Toronto 2011: Sundance Selects Takes North American Rights to 'Trishna'

Sundance Selects has acquired North American rights to writer-director Michael Winterbottom’s new film Trishna. Freida Pinto and Riz Ahmed star in the drama based on Thomas Hardy's classic novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

TORONTO REVIEW: Trishna

Set in contemporary Rajasthan, Trishna tells the story of an Indian woman who falls in love with a wealthy British businessman when she goes to work for his father's hotel business. Torn between tradition and ambition, Trishna's life ultimately turns tragic. Winterbottom produced the film with Melissa Parmenter.

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

VIDEO: 'Trishna' Trailer: Freida Pinto Stars in the Michael Winterbottom-Directed Drama

"Trishna is Michael Winterbottom's most beautiful and sensual film and features a truly sublime performance by Freida Pinto," said Sundance Selects president Jonathan Sehring.

Sundance Selects exec Arianna Bocco negotiated the deal with Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films on behalf of the filmmakers.

Bankside, which is handling international sales, and UK Film Council financed the film in conjunction with VTR Media Investments, Bob Film Sweden and Film I Vast with the support of the Swedish Film Institute. A Film (Benelux), Madman (Australia and New Zealand), Bac Films (France), Shooting Stars (Middle East) and Video Vision (South Africa) also acquired rights to the film. 

A sister division to IFC Films, Sundance Selects has previously released the Winterbottom films The Shock Doctrine, The Trip and The Killer Inside Me.