Lionsgate Acquires Cillian Murphy’s Irish Drama “Small Things Like These” for North America and UK Distribution
Irish drama Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy, premiered at the Berlinale this year and Lionsgate acquired its distribution rights in North America and the UK. Murphy will produce under his new banner, Big Things Films!
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All about Small Things Like These
The film is based on Claire Keegan’s Booker Prize-nominated book. Directed by Tim Mielants, it stars Cillian Murphy as Bill, a coal delivery driver and devoted father in 1980s Ireland.
Small Things Like These explores themes like anxiety and fulfillment. Bill uncovers disturbing activities in a convent overseen by Sister Mary, played by Emily Watson, leading him to confront his inner demons.
Emily Watson received the Berlinale’s Silver Bear for her performance. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity produced and financed the film in collaboration with Murphy’s Big Things Films and Alan Maloney.
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Murphy, Matt Damon and more share their experience making the film
Murphy and Damon, who collaborated on Oppenheimer, reunite as producing partners for this film. Murphy expressed excitement about producing his first feature film with Artists Equity’s support.
“Making the film was a labor of love; I can’t wait to talk about it. We are enormously grateful to Artists Equity for their unwavering support throughout this process,” Murphy told Variety. Damon and Affleck, co-owners of Artists Equity, also shared their reasons for supporting the film.
The film does justice to Keegan’s novella and will have a North American theatrical release through collaboration with Roadside Attractions.