Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: The 2011 Sundance Film Festival deals keep coming. Upstart distributor Motion Film Group has paid low seven-figures for worldwide sales and distribution rights to Gun Hill Road, the Rashaad Ernesto Green-directed drama which premiered Monday in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Motion Film Group is backed by financier Fotis Georgiadis. The plan is for a summer theatrical release and to sell offshore rights at Cannes.

The coming of age drama is set in the Bronx and stars Esai Morales, Judy Reyes and Isiah Whitlock. Morales plays a macho ex-con who returns to the Bronx after his latest prison stretch. He discovers the world has knew has turned upside down while he was gone. His wife (Reyes) tries to hide an emotional affair, and his teen son is exploring a sexual transformation beyond his father’s grasp. It’s time for the ex-con to take some responsibility and become a parent. Georgiadis was principal financier behind past indie acquisitions Hounddog, and Twelve. He formed Motion Film Group to take a more active hand in distribution. “We have learned a lot over the past three years, and have developed a core team that we can work with under our own distribution label,” Georgiadis said in a statement. “We’re very excited to add this impressive film to our 2011 theatrical roster.” Ronna Wallace of Eastgate Pictures LLC along with Andre Des Rochers, negotiated the deal on behalf of Gun Hill Road producers Ron Simons of SimonSays Entertainment, and Michelle-anne M. Small of A Small Production Company.