EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Herwitz has swooped on world sales rights to Michael Rossato-Bennett’s film on the eve of its world premiere in the US Documentary strand.

Rossato-Bennett produced Alive Inside with Alex McDougald and the film explores the work of an organisation called Music & Memory with people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Executive producers are The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation, Projector Media, Eric J Bertrand, Limore Shur and Ben Spivak.

“This film took me on an unexpected journey of discovery,” said Herwitz. “The film is extraordinarily powerful and is an issue of universal significance. “Whereas 15 years ago, most of my contemporaries were pondering kindergarten options for their toddlers, now most are discussing their parents’ health, wellbeing and care.

“This film provides hope for the literally millions of families around the world who have a loved one who suffers from any kind of senile dementia. It is totally uplifting and impossible to watch without crying and laughing and crying again.”

Alive Inside will premiere on January 18 in Park City.