Vertical takes Sundance prize-winner ‘Atropia’ for North America

Atropia, winner of the US Grand Jury Prize for dramatic features at this year’s Sundance, has been acquired for North America by Vertical.

Vertical is planning a December theatrical release for the satire, first feature as a writer-director for actress Hailey Gates. 

Alia Shawkat stars as an aspiring actress in a military role-playing facility who falls in love with a soldier cast as an insurgent, their unsimulated emotions threatening to derail the performance. Also in the cast are Callum Turner, Chloë Sevigny, Jane Levy and Tim Heidecker. 

Luca Guadagnino, who directed Gates in his 2024 feature Challengers, produced the film, along with Naima Abed and Emilie Georges for Paradise City and Lana Kim and Jett Steiger for Ways & Means. Gates, Shawkat, Mike Spreter, Scott McGehee, David Siegel and KC Wallace served as executive producers. 

Gates commented: “I’m absolutely chomping at the bit for people to see this movie! I couldn’t be more thrilled that it’s found a home with Vertical, a company that wants to take bold, creative swings when it comes to releasing independent films. I’m so excited that audiences will get the chance to experience it on the big screen.” 

Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey added: “Hailey has created an impressive film debut featuring a fantastic cast led by Alia and Callum. Atropia is a unique story set in a rarely seen world from an exciting new filmmaker. Vertical is thrilled to be releasing this biting satire later this year.”

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