Focus Features has picked up domestic rights to Sidney KimmelEntertainment (SKE) and Mark Gordon Company's biopic Talk To Me, starring Don Cheadle and ChiwetelEjiofor.

Kimmel International will commence sales at Cannes later thismonth on the true story of Ralph Waldo 'Petey' Green, an outspoken ex-con whobecame an iconic radio personality and champion of the African Americancommunity during 1960s.

Kasi Lemmons, whose credits include Eve's Bayou, will direct from a screenplay byMichael Genet.

Kimmel and Gordon will produce with Pelagius Films partner JoeFries and Mark Gordon Company executive vice president of production JoshMcLaughlin.

SKE president of production William Horberg is serving asexecutive producer on the film with Bruce Toll, Pelagius Films partner JoeyRappa, Cheadle, and J Miles Dale.

Focus senior vice president of production Jill Morris issupervising for Focus president of production John Lyons, and SKE senior vicepresident of production Josh Deighton takes on the same role for Horberg.

"Petey's story is dramatic, funny, and vital," Focuspresident James Schamus said. "The combination of this director and thesetwo gifted actors will not only entertain but illuminate - qualities thatwe look for in Focus movies."

"The screenwriters have crafted a most moving and inspirational story," Kimmel added.

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