MICHAEL CERA CHRISTMAS MOVIE BOARDED BY MAGNIFY AHEAD OF CANNES' DIRECTORS FORTNIGHT PREMIERE (EXCLUSIVE)
Magnify, the rebranded international sales arm of Magnolia Pictures, has acquired global and U.S. sales rights to "Christmas Eve in Miller's Point" in the run up to its world premiere at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight.
Directed and co-writer by Tyler Taormina ("Ham on Rye"), the film stars Michael Cera ("Barbie"), Francesca Scorsese, Maria Dizzia ("Martha Marcy May Marlene"), Ben Shenkman ("Billions"), Elsie Fisher ("Eighth Grade"), Gregg Turkington ("Entertainment"), Sawyer Spielberg ("Masters of the Air") breakout actor Matilda Fleming, among others.
Written by Taormina and Eric Berger, the film revolves around a rambunctious extended family descending upon their small Long Island hometown for the holidays where hijinks, generational squabbles, and family traditions ensue.
"Taormina takes a singular approach to the classic holiday family movie, bringing his absurdist humor and dynamic filmmaking to life with a charming and perfectly cast ensemble," said Lorna Lee Torres, Magnify SVP of Global Sales. "We were immediately drawn into this rambunctious Christmas tale's snow globe of a world that captures the personal and universal elements of holiday magic, community, and nostalgia. Undoubtedly your next favorite holiday movie," Lee Torres continued.
Taormina made his feature directorial debut with "Ham on Rye" which world premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, then later played at the Locarno Film Festival. He then directed the drama Happer's Comet" which premiered at Berlin. Taormina, who is managed by Fusion Entertainment, said "Christmas Eve in Miller's Point" is a "cinematic retelling of my family's fifty-year old Christmas Eve tradition." "I saw the project as an opportunity to reflect on all of the people in my life who have left an immeasurable impression on me; who I watched grow older each year," continued the filmmaker, adding that the film is "an ode to the splendor of my memories."
The film is produced by Omnes Films, Krista Minto ("Quarter") Taormina, Cera, David Croley Broyles and Duncan Sullivan. Executive Producers include Crypto Castle Productions, Puente Films and Dweck Productions.