Impartial Movie Firm and Sapan Studio have acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to “Mouse,” the newest characteristic from Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, the filmmaking duo behind “Ghostlight” and “Saint Frances.”
The approaching-of-age drama had its world premiere out of this 12 months’s Berlin Worldwide Movie Competition, the place it scored glowing evaluations with Selection’s Peter Debruge calling the story of highschool finest pals, “intelligent, perceptive and true.” It marks the businesses’ second collaboration with the filmmakers, following their critically celebrated 2024 launch “Ghostlight,” which garnered a number of award nominations. Impartial Movie Firm and Sapan Studio see “Mouse” as one other contender. The movie is slated for a fall 2026 theatrical launch, proper within the coronary heart of awards season.
Written by O’Sullivan, “Mouse” stars Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (“Hotel Rwanda”) alongside breakout expertise Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who drew important consideration for her debut efficiency in “Ghostlight.” The movie additionally options Chloe Coleman, Tara Mallen, Iman Vellani, and Tony and Emmy-winner David Hyde Pierce.
Set in 2002, it follows Minnie (Kupferer) and Callie (Coleman) as they head into their senior 12 months of highschool, with Minnie lengthy residing within the protecting shadow of the charismatic and admired Callie. When their friendship is out of the blue upended in the beginning of the summer time, Minnie struggles to outline her personal identification and varieties an advanced relationship with Callie’s poised, attentive mom (Okonedo), pulling her farther from her personal chaotic residence.
“Working with Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio after the success of ‘Ghostlight’ feels like coming home,” O’Sullivan and Thompson stated in a press release. “We’re honored to be introducing ‘Mouse’ to the world with such seasoned and legendary partners.”
“We’re honored to continue collaborating with exceptional filmmakers such as Kelly and Alex, whose films remind us why independent storytelling matters,” stated Ayo Kepher Maat, Impartial Movie Firm’s vice chairman of acquisitions and productions. “’Mouse’ is a film that is deeply moving and full of life. We can’t wait for audiences to experience it in a theater.”
“It is a treat to be reunited with the brilliant Kelly O’ Sullivan and Alex Thomson, following ‘Ghostlight,’” stated Josh Sapan, founding father of Sapan Studio. “They have created a tender, piercing film brought to full impact by the wonderful cast. There is no one better than the Independent Film Company to carry this delicate family drama into the world.”
The movie was produced by Chelsea Krant, Pierce Cravens, and Alex Thompson, with Abigail Rose Solomon, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Steven A. Jones, Ian Keiser and Alex Wilson. Kepher Maat negotiated the deal on behalf of Impartial Movie Firm and Jessica Lacy on behalf of the filmmakers.
