Miramax acquires
The Night Listener at Sundance

Miramax Films is paying $3 million for North American rights to The Night Listener, a mystery thriller based on Armistead Maupin's book about a radio host who develops an intense relationship with one of his fans, an HIV-positive 13-year-old boy, reports Variety.

The acquisition, made on Monday night at Sundance, is the company's biggest festival purchase since Bob and Harvey Weinstein controlled the company.

Directed by Patrick Stettner and starring Robin Williams, The Night Listenerwas cofinanced by IFC and New York City-based production company Hart Sharp, which was prepared to release the film itself if a big distributor failed to emerge at Sundance. Sony Pictures Classics and Lions Gate showed interest before Miramax closed the deal. (Advocate.com)