The distributor will handle the US release of Jim Loach’s true story about social worker Margaret Humphreys who in the late 80s uncovered a secret UK government programme to deport children from the UK to Australia.

Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wendham star. The film marks the feature directing debut of Ken Loach’s son based on Rona Munro’s adapted screenplay of Humphreys’ 1994 book Empty Cradles.

Icon International holds foreign rights and Camilla Bray produces alongside The King’s Speech best picture Oscar winners Iain Canning and Emile Sherman.

“This is a powerful story of courage, compassion and the will to bring the truth to light,” Cohen Media Group’s chairman and CEO Charles S Cohen said, adding: “Jim Loach guides the film with a sure hand and Emily Watson delivers a performance that will be remembered for years to come. 

Anthony Buckner brokered the deal on behalf of Icon and Cohen Media Group’s Stephen Dembetzer.

Topics