EXCLUSIVE: Ellen Page and Allison Janney will star in Route One Entertainment’s dramatic comedy, with Good Universe on board to represent international sales.

Sian Heder will direct Tallulah from her screenplay about a free spirit whom everybody thinks has kidnapped a baby after she rescues the child from her reckless mother.

The woman pretends the baby is hers with the mother of her ex-boyfriend. When the baby is returned to her rightful mother the three women forge an unbreakable bond. ICM Partners represents US rights.

Production is lined up for June, with Heather Rae producing alongside Route One CEO Russell Levine, Maiden Voyage’s Chris Columbus and Eleanor Columbus and Todd Traina.

Route One is the financier with Ocean Blue Entertainment on board as co-financier.

“We believe in emotionally charged stories with universal themes,” said Levine. “This project has award-winning talent teamed up with a gifted young writer-director who wrote a brilliant script.

“Ellen Page and Allison Janney will give this film the nuanced comedic and dramatic strength it needs and we’re thrilled to move this project forward.”

ICM Partners packaged the film and represents Heder.

Route One co-financed with STX Entertainment Billy Ray’s The Secret In Their Eyes and Gary Ross’ The Free State Of Jones. IM Global handles international sales on both.

Route One is also in post on Drake Doremus’ Equals starring Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult, while Broad Green Pictures will distribute A Walk In The Woods in the US in September.