The New York-based distributor is moving into development on the project for the in-demand director of True Detective.

Cary Fukunaga

Cary Fukunaga will direct the untitled story from a screenplay by Brokeback Mountain writers Larry McMurty and Diana Ossana.

A24 are producing along with Fukunaga’s Parliament Of Owls production company, Daniela Taplin Lundberg and Riva Marker of Red Crown Productions and Eva Maria Daniels of VisionChaos Productions. Daniel Crown of Red Crown is executive producer. 

The project is based on the true story of Oregonian Joe Bell who embarks on a walk across America to promote the consequences of prejudice after his bullied, openly gay 15-year-old son Jadin committed suicide.

“Joe and Jadin Bell’s story is a poignant reminder of how precious life is and a life-affirming example of love transcending the prejudice and victimisation familiar to many,” said A24.

“Cary is a truly exceptional filmmaker. We are honoured to help bring his vision of this incredible true story to screen. With the legendary talents of Larry and Diana writing the script, we have no doubt this will be a profoundly emotional and unforgettable film.”

Fukunaga most recently directed Beasts Of No Nation that Netflix acquired for the world. Red Crown partnered with Participant Media on that film.

The Emmy-winning director of the first season of True Detective is in pre-production on the adaptation on Stephen King’s IT for New Line.