Blue Fox Entertainment announced today that they had acquired the worldwide rights to Orca, the incredible true story of Iranian swimmer Elham Asghari and her quest for sporting recognition in her home country. Directed by Iran’s leading female director, Sahar Mosayebi, the film was written by Tala Motazedi and produced by Tahoora Abolghassemi, Ahmed Al Baker, Luca Bercovici, and Mahtab Keramati. Blue Fox Entertainment will distribute the film in North America, with a limited platform release in early 2023 and launch international sales in Cannes.  

Taraneh Alidoosti (Academy Award-winner The Salesman) and Mahtab Keramati star in the heroic journey of a young divorced Iranian woman Etham (Alidoosti), who, after surviving a horrifying domestic violence attack at the hands of her estranged husband, finds solace and salvation in the water, and soon makes her mark as a formidable endurance swimmer. Elham faces political, religious, and personal obstacles in search of her goal: the Guinness record for swimming the longest distance with her hands bound. 

Said Lisa Gutberlet, “We are so thrilled to bring this important and inspirational film to global audiences.  Director Sahar Mosayebi has brought this incredible true story to the screen beautifully, and we were moved by the film’s message of personal discovery, inclusivity and women’s rights.” 

The deal was negotiated by Blue Fox Entertainment’s James Huntsman and UTA Independent.