EXCLUSIVE: James Andrew Felts and Matthew Shreder’s Continental Media has secured world sales rights to Noble, winner of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema later today 8)

Stephen Bradley wrote and directed the UK-Ireland production about Christina Noble, the Irishwoman who overcame a harsh childhood to start a charity in aid of street children in Vietnam and Mongolia.

Deirdre O’Kane, Brendan Coyle of Downton Abbey, Liam Cunningham of Game Of Thrones, Ruth Negga and Sarah Greene star.

Melanie Gore-Grimes produced and Michael J Hunt served as executive producer through his private equity company Ansty Productions.  

“The powerful story of Christina Noble’s life noticeably struck the entire theatre during all the screenings at [Santa Barbara], which truly validated Noble as a gem for us,” said Felts.

“To see Noble resonate so strongly and rapidly with audiences at SBIFF has been incredibly rewarding,” said Bradley. “I now look forward to sharing Christina Noble’s extraordinary story with as many people as possible.”

“We are excited that Continental Media have come on board as their enthusiasm and understanding of where we want to go with Noble has been an encouraging boost for everyone involved in the film,” added Gore-Grimes.

As the winner of the festival’s top award, Bradley will receive a $60,000 camera package sponsored by Panavision.n