Focus Features acquires US rights to 'Suffragette'

Focus Features has acquired North American distribution rights from Pathé for Suffragette.

Sarah Gavron’s drama stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Whishaw, Anne-Marie Duff, Brendan Gleeson and Meryl Streep.

Focus has also acquired the distribution rights for Latin America, India, South Korea and most of Eastern Europe, including Russia. Universal Pictures International will release the film in those territories.

The deal was negotiated by Focus Features’ Beth Lemberger, executive vice president, Business Affairs, and Lia Buman, president of acquisitions, with Cameron McCracken, managing director, Pathé Productions, and Muriel Sauzay, head of sales, Pathé International.

Produced by Ruby Films’ Alison Owen and Faye Ward, Suffragette is inspired by the early 20th century campaign for the right of women to vote and centres on Maud (Mulligan), a working wife and mother who comes to realise that she must fight for her dignity at home and in her workplace.

Peter Schlessel, CEO of Focus Features, commented: “Suffragette is a story that will resonate with men and women across the generations; it is about parents and children, courage and dedication, and making hard choices. Sarah, Abi, Alison and Faye are women who represent an amazing convergence of filmmaking talent. We’re proud to partner with Pathé to bring this powerful drama to audiences worldwide.”

Suffragette is set for a Fall 2015 release.