Magnolia Pictures has picked up world distribution rights to Lynn Shelton’s Sundance premiere “Touchy Feely.”
The film — which stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Josh Pais, Ellen Page, Scoot McNairy, Allison Janney and Ron Livingston — is Shelton’s follow-up to “Your Sister’s Sister.” Her film previous to that — “Humpday” — was also released by Magnolia.
The deal for the film was negotiated by Dori Begley, Senior Vice
President of Acquisitions at Magnolia, with Submarine and UTA on behalf
of the filmmakers. Magnolia’s Christina Rogers will handle sales for the
world.
Full press release below.
NEW YORK, NY (March 7, 2013) – The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnolia Pictures announced today that they’ve acquired world distribution rights to TOUCHY FEELY, the latest film from acclaimed writer/director Lynn Shelton. The acquisition marks a reunion between Shelton and Magnolia, the distributor of Shelton’s hit 2009 comedy HUMPDAY in 2009. TOUCHY FEELY, which made its world premiere in competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, is Shelton’s follow-up film to the award-winning YOUR SISTER’S SISTER.
TOUCHY FEELY also marks the second collaboration between Lynn Shelton and Rosemarie DeWitt, who received an Independent Spirit Awards Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in YOUR SISTER’S SISTER. The talented ensemble cast of TOUCHY FEELY also includes Josh Pais, Ellen Page, Scoot McNairy, Allison Janney, Ron Livingston and newcomer Tomo Nakayama (of the indie rock band Grand Hallway).
A closely observed examination of a family whose delicate psychic balance suddenly unravels. TOUCHY FEELY centers on Abby (Rosemarie DeWitt), a sought after massage therapist and a free spirit, while her brother Paul (Josh Pais) thrives on routine and convention, running a flagging dental practice and co-dependently enlisting the assistance of his emotionally stunted daughter Jenny (Ellen Page). Suddenly, transformation touches everyone. Abby develops an uncontrollable aversion to bodily contact, which not only makes her occupation impossible but severely hinders the passionate love life between her and her boyfriend (Scoot McNairy.) Meanwhile, rumors of Paul’s “healing touch” begin to miraculously invigorate his practice as well as his life outside the office.
TOUCHY FEELY was filmed on location in Shelton’s hometown and urban muse of Seattle. The film was produced by Steven Schardt.
“We are so happy to be working with the exquisitely talented Lynn Shelton again,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Her mastery of character and generous understanding of real human emotions is as great as anyone’s working in film today.”
“Who said you can’t go home again? My experience with Magnolia on the release of HUMPDAY was magical, so I couldn’t be more thrilled that we have found the perfect distribution partners for TOUCHY FEELY,” said Shelton. “We look forward to collaborating with Eamonn and their entire team to share the film with audiences everywhere.”
The deal for the film was negotiated by Dori Begley, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions at Magnolia, with Submarine and UTA on behalf of the filmmakers. Magnolia’s Christina Rogers will handle sales for the world.
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