JJ Winlove’s heartfelt comedy June Again will have a simultaneous North American theatrical and video-on-demand release after being snapped up by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
The film, which made more than $2.5 million at the local box office, will be available in the US/Canada from January 7 as part of a deal negotiated by Annika Horne on behalf of Samuel Goldwyn Films and Caroline Couret-Delègue of Film Seekers, on behalf of the filmmakers.
The story follows matriarch June (Noni Hazlehurst), who, during a reprieve from an ongoing illness, sets about fixing all of her family’s problems, including reuniting her estranged children, saving the family business, and rekindling an old flame. The cast also includes Claudia Karvan and Stephen Curry.
Written and directed by Winlove, the project is produced by Jamie Hilton, Michael Pontin, and Drew Bailey for See Pictures, with principal production from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW. It was financed with support from Spectrum Films, Huge Films, Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology, and Kreo Films.
Pontin told IF the film was worthy of a wider audience.
“JJ Winlove crafted a special debut feature with June Again, full of laughs, heart, and heart-wrenching moments.
“We’re delighted to partner with Samuel Goldwyn Films for North American distribution after the runaway success of our Australian release.”
The North American deal follows sales to the UK (Bohemia Pictures), Germany, Switzerland, Austria (MT Trading), Spain (Filmax), and Scandinavia (Lucky Dogs).
Horne said Samuel Goldwyn Films were “very excited” to bring June Again to North American audiences.
“Noni Hazlehurst does a fantastic job creating a complex character who gets a fresh perspective on the mistakes of the past,” he said.
“JJ Winlove has written and directed a delightful and poignant feature debut.”