In a significant move for the film industry, Rizwan Baig, renowned for his debut film Hala’s premiere at Sundance in 2019, has chosen Sony Pictures Classics as the home for his latest work, “We Grown Now.” The film made its world debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Domestically, Sony Pictures Classics has partnered with Stage 6 Films for the film’s release, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will be in charge of its international rollout.
Baig expressed his excitement, stating, “I could not be more delighted to have found a home for We Grown Now with Sony Pictures Classics. We Grown Now is a film that captures the tender moments of childhood resilience and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.”
“We Grown Now” is a compelling coming-of-age story that revolves around Malik and Eric, portrayed by newcomers Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez, respectively. Set in the misunderstood Cabrini-Green housing complex in Chicago in 1992, it explores the challenges faced by these best friends as their community undergoes significant changes. The film also features a stellar cast, including S. Epatha Merkerson, Jussie Smollett, and Lil Rel Howery, alongside Cameron James and Ramirez.
Baig, the writer and producer of the film, has joined forces with Participant and Symbolic Exchange for its production. Joe Pirro is also credited as a producer, and the executive producer roster includes Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren for Participant, James Schamus for Symbolic Exchange, and Carrie Holt de Lama and Jussie Smollett.
The distribution deal was skillfully negotiated by Sony Pictures Classics, with Liesl Copland, executive vp of content and platform strategy, Stacey Fong, senior vp of business and legal affairs, and Adam Macy, senior counsel of business and legal affairs, representing Participant. Virginia Longmuir, executive vp of business affairs for Stage 6 Films, also played a key role in finalizing the agreement.
