Sheldon Candis’ Sundance 2012 drama will open on Jan 18 and play exclusively at nationwide AMC locations through the AMC Independent programme.

AMC will help with marketing and promotional efforts on the coming-of-age story about a lonely Baltimore boy with no real parents to speak of who follows his uncle around town on a fateful day. 

LUV stars  Common, Michael Rainey Jr, Charles S. Dutton, Meagan Good, Dennis Haysbert and Danny Glover among others.

“AMC Independent exists to help bolster awareness for and cultivate the growth of independent films like LUV,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, vp of special and alternative content at AMC. “This is a thought provoking, character-driven film that will appeal to a wide moviegoing audience, and is exactly the kind of movie we’re looking to promote through our AMCi program.”

“Indomina was thrilled to have acquired this stirring drama from Sundance,” said svp of distribution and marketing, Bruce Kirkland. “The film is a showcase for Common, who steps into a striking leading man role, and Michael Rainey Jr gives a terrific discovery performance. We’re very excited to collaborate with AMCi to bring the film to a wider audience.”