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EXCLUSIVE: Heading into the AFM VMI Worldwide has struck a deal with Verdi Productions to represent the thriller Sleepwalker starring Hayden Panettiere and sports comedy The Roaring Game with Mickey Rourke.
Sleepwalker is produced by Verdi Productions and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and centres on a grieving mother haunted by the loss of her daughter in a car accident that left her abusive husband in a coma. As her sleepwalking episodes intensify and reality and nightmare blur, the woman is plagued by visions of her husband inside her home.
Brandon Auman wrote and directed the feature. The cast includes Beverly D’Angelo, Justin Chatwin, Mischa Barton, and Lori Tan Chinn. Verdi Productions president Chad A. Verdi and Jennifer Davisson produced the film, along with Phillip Watson, Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., and Paul Luba. Executive Producers are Taylor DiGilio, Sera Verdi, and Anthony Gudas.
Tom DeNucci directed The Roaring Game, about a high school janitor who assembles a misfit curling team to compete in the World Games and win back his girlfriend after she is selected to play ice hockey for Team USA.
The cast is led by Darin Brooks, Rourke, Justin Chatwin, Fivel Stewart, Eddie Kaye Thomas, William Forsythe, Antwon Tanner, Vanessa Angel, and former New England Patriots American Football Player Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski. Chad A. Verdi produced with Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, and Anthony Gudas. Sera Verdi served as an executive producer.
Brainstorm Media plans to release both films in the US in the first quarter of 2026.
Chad A. Verdi negotiated the deals with VMI Worldwide president Andre Relis. “Our longstanding partnership with VMI stems from the success that our previous titles have achieved with them as our sales agent,” Verdi said. “These are attractive films for foreign distributors to add to their slate, and we’re confident that both titles will find great success at AFM this November.”
Relis added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Verdi Productions on both Sleepwalker and Roaring Game for AFM. This collaboration marks the continuation of a strong and growing relationship, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to expand our partnership.”
VMI Worldwide’s recent titles include A Sudden Case Of Christmas starring Danny DeVito and Andie MacDowell; 2022 Tribeca Festival selection Corner Office starring Jon Hamm; and Arkansas with Vince Vaughn, Liam Hemsworth and John Malkovich.
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