“I Swear,” the British indie film about Tourette’s Syndrome campaigner John Davidson that has already been a hit with audiences and critics in the U.K., has been bought by Sony Pictures Classics.
SPC acquired all rights to the film for 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” first premiered in Toronto to critical acclaim and earlier this month launched in U.K. and Irish cinemas, opening at third spot behind “Tron: Ares” and “One Battle After Another.” According to distributor StudioCanal, it also set a new record as the most highly rated film by cinemas audiences since records began in the U.K. — above “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Top Gun Maverick” and “Parasite” in Comscore PostTrak exit polls.
Alongside Robert Aramayo (“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”) as the lead, the film’s supporting cast includes 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 Award winner and Golden Lion winner Peter Mullan (“War Horse,” “The Magdalene Sisters”).
Set in 1980s Britain, “I Swear” charts Davidson’s Tourette’s diagnosis at the age of 15 years old, following him throughout his troubled teens and early adulthood exploring this little known and entirely misunderstood condition, along with his attempts to live a “normal” life against the odds. The production worked closely with the Tourette’s community, casting individuals who live with Tourette’s, and collaborated with a Tourette’s charity.
The film was produced by Jones, Georgia Bayliff and Piers Tempest for One Story High and Tempo Productions. Cindy Jones and John Davidson serve as executive Producers.
“I am thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures Classics on ‘I Swear,’” said Jones. “Their history, vision, ambition and passion for what is a very special project for us, feels like a perfect fit for U.S. and additional territories.”
Added Tempest, “We are delighted that ‘I Swear’ is resonating so much with audiences in the United Kingdom and can’t think of better partners than Sony Pictures Classics to bring the film to U.S. audiences and beyond.”
The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and Bankside Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
“I Swear’ is one of those extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, true-to-life movies, emotionally engaging, funny and compelling,” said Sony Pictures Classics. “Many will identify as ‘I Swear’ explores conquering an entirely misunderstood condition, by a young man and the people around him. Directed to perfection by Kirk Jones with amazing performances by Robert Aramayo and stalwarts Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan, ‘I Swear’ will be adored by audiences everywhere.”
