Release date set for “Daruma” film with Freestyle Digital Media

EXCLUSIVE: Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen's Allen Media Group, has acquired the North American rights to Darumaan indie drama directed by Oscar winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book).

It is believed to be the first film in American film history to feature two disabled lead actors in an authentic cast and the story is not about overcoming a disability. The film will be released in select theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC and Minneapolis on November 15th and will have its digital premiere on the same day.

Director: Alexander Yellen (Z Nation), Daruma tells the story of Patrick (Tobias Forrest), who discovers he has a daughter he had from a forgotten affair before he was paralyzed. He takes the girl, Camilla (newcomer Victoria Scott), with the promise of a settlement, only to quickly learn he can't give her the father she needs. He then enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor Robert (John W. Lawson) to take her to her maternal grandparents across the country. Along the way, he finds the redemption he's been searching for his entire life and resolves to mend his ways so he can be the father his daughter deserves.

Kelli McNeil-Yellen wrote the screenplay and produced alongside Alexander Yellen and Jodi Binstock. The cast of Pic also includes Abigail Hawk, Barry Bostwick, Sandi McCree, Kelli McNeil-Yellen and Joy Nash.

“Production Daruma was a deeply moving and enriching experience,” said director Alexander Yellen, who also served as the film's cinematographer. “We are grateful to the many people, festivals and organizations who have accompanied us on this journey because they have recognized the immense value and potential of such a project.”

Bill Vergos, Freestyle's head of digital film distribution, said: “We knew we had to have this title when we saw the sold-out screening at Slamdance. I have never seen so much excitement for a film at this festival as I have at Daruma“It's such a unique and beautiful film that not only serves the most historically underrepresented market in the United States, but also tells a story that everyone can relate to, a story about friendship, fatherhood and starting a family.”

Freestyle negotiated the deal to acquire Daruma with Sean Pope from Ramo Law.