Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and stars in the Toronto entry alongside Robert Duvall, John Hurt, Kevin Bacon, Katherine LaNasa, Ray Stevenson and Robert Patrick. Aldamisa International handles sales for the rest of the world.

The ensemble drama centres on two colorful clans in 1969 brought together in a not entirely seamless fashion by the death of a woman who knew the patriarchs of both families. The North American premiere is scheduled for Sept 13.

Alexander Rodnyansky and Geyer Kosinski produced and Sergei Bespalov, James D Brubaker and Robert Teitel served as executive producers.

Graham Taylor of WME Global brokered the deal with Aldamisa International COO Jere Hausfater and Anchor Bay’s evp of worldwide acquisitions and co-productions Kevin Kasha.

“I was so impressed the first time I screened Jayne Mansfield’s Car as the story truly resonated with me,” Kasha said. “The strong performances from this amazing cast share a timely story as people seem to have the same issues regardless of how much time passes.” 

“The movie reflects some of my own experiences, but its ideas seem universal to me,” Thornton said. “It examines our fascination with and fear of both life and death, how war is viewed by different generations, and how its effects manifest themselves in families who experience it.  It takes place at the height of the Love Generation and the Vietnam War – a time it seems we still haven’t learned the lessons from.” 

“I loved this story as soon as I saw the script,” Rodnyansky said. “It’s about universal issues – family relationships, fear of aging and death, generational conflicts – told with humour and tenderness.  We are very pleased that Anchor Bay shares our affection for this film, and we look forward to its release.”