Dubai-based sales agency Cercamon has snagged international sales rights to family drama “Omaha” following its acclaimed world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it was in the U.S. dramatic competition.
The feature directorial debut from Cole Webley will screen for global buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Market. Greenwich Entertainment previously secured North American distribution rights in a deal with UTA Independent Film Group, with a theatrical release planned for later this year.
Co-written by Webley and Robert Machoian (“The Killing of Two Lovers”), “Omaha” follows a struggling widower (John Magaro, “Past Lives”) who takes his children on an unexpected cross-country road trip after a family tragedy. As their journey unfolds, his daughter begins to suspect something isn’t right. Newcomers Molly Belle Wright and Wyatt Solis play the children, with veteran actress Talia Balsam rounding out the cast in a supporting role.
“Intimate in its scope, yet emotionally monumental, this debut feature by director Cole Webley, working from a screenplay by filmmaker Robert Machoian — whose “The Killing of Two Lovers” observes another father from middle America in crisis — resonates for how spontaneously the interactions seem to unfold, as if sparked by reality in front of the camera,” said the Variety review.
“We fell in love with ‘Omaha’ at Sundance and we couldn’t be more thrilled to add it to our slate. ‘Omaha’ is that rare film that blends heart and authenticity and we believe that it will captivate viewers worldwide just as it did us,” said Sébastien Chesneau, CEO of Cercamon. “Cole Webley’s voice as a filmmaker is extraordinary, and his debut has a universal emotional resonance that transcends borders.”
Webley added: “Seeing my debut feature ‘Omaha’ embraced at Sundance was beyond gratifying. I’m incredibly excited to partner with Cercamon to bring this story of family, grief, and hope to audiences around the globe. Our cast and crew poured their hearts into this film, and it means so much to have a passionate team championing it for international viewers.”
Producer Preston Lee said: “For our producing team, it’s vital that ‘Omaha’s’ powerful story reaches audiences far and wide, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Cercamon to make that happen. Their enthusiasm for ‘Omaha’ was evident from day one. We’re thrilled that the journey continues.”
