In a deal that closed before Toronto, the distributor said on Thursday it had acquired North American rights to Sean Penn’s Cannes competition selection.

The Last Face is set against the backdrop of war-torn Liberia and stars Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem as an aid agency chief who falls in love with a doctor amid a humanitarian crisis.

Adèle Exarchopoulos, Jean Reno and Jared Harris round out the cast and Erin Dignam wrote the screenplay.

River Road Entertainment’s Bill Pohlad produced with FilmHaven Entertainments’ Matt Palmieri and Bill Gerber. Jon Kuyper served as executive producer.

Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley and Ness Saban negotiated the deal with CAA. Lionsgate handles international sales.