iW NEWS | U.S. Rights to "Ira & Abby" Go to Magnolia Pictures

U.S. rights to Robert Cary's romantic comedy "Ira & Abby," written by and starring Jennifer Westfeldthave been acquired by Magnolia Pictures, the company announced Friday. Magnolia's Head of Acquisitions, Tom Quinn and Head of Business Affairs, Jason Janego negotiated the deal with Rena Ronson and Phil Alberstat of William Morris Independent and producer Brad Zions. Foreign sales will be handled at the Cannes Market by Odd Lot International. Chris Messina also stars, as a neurotic New Yorker with major issues. He is at a standstill, but this changes when he meets the free spirited Abby (Westfeldt) and the impossible happens: they fall in love, meet each other's parents and decide to get married, all in a few breathless hours. Multiple divorces, in-laws, affairs, exes, and many therapists later, the couple is forced to examine whether "I do" is the only path to life-long love and happiness. "It has been so gratifying for me to see how festival audiences have connected to this film," commented Westfeldt in a statement. "I feel so lucky that a smart, innovative company like Magnolia will give it a chance to be seen on a national scale." indieWIRE reported on the film last June at the Los Angeles Film Festival, where it won the festival's audience award. [Brian Brooks]