Sony Pictures Classics has acquired Kirk Jones’ crowd-pleasing real-life dramedy I Swear after the film’s successful debut in Toronto last month.
Sony picked up rights in the U.S. and multiple international territories, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Southern Asia, South Korea, and Portugal, to the film from the Waking Ned Devine and Nanny McPhee director. Robert Aramayo (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) stars as Tourette’s Syndrome campaigner John Davidson. Maxine Peake (Funny Cow, The Theory of Everything), Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Harry Potter franchise), and Peter Mullan (War Horse, The Magdalene Sisters) co-star.
The film follows Davidson through the 1980s and 90s in Scotland. Davidson’s condition, which leads him to make foul-mouthed outbursts, was barely understood at the time and was the source of misunderstandings, bullying, and harassment. But he became a passionate advocate for his community, educating Britain about the condition, which can affect up to 1 in 100 people. The film opens with Davidson receiving an honor from Queen Elizabeth. Though he can’t stop himself from shouting: “Fuck the Queen!” just before the ceremony. The production collaborated with members of the Tourette’s community, casting performers who live with the disorder and partnering with a Tourette’s charity.
“I Swear is one of those extraordinary, true-to-life movies, emotionally engaging, funny, and compelling,” SPC said in a statement. “Directed to perfection by Kirk Jones with outstanding performances by Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, and Peter Mullan, I Swear will be adored by audiences everywhere.”
I Swear had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and opened in the U.K. on Oct. 10, debuting at number three at the box office with a solid $3.8 million for local distributor Studiocanal. It was produced by Jones, Georgia Bayliff, and Piers Tempest for One Story High and Tempo Productions, with Cindy Jones and John Davidson as executive producers.
The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and Bankside Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
