eOne subsidiary acquires Julio Medem Spanish-language drama.

eOne’s boutique sales arm Seville International has acquired international rights to upcoming Spanish feature film Ma Ma, starring Penélope Cruz,  from Morena Films and Backup Media Group .

Writer-director Julio Medem’s drama tells the story of a woman who reacts to tragedy “with a surge of life, humour and delicate happiness”.

Luis Tosar and Asier Etxeandia co-star in the feature which is currently in pre-production. Shoot is due to get underway in Madrid and Canary Islands on May 5.

The film is produced by Cruz, Julio Medem and Morena Films, in association with Backup Media Group, and coproduced by Mare Nostrum. eOne will distribute in Spain.

Ma Ma is an absolute passion project and I am thrilled to be working with Alvaro, Joel and Harold’s Seville International team to bring this film to audiences all around the world,” said Cruz. “I couldn’t be more delighted to have Julio on board to capture Magda and her compelling, complicated but universal story.”

“I’m proud to say that Ma Ma marks the first Spanish film to be acquired for direct distribution in Spain and for international sales,” said Harold van Lier, President, eOne Films International.

“This partnership is a great way to celebrate the launch of the Séville International,” added vp international sales for Seville International Annick Poirier. “With our team’s continuing efforts to broaden relationships with talented local producers across all our territories, we are delighted to bring such a distinguished title to the international market.”

The deal was negotiated by Alvaro Longoria of Morena Films and Joel Thibout of Backup Media with eOne’s van Lier as well as Jorge Vazquez and Igor Ibeas for eOne Films Spain.