France’s ARP Selection Buys Sofia Coppola’s Venice Prizewinning ‘Priscilla,’ Deauville Festival’s Big Winner ‘LaRoy’ (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comElsa Keslassy International Correspondent Paris-based leading distribution company ARP Selection has bought a pair of U.S. indie gems from the fall festival circuit, Shane Atkinson’s feature debut “LaRoy” and Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla.” “LaRoy,” a neo-noir Western comedy with Coen brothers influences, just won three major prizes at the Deauville Film Festival, including the Grand Prize, Audience Award and Critics Prize; while “Priscilla” world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won best actress for Cailee Spaeny.
Produced by Cannes-based company Adastra Films, the film stars John Magaro as Ray, who decides to kill himself after discovering his wife has been cheating on him.
But just before he pulls a trigger, a stranger takes him for a low-rent hitman. Michele Halberstadt, who presides over ARP Selection with Laurent Pétin, praised “LaRoy” for its “wonderful script, pitch-perfect performances and heart.” She said she had a “coup de coeur” for the movie after discovering it at Deauville and fell for its “director-driven mise-en-scene, humor and endearing characters.” ARP Selection will release the movie in April.
The Exchange Films is handling international sales. “Priscilla,” a subtle drama exploring the troubled relationship between Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Elvis, was bought by ARP Selection out of the Venice Film Festival.
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