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)