New York (NY) (March 9, 2009) – IFC Films, the leading American distributor of independent and foreign films, announced today it is acquiring North American rights to the romantic drama MERCY, the debut film from Patrick Hoelck. The film was written by Scott Caan and produced by Scott Caan, Vince Palomino and Phil Parmet. Scott Caan, Wendy Glenn, Troy Garity, Erika Christensen, Alexie Gilmore, John Boyd, Dylan McDermott, Whitney Able and James Caan star. MERCY marks the first time father and son, James and Scott, have shared significant on screen time together (they previously appeared in a few scenes in 1995’s A BOY CALLED HATE).
MERCY will be the closing night film of the 2010 Gen Art Film Festival on April 13th in New York City. The film will open Friday, April 30th at the IFC Center in NYC and Friday, May 7th at the Laemmle Sunset 5 in Los Angeles and be available nationwide on video on demand on Wednesday, April 28th.
The deal for MERCY was negotiated by Lizzie Nastro, IFC Films Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, with Ben Weiss of Paradigm.
Jonathan Sehring, President of IFC Entertainment said, "More than a few American independent filmmakers have attempted to make films about the nature of love but MERCY actually succeeds. It’s a beautifully crafted, truly romantic film that is going to get a lot of attention for Patrick Hoelck and continues to showcase the diverse talents of Scott Caan. We’re thrilled to be in business with them and look forward to getting this film out to the largest audience possible through all of our platforms."
SYNOPSIS:
Johnny Ryan (Scott Cann) is a successful young romance novelist who doesn’t actually believe in love. When he meets the beautiful and mysterious Mercy (Wendy Glenn) at the launch party of his latest book, Johnny’s world is suddenly turned upside down. Shockingly, she is the only major critic who dislikes his book. A cynic by nature, Johnny becomes determined to find the depth that Mercy says he is lacking and, in the process, falls in love. He turns to his father (James Caan) for advice. MERCY explores the struggle of maintaining a relationship, and the possibility of losing it all.