Focus International soaks in Sunshine on Leith

Focus Features International has taken international sales rights to musical Sunshine on Leith, which will receive its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The second feature from British actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher (Wild Bill) stars Peter Mullan (Tyrannosaur) and Jane Horrocks (Little Voice) in an adaptation of the acclaimed stage musical, inspired by Scottish band The Proclaimers.

The film was financed by Entertainment Film Distributors, the BFI Film Fund and Creative Scotland, with Entertainment distributing in the UK.

Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich produce from DNA with Arabella Page Croft and Kieran Parker from Black Camel Pictures (Outpost). Stephen Greenhorn wrote the script.

Identical twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid of The Proclaimers have released nine albums since 1987 and are probably best known for hits I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), I’m On My Way and Letter from America. The title of the film takes it name from the band’s second and best known album.

George MacKay, Kevin Guthrie, Antonia Thomas, Freya Mavor, Paul Brannigan and Jason Flemyng also star.

Alison Thompson, co-president of Focus International said: “We are excited to be part of this fun and heart-warming film, from such a brilliant group of British talent, which will have you singing along to the music from the Proclaimers for days after you see it.”

Also at Toronto next month, Focus Features International will premiere Mike Flanagan’s Oculus in the Midnight Madness section. On the sales slate are thriller Black Sea, Mike Leigh’s JMW Turner biopic, Asif Kapadia’s Amy Winehouse documentary, Kill the Messenger, directed by Michael Cuesta, thriller Closed Circuit, and Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine.