International film distributor and studio Lionsgate has announced that it has acquired the rights to the Cillian Murphy-starring Irish drama Small Things Like These for Ireland, the UK, and North America.
The film is adapted from Irish author, Claire Keegan’s Booker Prize-nominated novel of the same name.
Announcing the distribution deal, Adam Fogelson, Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to bring this film to audiences.
“Claire Keegan’s book is a captivating, heart-wrenching, and empathetically told story of a character who uncovers not only a local mystery but also discovers who he really is.”
The film premiered earlier this year at the Berlin International Film Festival and received rave reviews from those in attendance.
Cillian’s co-star, Emily Watson even won the award for Best Supporting Performance.
Other cast members include the talented Eileen Walsh and Michelle Fairley.
Much like the book, the film stars Cillian as Bill Furlong, a soft-spoken coal delivery driver and devoted father in 1980s Ireland who uncovers disturbing activity at the local convent — led by Emily Watson’s terrifying nun Sister Mary — that challenges his own internal traumas.
Enda Walsh wrote the screenplay adaptation for the film that was produced by Cillian and his Big Things Films partner Alan Moloney.
Produced and financed by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity, Small Things Like These also marks one of the first features from Cillian’s film company.
“Making the film was a labour of love; I can’t wait to talk about it.”
