Michael J. Gallagher’s biopic The Leader, depicting the notorious Heaven’s Gate cult, has been sold to the U.K. and Canada ahead of its debut at the Tribeca Festival next month.
Distribution Deals
The film stars Vera Farmiga, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jim Parsons, with distribution agreements secured by Brian O’Shea at Voltage/The Exchange. Altitude Films will handle the release in the U.K., while Sphere Films takes charge in Canada. The thriller centers on the religious UFO cult whose followers in 1997 executed the largest mass suicide on U.S. soil.
Notable Performances
“Michael Gallagher has crafted a powerful and thought-provoking film anchored by extraordinary performances. We look forward to sharing this compelling true story with Canadian audiences,” stated Victor Rego of Sphere Films.
Plot and Cast
Farmiga portrays cult leader Bonnie Nettles, known as “Ti,” and Nelson plays Marshall Applewhite, the group’s infamous frontman nicknamed “Do.” The Leader follows their journey as they form a new religion, gather a devout following, and confront challenges when their expected spaceship fails to arrive. The film also includes performances by Grace Caroline Currey and Simon Rex.
Upcoming Premiere
Slated to premiere at Tribeca on June 5, the film’s U.S. distribution rights are still available. Gallagher, known for projects such as 2018’s Funny Story and The Thinning: New World Order, directs and writes the film. Production companies involved include Cinemand Films, Balcony 9 Productions, Gold Rush Entertainment, Magnetic Labs, LB Entertainment, Red Barn Films, Copper Island, Silent Echo Productions, Drama Free Films, and Entertainment 360.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/heavens-gate-the-leader-sells-uk-canada-1236595063/
