Memento Films International Picks Up THE FREE WORLD, Starring Bryce Dallas Howard

Memento Films International has picked-up international rights to scribe Jason Lew's directorial debut THE FREE WORLD. BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Cillian Murphy (INCEPTION; upcoming TRANSCENDENCE; as well as Ron Howard's HEART OF THE SEA), joins Golden Globe nominee Bryce Dallas Howard (THE HELP, and soon to be seen in JURASSIC WORLD) to top line the film. Lew previously wrote Gus Van Sant's RESTLESS which opened the 2011 Festival de Cannes' Un Certain Regard.

Untitled Entertainment's Laura Rister will produce the project. She has produced and executive produced a number of notable independent films, including ALL IS LOST starring Robert Redford and which is currently in release; LOVELACE, THE ICEMAN, MARGIN CALL and LAWLESS. Rister is currently in post-production on director Matt Shakman's feature debut CUT BANK starring John Malkovich, Liam Hemsworth, and Bruce Dern.

Emilie Georges and Nicholas Shumaker will executive produce for MFI.

THE FREE WORLD is the story of Mohamed "Mo" Lundy (Murphy), a man attempting to adjust to civilian life after a brutal 20-year stretch in prison for crimes he did not commit. His world collides with Doris Lamb (Howard), a tragic and mysterious woman with a violent past, for whom he will come to risk everything, including his new found freedom.

The film is scheduled to commence principal photography in the fall.

"We're excited for Jason to join MFI's well curated line-up," said Georges and Shumaker. "He is an incredible storyteller and we look forward to bringing this unique project to global audiences."

"The script caught us completely off guard. It is a bold, original, and deeply heartfelt look into readjusting in society. Laura's eye at finding new talent is amazing and we're sure that Jason's film will be a great addition to our slate of ambitious titles from talented American directors," added Tanja Meissner, Head of International Sales and Acquisitions.

Georges and Shumaker negotiated the deal for MFI, with Rister and WME Global representing the film. Murphy is repped by CAA, Lou Coulson Associates and The Lisa Richards Agency. Howard is repped by Management 360 and ICM.
WME Global will sell US rights.