Sundance Pic ‘Unexpected’ Acquired By Film Arcade

The Film Arcade has acquired U.S. rights to Unexpected, the debut pic from writer-director Kris Swanberg that played in the U.S. Dramatic competition section at the Sundance Film Festival. The Film Arcade is eyeing a summer release for the drama starring Cobie Smulders and Gail Bean about the unlikely friendship that develops between two expectant mothers: a dedicated and passionate teacher at an inner-city Chicago high school and one of her most promising students.

The film was produced by Andrea Roa and exec produced by Chris Webber, Peter Gilbert, Edwin Linker and Julian Peterson. It’s a Dark Arts film made in association with Forager Film Co and Webber Gilbert Media Group.

“Unexpected was one of our favorite films at Sundance, where it was praised by both audiences and critics,” said The Film Arcade’s Andy Bohn. “Kris Swanberg is an incredibly talented filmmaker, and anyone who isn’t already in love with Cobie Smulders will be after seeing Kris’ film.”

The Film Arcade negotiated the deal with Animal Kingdom’s David Kaplan and attorney Andre Des Rochers on behalf of the filmmakers.