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered in-competition.
