New Line Cinema has acquired the North American rights to “Vera Drake,” the latest film from Academy Award-nominated writer/director Mike Leigh.
Vera Drake paints an extraordinary portrait of a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother.
However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies.
While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When she is finally found out by the authorities, Vera’s world and family life rapidly unravel.
The film offers a compelling historical perspective on the much discussed controversial subject and raises difficult questions that are as timely and relevant today as they were decades ago.
British actress Imelda Staunton (“Bright Young Things,” “Shakespeare in Love”) stars in the title role, while Jim Broadbent, Heather Craney and Phillip Davis are among the ensemble of accomplished actors filling supporting roles in the film.
“Vera Drake” is produced by Simon Channing-Williams and executive produced by Gail Egin, Robert Jones, Duncan Reid and Alain Sarde. The film was financed by the UK Film Council, Ingenious Media and Studio Canal.
Michael Lynne, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of New Line, said: “Mike Leigh has created a magnificent catalog of thought-provoking films which have resonated with audiences and critics all over the world. Our previous relationship with Mike on his award-winning film `Naked’ broke many unspoken boundaries, and New Line was proud to be a part of its success. I believe that `Vera Drake’ continues to put Mike Leigh at the forefront of our greatest filmmakers, contains a groundbreaking performance by Imelda Staunton and raises critically relevant issues in an emotionally involving family situation.”
An Oscar nominee for his work on such films as “Topsy Turvy” and “Secrets & Lies,” British director Mike Leigh is among the most respected filmmakers working today. He has won numerous awards for both his writing and directing, including a Palme d’Or for “Secrets & Lies,” two BAFTA awards, an Independent Spirit Award, and honors from the National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics Circle, and London Film Critics Circle among others. His most recent release was 2002’s “All or Nothing.”
The deal was negotiated on behalf of New Line by Senior Vice President of Business/Legal Affairs, Carolyn Blackwood with John Kochman, from Studio Canal.
