Exhibitors will get “Exhibiting Forgiveness” thanks to distribution company Roadside Attractions.
After premiering at the 2024 Sundance Festival and screening at the New Directors/New Films festival, Titus Kaphar‘s directorial debut has been acquired by Roadside Attractions, IndieWire can confirm. It will open nationwide this fall for awards season.
Renowned artist Kaphar wrote the semi-autobiographical script for “Exhibiting Forgiveness” after completing a series of paintings and a short documentary — “The Jerome Project” (2016) — inspired by his relationship with his father. Kaphar’s most recent short documentary, “Shut up and Paint,” was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2022.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” follows Tarrell Rodin (André Holland), an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Andra Day), and young son. Rodin’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay, per the synopsis. Yet his path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to reconcile. As Tarrell tries to cope with his past and present, his pious mother Joyce (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) pushes him to open his heart to forgiveness for the sake of family.
In addition to writing and directing the feature, Kaphar also produces alongside Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof, Stephanie Allain, and Sean Cotton. A Hunting Lane, Homegrown, Shade Pictures, Revolution Ready Production, the film was executive produced by Claire Brooks, Stephanie Blackwood, and Kim Coleman, with Rachel Halilej, Natalie Renee, and Michael VQ serving as co-producers.
“Titus has changed the world with his art, and this film will bring him a legion of new fans and delight the many who already love his work,” Roadside Attractions co-Presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff said in a joint statement. “These are four jaw-dropping performances which we have no doubt is the finest ensemble filmgoers will see this year.”
Writer/director Kaphar thanked Roadside Attractions for bringing indie film “Exhibiting Forgiveness” to audiences.
“Even the most extraordinary film in the world would remain hidden without the right distribution team; I’m so excited that our film has found its champion,” Kaphar said in a statement. “Roadside has a reputation for bringing us unflinching movie experiences that center innovative and character-driven storytelling. I’m honored to have their support, and proud that ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ will become part of their outstanding portfolio.”
The deal was negotiated by Roadside Attractions Co-Presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff and UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers.
