"Rivers Wash Over" Strand With Acquisition of Young's Latest

A scene from John Young's "Rivers Wash Over Me." Image courtesy of Strand Releasing.

Strand Releasing has acquired all North American rights to John G. Young's "Rivers Wash Over Me." The film - which won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature from Reeling, the Chicago LGBT film festival and the Best Acting Award from Outfest - follows a fifteen-year-old from Brooklyn who is sent to live with his aunt in rural Alabama only to encounter domestic turmoil as a result of his arrival. The film stars Darien Sills Evans, Derrick L. Middleton (who won a best actor award from Outfest), and Elizabeth Dennis.

Strand handled the home video rights for Young's "Parallel Sons," as well as all rights for his previous effort, the award-winning "The Reception."

"We're thrilled to have worked on all of Young's films and are proud to be part of this one as well," said Marcus Hu, Co-President of Strand Releasing, in a statement.

"After distributing my two previous films, I'm very excited and happy to have my third film 'Rivers Was Over Me' distributed by Strand. Both Jon and Marcus exemplify a commitment to true independent filmmaking. I couldn't ask for a better home for my movie," said Young in a statement.

The deal was negotiated between Strand Co-President, Jon Gerrans, and Young directly. The film will have a limited theatrical release beginning in late May/early June in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta.