Kino Lorber sets 2027 U.S. release for Clio Barnard's new drama
The film, which won an audience prize at Cannes, is scheduled for a limited theatrical run next year.
By Harper Collins ·
Kino Lorber has acquired the North American distribution rights to Clio Barnard's feature film I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. The acquisition secures a 2027 theatrical release for the movie in the United States.
The film had a strong run in international festivals before the deal was finalized. It premiered at the Directors' Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the people's choice audience award. The movie also screened at the Rome Film Festival, taking the top prize in the progressive cinema competition.
Anthony Boyle, who stars in the film, shared the best actor prize at the Rome event. The project recently earned eight nominations from the British Independent Film Awards. The nods include best British independent film, best director, best screenplay, and best ensemble performance.
The cast includes Boyle, Joe Cole, Jay Lycurgo, Daryl McCormack, and Lola Petticrew. Boyle is known for his role in Manhunt, while Cole has appeared in Gangs of London and Peaky Blinders. Lycurgo starred in Steve, McCormack in Bad Sisters, and Petticrew in Furious.
The story follows five childhood friends who grew up on a housing estate in Birmingham, England. The characters, named Patrick, Shiv, Rian, Oli, and Conor, reached the age of thirty. Their shared dreams have not fully materialized, leading to tension within the group.
Patrick and Shiv remain married, but an old secret strains their relationship. Oli, the social center of the group, struggles with excessive partying. Conor prepares for the birth of a child while developing a business plan. Rian moved to London for a job in property development but feels isolated from his former friends.
The film is based on a novel by Keiran Goddard. Irish playwright Enda Walsh adapted the story for the screen. Barnard, who is directing her fifth feature, previously had her film Ali & Ava premiere in the same Cannes section. That earlier work won two British Independent Film Awards and received two BAFTA nominations.
Karoliina Dwyer, a vice president of acquisitions at Kino Lorber, negotiated the deal. She worked with Charades and Gersh to close the transaction. Dwyer described the film as a coming of age story that captures a generation dealing with unrealized dreams.
Barnard said she wanted to share the friendship group with cinema audiences. She expressed excitement about the U.S. release, noting the struggles faced by the characters' generation. The film will move from theaters to digital and home video formats after its initial run.
Tracy O'Riordan produced the film under Moonspun Films. She has worked with Barnard on previous projects including Ali & Ava and The Selfish Giant. BBC Film co-financed the production alongside the BFI. The BFI provided National Lottery funding. TPC, Charades, and Curzon Film were also involved in the production.
