Alchemy has taken U.S. distribution rights to Nanni Moretti’s family drama Mia Madre. The film, which played in competition at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, tells the story of a female film director, Margherita (Margherita Buy) who is trying to make a movie amid chaos and craziness in her life. Some of her headaches include a teenage daughter, a formidable mother and a big-headed American film star (played by John Turturro). Pic also stars Giulia Lazzarini, Beatrice Mancini and Moretti. Moretti penned the semi-autobiographical screenplay along with Francesco Piccolo and Valia Santella and produced the film through his Sacher Film banner along with Domenico Procacci of Fandango and Rai Cinema.
Jeff Deutchman, Alchemy’s Vice President of Acquisitions, negotiated the deal Nicolas Brigaud-Robert from Films Distribution on behalf of the filmmakers.
Since bowing at Cannes, Mia Madre has received high critical praise. U.K.’s The Guardian exclaimed that the film “is warm, witty and seductive: his best film since The Son’s Room.” Moretti has a history of being embraced on the Croisette. Not only did his 2001 film The Son’s Room take the Palme d’Or and the Fipresci Prize, but he also won best director in 1994 for Caro Diaro and the Awards of the City of Rome for 2006’s Il Caimano. Mia Madre star Turturro spoke with Deadline about Moretti’s process. Watch the interview here.
Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.