IFC Films hasacquired North American rights to Matt Mulhern's drama Duane Hopwood starring David Schwimmer and JaneaneGarofalo.

Mulhern directed from his own screenplay about a casinoworker who embarks upon an emotional personal journey after an arrest for drunkdriving jeopardises his visitation rights with his two daughters.

Lemore Syvan of Elevation Filmworks produced with MarcTurtletaub of Big Beach.

Big Beachfinanced the picture, and also collaborated with Syvan on the Sundance Labproject Sherry Babestarring Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Syvan alsoproduced The Ballad Of Jack And Rose, which IFC Films released earlier this year.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Lemore again andare excited by Matt's thoughtful story telling," IFC Entertainment presidentJonathan Sehring said.

"David Schwimmercaptures Hopwood's triumph of spirit as he battles personal demons in thisengaging and very real film."

Duane Hopwood premiered at the 2005 Sundance FilmFestival and will be released in regional markets in early November. The filmwill roll out throughout the country and open nationally later this year.