Los Angeles-based Maya Entertainment has acquired US theatrical rights to Breno Silveira’s drama Once Upon A Time In Rio.

Maya’s executive vice-president of acquisitions Jose Martinez Jr and Alex Raminfar negotiated the deal with Vereda Filmes and plan a summer release.

Producers Pedro Buarque de Hollanda and Luciane Sommer and their 2 Sons Of Francisco screenwriter Patricia Andrade reunite on the story of the doomed love between a hot dog vendor and the daughter of a wealthy lawyer.

“We are thrilled to release this truly beautiful film with its theme of destined romance in such turbulent times,” Martinez said. “The film speaks to the young romantic in all of us.”