Tribeca Film Acquires Rights PALO ALTO from James Franco

Tribeca Film today announced it has acquired North American rights to Gia Coppola's acclaimed directorial debut Palo Alto, starring Emma Roberts ("American Horror Story," We're the Millers), Jack Kilmer (in his acting debut), James Franco (Spring Breakers), Nat Wolff ("The Naked Brothers Band"), Zoe Levin (The Way, Way Back), and Val Kilmer. Written and directed by Coppola, and based on Franco's short story collection of the same name, the film features an original soundtrack by Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange) and Robert Schwartzman. Following a prestigious festival run at the Venice Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival, a Spring 2014 theatrical release is planned.

Palo Alto weaves together three stories of teenage lust, boredom, and self-destruction: shy, sensitive April (Emma Roberts), torn between an illicit flirtation with her soccer coach (James Franco) and an unrequited crush on sweet stoner Teddy (Jack Kilmer); Emily (Zoe Levin), who offers sexual favors to any boy to cross her path; and the increasingly dangerous exploits of Teddy and his best friend Fred (Nat Wolff), whose behavior may or may not be sociopathic. One of the strongest American directorial debuts of the past decade, Coppola's film has a palpable sense of time and place, but her characters - seeking cheap thrills and meaningful connections - could be teenagers from any generation.

"Gia Coppola's auspicious filmmaking debut Palo Alto is an elegant depiction of generational angst and despair which resonates with realism and restraint. Fueled by a vibrant cast of young talent, Coppola's artistic collaboration with James Franco results in a thoughtful and subtly intertwined coming of age story," said Tribeca Film Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore.

"I'm very excited that Tribeca Film will distribute my debut feature film, Palo Alto. It's a company that has been a pleasure to partner with and share creative ideas in this ever evolving film industry. I can't think of a better home for my film," said Gia Coppola.

The deal was negotiated for Tribeca Film by Nick Savva, and Barry Hirsch and George Hayum of Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman on behalf of the filmmakers.

Palo Alto is a James Franco and Rabbit Bandini Productions presentation, produced by Sebastian Pardo, Adriana Rotaru, Miles Levy, and Vince Jolivette.

About Tribeca Film

Tribeca Film is a comprehensive distribution label dedicated to acquiring and releasing independent films across multiple platforms, including theatrical, video-on-demand, digital, home video and television. It is an initiative from Tribeca Enterprises designed to provide new platforms for how film can be experienced, while supporting filmmakers and introducing audiences to films they might not otherwise see. Current and upcoming Tribeca Film releases include the the award-winningThe Broken Circle Breakdown, Neil LaBute's Some Velvet Morning starring Stanley Tucci and Alice Eve, Francesca Gregorini's The Truth About Emanuel, and David MacKenzie's Starred Up.

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