EXCLUSIVE: Quiver Distribution has acquired North American rights from Anton and New Europe Film Sales to A Prayer for the Dying prior to its world premiere in the Perspectives section of the Berlin Film Festival.
Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, A Prayer for The Dying follows veteran Jacob Hansen, whose American dream of a new life in Friendship, Wisconsin quickly becomes a nightmare. When a deadly epidemic and threatening wildfire spread chaos, Jacob – serving as sheriff, undertaker, and pastor – must fight to save his town, his family, and his soul.
Johnny Flynn (Ripley) is Jacob Hansen – the sheriff responsible for the safety of the town hit by a natural disaster and is joined by Oscar nominee John C. Reilly (Gangs of New York) who will play the role of the town’s doctor.
Quiver is lining up a release this spring, which will include a theatrical component. The film is written and directed by Dara Van Dusen in her feature directorial debut and based on the novel by Stewart O’Nan.
TJ Smith and Larry Greenberg negotiated the deal on behalf of Quiver, with Louis Balsan at Anton and Jan Naszewski at New Europe Film Sales negotiating on behalf of the production.
The film is produced by Dyveke Bjørkly Graver and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar for Eye Eye Pictures, whose credits include Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World, and Kristoffer Borgli’s Sick of Myself. Co-producers include Mimmi Spång for Garagefilm International, Tristan Goligher for The Bureau, Vicky Miha for Asterisk*, Fenia Cossovitsa for Blonde Audiovisual Productions, Zahra Waldeck for Banaccas Film, Film i Väst, Mediefondet Zefyr and John Baker. It has been supported by Creative Europe, Norwegian Film Institute, Swedish Film Institute, UK Global Screen Fund and Greek Film Center. Anton and New Europe Films are co-repping worldwide rights.
“We were immediately drawn to the emotional precision and quiet power of A Prayer for the Dying,” said Quiver Co-Presidents Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman. “Dara Van Dusen has crafted a striking adaptation that honors the soul of the novel while introducing a singular cinematic voice to the screen. Anchored by extraordinary performances from Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly, the film is both intimate and resonant, and we’re thrilled to help introduce it to audiences – starting with Berlinale next month and leading into a theatrical release later this year.”
