Music Box Takes "Seraphine" For US

Martin Provost's biographical drama "Seraphine" has been acquired by Music Box Films for U.S. distribution. The film recounts the tragic tale of French painter Seraphine Louis (aka Seraphine de Senlis). Discovered by prominent critic and collector William Uhde, she came to prominence between the wars when grouped with other naive painters like Henri Rousseau only to descend into madness and obscurity with the onset of the Great Depression and World War II.

"Seraphine" stars Yolande Moreau in the title role, the actress-director whose first directorial effort, "The Sea Rises" earned her a double Cesar for Best First Feature and Best Actress. The deal was negotiated by Music Box partner Edward Arentz and Yohann Comte for Roissy Films. hit in France with over 500,000 admissions, the film has already been sold to multiple territories, including the UK (Metrodome), Australia (Rialto), Canada (Seville), Germany (Arsenal), Spain (Golem), Sweden (Folkets Bio), Switzerland (Xenix), Benelux (Cineart) and Greece (Filmtrade).

"We're thrilled with the opportunity to introduce US audiences to Seraphine and her story, as well as Yolande Moreau and her amazing performance," said Music Box's Arentz in a statement.

The film is slated for summer 2009 release in the US.