eOne Films International is handling sales on Bronx-set ensemble The Locals to star Shirley MacLaine, styled as Romeo And Juliet with a Jewish-Italian twist.

Sue Kramer will direct from her original screenplay and said,  “These two cultures have so much in common: love of the gab, love of food – they talk with their hands, and they feed you with guilt.” 

The film is set to commence production in the Bronx in the autumn. Jill Footlick will produce through her Grow Pictures with Marina Grasic for Curious Pictures and Kramer for Bella Films. 

Curious Pictures will co-finance alongside private equity partners and UAS. Shaun Redick and Ray Mansfield of Movie Package Co will serve as executive producers alongside John Hadity.

The Locals is going to be an absolutely fantastic, heart-warming, audience pleaser,” eOne Entertainment evp Charlotte Mickie said. “It’s an old-fashioned kind of film in all the right ways. It’s what the world needs.”