Since 1978, the Sundance Film Festival annually showcases work from American and international independent filmmakers. This year’s festival was held from January 23 through February 2, and a fan favorite emerged – Eva Victor’s feature debut that sold to A24 for $8 million.
Sorry, Baby is a drama focusing on young college professor Agnes (played by Victor), who recovers from a sexual assault over the course of five years. Critics have praised the comedic writing, strong performances, and filmmaking itself, receiving the top vote in five categories of IndieWire’s critics survey.
Naomi Ackie (“Blink Twice”) and Lucas Hedges (“Manchester by the Sea”) co-star alongside Victor, with Moonlight director Barry Jenkins producing the film. Sorry, Baby premiered January 27 at the Eccles Theatre in Park City, Utah and was met with a standing ovation.
The film sparked a multi-day bidding war between distributors NEON and Mubi before A24 acquired the rights on February 2. Amid a slow festival year for distribution deals Sorry, Baby marks the third deal brokered, along with Clint Bentley’s period Train Dreams and Michael Shanks’ body horror Together.
UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the deal on the filmmakers’ behalf with Charades Films handling international sales.
