Sales are brewing for Casey Affleck’s directorial debut I’m Still Here presented out of competition in Venice by Magnolia Pictures International.

Laird Adamson of Magnolia told ScreenDaily, “response to the film has been phenomenal” and added that the company is in negotiations with several territories off the Lido premier. “Cleary anticipation has been very high and now the film has delivered. It’s been a fascinating process because distributors have had such rich interpretations and are compelled to keep talking about the film. We expect to close several more major territories such as Italy, France, Germany and Latin America based on offers out of Venice and further screenings in Toronto on Thursday and Friday.”

While the film was given only the small screening venue of the Sala Pasinetti (under 150 seats and only two screenings) the film has managed to catch strong buzz off positive media reactions on the Lido.

Affleck presented his post-modernesque film alone in the press conference – but said Joaquin Phoenix was on the Lido and was “embracing” the film.

Affleck tried to wave off any notion that the film was a performance by Joaquin Phoenix and denied that the film was not a “performance” or a “hoax.”

Magnolia has previously sealed deals with Optimum for the UK, Roadshow for Australia and New Zealand and with D Films in Toronto.

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