Heather Graham-Directed Comedy ‘Chosen Family’ Acquired by VMI for Berlin Sales, to Premiere at Santa Barbara Film Fest
VMI Worldwide has acquired Heather Graham’s comedy “Chosen Family” and will shop the film to international buyers at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival market. Graham, who is best known for the “Hangover” movies, wrote, directed and stars in the film, about a yoga instructor navigating various relationship dramas.
The film will make its world premiere on the closing night of the Santa Barbara Film Festival on Feb. 17.
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Graham plays Ann, a yoga teacher attempting to find inner peace despite her manic family and miserable dating life. Not knowing how to say no, she often ends up fixing everyone else’s problems. While trying to repair her relationship with her sister, Ann relies on her friends to guide her through life’s woes.
Rounding out the cast is Julia Stiles, playing Ann’s estranged sister Clio, alongside Thomas Lennon, Andrea Savage, John Brotherton and Michael Gross.
“Chosen Family” marks the latest film from Verdi Prods., the Rhode Island-based outfit run by Chad A. Verdi (“The Irishman,” “Bleed for This”). The film’s release was initially put on hold given that the stars were unable to promote their work during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The film is now slated for release sometime in late 2024. Verdi Prods. released the film’s first trailer alongside the announcement.
The film was produced by Verdi, Andre Relis, Michael Nickles, Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Graham, Anthony Gudas and Chris Collins. J.D. Beaufils and Jessica Bennett are executive producing.
“In a male-dominated industry, we love supporting women,” Chad A. Verdi and Michelle Verdi said in a previous statement. “Heather’s drive, writing, directing and starring in this film has been wonderful to witness.”
Watch the trailer below .
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