EXCLUSIVE: Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, Vertical has acquired North American distribution rights to drama Clean Hands, the latest feature from writer-director Jake Allyn (Ride).
Zach Braff, Esther McGregor, Abigail Spencer, Holt McCallany and Lucas Till star in the film which explores America’s war on drugs from the opposing eyes of a cop and addict who are also father and daughter.
Based on a true story, the synopsis reads: “Sergeant Kevin Simmers (Braff) leads a taskforce waging war on drugs in Hagerstown, Maryland, a major stop on the ‘Heroin Highway’. At home, he’s a desperate father grappling with his 19-year-old daughter Brooke’s (McGregor) escalating addiction from pain meds to heroin. As Kevin is forced to confront the failures of the system he dedicated his life to defending, together father and daughter fight for recovery, redemption, and hope.”
Following the film’s festival Q&A, Tribeca Festival co-founder Robert De Niro and his daughter, Drena De Niro, took the stage to deliver heartfelt closing remarks about the film’s impact on them personally. The story resonated deeply with the family: Robert’s grandson and Drena’s son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, died from an overdose at age 19—the same age as Brooke Simmers, the daughter in the film. In his memory, the De Niro family established the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation to support awareness, prevention, and recovery efforts against addiction.
Clean Hands was made in partnership with Brooke’s House, a non-profit, all-women recovery home that Simmers created and currently runs in Hagerstown. An on-set work program was created for women in recovery to learn film jobs during the production and the movie cast Brooke’s House graduates. One third of the film’s profits are due to be dedicated to Brooke’s House.
The North American deal was negotiated by SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi and Manager of Acquisitions and Sales Rachel White on behalf of Vertical and by Oliver Wheeler of Range Select on behalf of the filmmakers.
The film was produced by Jake Allyn and Conor Allyn of Margate House Films, Brian Loschiavo of Riverside Entertainment, James Suttles and Jason Winn of WW / SF Entertainment, and JR Rappaport of Glasshouse Pictures. It is executive-produced by Braff, Jim Gladden, Tony Herbert, Kevin Simmers, Dana Simmers, Daniel Weaver, Jonathan Beaulieu, William Deasey, Scott Davis and Linda Davis.
“This is a true story that can actively save lives. Kevin and Brooke’s powerful journey left me believing in miracles, and Vertical is the perfect partner to share this miracle with the world,” stated Allyn. “Vertical’s ability to handle films about real-world issues with intimate care while reaching mass appeal is something I’ve admired for years. I’m proud to be a part of that.”
“Jake has created a powerful film based on the incredible true story of a family living in an impossible situation,” added Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey. “Zach and Esther give wildly moving performances while leading an excellent cast. We’re honored to be releasing this film and hope to inspire audiences nationwide.”