Soda strikes UK deal for Meek's Cutoff

The deal is described as a “collaborative negotiation amongst the film’s producers, the international sales agent Cinetic and the joint-Managing Directors of Soda Pictures [Eve Gabereau and Edward Fletcher].”

The buy is a natural fit for Soda, which also released Reichardt’s past two films, 2006’s Old Joy and 2008’s Wendy & Lucy.

The film stars Michelle Williams, Shirley Henderson, Zoe Kazan, Paul Dano, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, Neal Huff, Tommy Nelson and Rod Rondeaux. It is about families journeying off the Oregon Trail in 1845 who face harsh conditions.

Gabereau said that “Reichardt’s re-imagining of the classic Western takes her directing style and voice to a new place, one that audiences will be enraptured by. The female perspective of the Western Expansionist journey adds her to the roster of great directors of this genre: Ford, Kurosawa and Leone; while Michelle Williams shines along the lines of Wayne, Mifune and Eastwood.” She added that “we are thrilled, proud and honoured to be distributing this film.”

Fletcher added that “we’re thrilled to be working with Kelly again on her latest remarkable work. We are keen to build on a UK interest and audience for her visionary films.”

The producers said, “Kelly, Evenstar Films and filmscience are delighted to be collaborating with Eve and Edward on Meek’s Cutoff, and we’re all thrilled to continue this wonderful relationship with Soda.”

The film was produced by Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani, Elizabeth Cuthrell and David Urrutia.

Soda plans a late spring 2011 launch in the UK.

Soda’s other recent acquisitions include brilliantlove and another Venice/Toronto title, Norwegian Wood.