I Swear, a British indie film about activist John Davidson with Tourette syndrome, has already been a hit with British audiences and critics and has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics.
SPC acquired all rights to the film in the United States, Latin America, most of Eastern Europe, Turkey, Southeast Asia, Portugal and South Korea.
Written and directed by BAFTA nominee Kirk Jones (Waked Ned Devine, Nanny McPhee), I Swear premiered to rave reviews in Toronto and opened in UK and Irish cinemas earlier this month, opening in third place behind Tron: Ares and One Battle After Another. According to distributor Studio Canal, the film has set a new record as the most highly rated film by cinema audiences since records began in the UK. In the ComScore PostTrack exit poll, it surpassed “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Parasite.”
Starring Robert Aramayo (The Lord of the Rings) He is joined by three-time BAFTA nominee Maxine Peake (Say Nothing, The Theory of Everything), BAFTA winner Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Harry Potter), and Cannes Best Actor and Golden Lion winner Peter Mullan (The War). “Horse”, “Sisters Magdalene”).
Set in 1980s England, I Swear follows Davidson’s Tourette’s diagnosis at the age of 15 and follows him through his troubled teenage years and early adulthood as he explores this little-known and completely misunderstood condition and his attempts to live a “normal” life against the odds. The production worked closely with the Tourette’s community, casting people who live with Tourette’s and working with Tourette’s charities.
The film was produced by Jones, Georgia Bailiff and Piers Tempest of One Story High and Tempo Productions. Cindy Jones and John Davidson will serve as executive producers.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Sony Pictures Classics on ‘I Swear,'” said Jones. “Their history, vision, ambition and passion for a project that is very special to us feels like a great fit for the U.S. and the rest of the world.”
Tempest added: “We’re delighted that ‘I Swear’ is resonating with audiences in the UK. We can’t think of a better partner than Sony Pictures Classics to bring this film to audiences in the US and beyond.’
The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and Bankside Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
Sony Pictures Classics said, “‘I Swear’ is one of those extraordinary, unique and truthful films that is emotionally engaging, funny and compelling.” “Many will recognize ‘I Swear’ as a story of a young man and those around him overcoming a completely misunderstood condition. Perfectly directed by Kirk Jones and with great performances from Robert Aramayo and stars Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan, ‘I Swear’ will be loved by audiences around the world.”
