Oscilloscope Picks Up Sundance NEXT Drama ‘The Fits’ in Pre-Festival Deal

The 2016 Sundance Film Festival doesn’t officially start until Thursday night, but given the wave of pre-festival deals that have been coming in over the past week, it seems that this year’s edition is already well under way. The latest buy comes courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories, who have picked up U.S. distribution rights to Anna Rose Holmer’s “The Fits.” The psychodrama earned acclaim at its premiere at the 2015 Venice Film Festival and will have its North American premiere in Sundance’s NEXT program this month.

The official synopsis reads: “11-year-old Toni (Royalty Hightower) is bewitched by the tight-knit dance team she sees practicing in the same Cincinnati gymnasium where she boxes. Enamored by the power and confidence of the strong community of girls, Toni spends less and less time boxing with her older brother, and instead eagerly absorbs the dance routines and masters drills from a distance, and even pierces her own ears in an effort to fit in. But when a mysterious outbreak of fainting spells plagues the team, Toni’s desire for acceptance becomes more complicated.”

“We connected strongly with Oscilloscope’s passion and vision for the film and are honored to be working with their dedicated team to bring ‘The Fits’ to audiences,” said Holmer in an official statement.

Added Oscilloscope’s Dan Berger said, “‘The Fits’ is exactly the type of film that Oscilloscope was created to champion — the masterfully executed result of a purely singular filmmaking vision. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to release it and equally thrilled to see what Anna does next.”

The agreement was brokered by Charlotte Mickie, President of Mongrel International, on behalf of the filmmakers. The film was also the 2015 recipient of the Rooftop Films and Brigade Festival Publicity Grant. Oscilloscope is planning to open the film this summer at the Metrograph theater in New York City.