IFC Finds "Life During Wartime"

A scene from Todd Solondz's "Life During Wartime." Image courtesy IFC Films.

In their second major acquisition in less than 24 hours, IFC Films has announced that it has acquired the U.S. rights to Todd Solondz's "Life During Wartime."

The film is a part sequel/part variation on Solondz's "Happiness" and features many characters from that film as well as his first film, "Welcome To The Dollhouse," all played by different actors. The cast includes Ally Sheedy, Allison Janney, Shirley Henderson, Ciaran Hinds, Paul Reubens, Charlotte Rampling, Gaby Hoffman and Michael Kenneth Williams . The film was produced by Christine Kunewa Walker and Derrick Tseng and executive produced by Elizabeth Redleaf and Mike S. Ryan for Werc Werk Works.

The film had its world premiere at the 2009 Venice Film Festival, receiving the Golden Osella award for best screenplay. It was also featured at the 2009 Telluride, Toronto and New York film festivals.

IFC Films acquired the rights to "Wartime" from the producers Werc Werk Works represented by Cinetic Media. The deal was negotiated by Arianna Bocco, IFC Films VP of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, with Victoria Cook from Cinetic.

"Todd Solondz is one of the most original voices in American filmmaking today," President of IFC Entertainment Jonathan Sehring commented. "We are so thrilled to be releasing this darkly funny and bittersweet film which we consider amongst his best work. We think its perfect for all our platforms."

Todd Solondz added: "The people at IFC Films are the swellest! This is going to be fun!"

IFC Films will release the film in the Summer of 2010 via its IFC in Theaters platform.