Sundance Selects Takes U.S. Rights to TIFF’s Best Canadian First Film Winner “Boyd”

Nathan Morlando’s “Edwin Boyd,” the winner of Best Canadian First Feature at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, has found a U.S. distributor in IFC’s Sundance Selects arm.

The film stars Scott Speedman (“Underwold,” “Barney’s Version”) as the titular character, one of Canada’s most notorious and charismatic bank robbers. Myriad Pictures will distribute the film in all other markets.

IFC FILMS ACQUIRES TORONTO WINNER EDWIN BOYD FOR U.S. FROM MYRIAD PICTURES

Action/drama won ‘Best Canadian First Feature’ for director Nathan Morlando
Scott Speedman starrer had World Premiere at 2011 Toronto International Film Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 27, 2011, Santa Monica – IFC Films has acquired from Myriad Pictures the U.S. distribution rights to director Nathan Morlando’s elegant bank robber action/drama Edwin Boyd , starring Scott Speedman (Underworld, Barney’s Version, Good Neighbours), Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes, Me and Orson Wells ), Kevin Durand (Real Steel, Legion) and Brian Cox (The Bourne Identity, X-Men 2).

Based on true events, Speedman plays title character Edwin Boyd, one of Canada’s most notorious bank robbers, who became famous and a pop-culture hero for his charm, good looks and ability to elude the police and break out of jail.

The film is produced by Allison Black, Morlando’s partner in their company euclid 431 pictures. Myriad Picture’s CEO Kirk D’Amico (Margin Call) and Daniel Iron (Away From Her) are Executive Producers. The deal was negotiated by D’Amico, Cassian Elwes, and Arianna Bocco, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Production, for Sundance Selects/IFC Films.

Edwin Boyd had its World Premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won “Best Canadian First Feature” after receiving excellent reviews and numerous accolades for Morlando’s craft and Scott Speedman’s performance. Piers Handling presented Morlando with his trophy at the closing ceremonies. E1 is the Canadian distributor.

Myriad is distributing the film in the rest of the world and is screening Edwin Boyd at the American Film Market next week. “Edwin Boyd has been featured in numerous “top 10 films to watch” at both TIFF and now AFM, lists,” said D’Amico, “and I am very pleased that IFC Films has acquired this film. They are smart marketers and distributors of quality entertainment. It is a real vote of confidence in the commercial aspects of the film as we head into AFM.”

Review quotes from 2011 Toronto International Film Festival

4 ½ stars. “NathanMorlando’s film is compelling, beautiful to behold and populated with a great ensemble led by Scott Speedman as Boyd.” – Toronto Sun

4 stars. “Slick and thrilling…Speedman gives a charismatic performance. Morlando’s stylish directorial debut is a giddy rush of entertainment…evocative. This impressive crime pic establishes Morlando as a filmmaker to watch.” – Now Toronto

31/2 stars. “Edwin Boyd is impressive. Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, the film is especially remarkable in that it is Nathan Morlando’s first feature. Scott Speedman is remarkable. When it’s fun, Edwin Boyd is really fun.” – Torontoist

“Scott Speedman convincingly portrays Edwin Boyd in this handsomely mounted debut fromNathanMorlando.” – Toronto Globe and Mail

“A gripping, honest portrayal. The film is rich with exceptional performances. – Exclaim.ca

“Scott Speedman is magnetic.” – Macleans.ca