Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio have acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to “Mouse,” the latest feature from Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, the filmmaking duo behind “Ghostlight” and “Saint Frances.”
The coming-of-age drama had its world premiere out of this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, where it scored glowing reviews with Variety’s Peter Debruge calling the story of high school best friends, “intelligent, perceptive and true.” It marks the companies’ second collaboration with the filmmakers, following their critically celebrated 2024 release “Ghostlight,” which garnered multiple award nominations. Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio see “Mouse” as another contender. The film is slated for a fall 2026 theatrical release, right in the heart of awards season.
Written by O’Sullivan, “Mouse” stars Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (“Hotel Rwanda”) alongside breakout talent Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who drew significant attention for her debut performance in “Ghostlight.” The film also features Chloe Coleman, Tara Mallen, Iman Vellani, and Tony and Emmy-winner David Hyde Pierce.
Set in 2002, it follows Minnie (Kupferer) and Callie (Coleman) as they head into their senior year of high school, with Minnie long living in the protective shadow of the charismatic and admired Callie. When their friendship is suddenly upended at the start of the summer, Minnie struggles to define her own identity and forms a complicated relationship with Callie’s poised, attentive mother (Okonedo), pulling her further from her own chaotic home.
“Working with Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio after the success of ‘Ghostlight’ feels like coming home,” O’Sullivan and Thompson said in a statement. “We’re honored to be introducing ‘Mouse’ to the world with such seasoned and legendary partners.”
“We’re honored to continue collaborating with exceptional filmmakers such as Kelly and Alex, whose films remind us why independent storytelling matters,” said Ayo Kepher Maat, Independent Film Company’s vice president of acquisitions and productions. “’Mouse’ is a film that is deeply moving and full of life. We can’t wait for audiences to experience it in a theater.”
“It is a treat to be reunited with the brilliant Kelly O’ Sullivan and Alex Thomson, following ‘Ghostlight,’” said Josh Sapan, founder of Sapan Studio. “They have created a tender, piercing film brought to full impact by the wonderful cast. There is no one better than the Independent Film Company to carry this delicate family drama into the world.”
The film was produced by Chelsea Krant, Pierce Cravens, and Alex Thompson, with Abigail Rose Solomon, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Steven A. Jones, Ian Keiser and Alex Wilson. Kepher Maat negotiated the deal on behalf of Independent Film Company and Jessica Lacy on behalf of the filmmakers.
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