EXCLUSIVE: IFC Films has picked up worldwide rights to writer-director Nicole Riegel’s sophomore feature Dandelion. The romantic drama will be starring KiKi Layne. A theatrical release is planned next year.
Layne will also be executive producing Dandelion. She plays Dandelion, a struggling, but determined, Cincinnati singer-songwriter who is in a downwards spiral. Layne reluctantly accepts a last-ditch gig at a South Dakota motorcycle rally where she meets Casey. Casey is a guitarist who has given up on his dreams long ago. As Dandelion joins Casey’s eclectic and nomadic group of struggling musicians, the kindred spirits make music together and strike up an intoxicating whirlwind romance that moves Dandelion from an obsession with results and a narrow view of success to a deeper appreciation of her artistic journey and the discovery of a voice that is authentically her own.
“I’m very excited to bring forth a story about the resilience of the human spirit and magic of serendipity taking center stage,”Layne. “Music is an integral part of my life, so being able to merge the two worlds with my passion of acting is a dream come true, and I’m thrilled to be in partnership with IFC Films.”
Rian Cahill, Adam Cobb, Pete McClellan, and Nicole Riegel produced the pic. EPs are also Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger of Automatik, BondIt Media Capital’s Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, and Tyler Gould along with Aaron and Bryce Dessner and IFC Films.
“I’m thrilled to deepen and continue my relationship with my IFC family and to work with this dream team of producers and crew. It’s an honor to create music with Aaron and Bryce Dessner, two of the best and most respected musicians and composers in the world. It’s been such a rewarding partnership with KiKi Layne in a role that showcases her authenticity and gorgeous music abilities. Dandelion is a film about dreams and a love of process, so there’s a lot of art imitating life on this one,” said Riegel.
Arianna Bocco (President of IFC Films) added. “Nicole is an exceptional talent and we could not be more excited to have her return home to IFC Films with her second feature, as well as welcome KiKi Layne to the family. The entire creative team behind the film are some of the best in the business and we are proud to continue to support rising new voices in the industry by coming on board at this early stage.”
IFC Films and Riegel collaborated previously for the release her coming-of age Indie Spirit-nominated drama HollerShe also directed the film, which starred Jessica Barden (End of the F*cking World), Gus Halper (Sing Street) Pamela Aldon (Californication, Better Things), Becky Ann Baker (Girls, Freaks and GeeksAustin Amelio (AMC’S The Walking Dead).
Layne’s breakout role was in Barry Jenkins’ 2018 drama Talking to Beale StreetThe film won accolades from critics groups, as well as a Gotham Award nomination in the Breakthrough Actor category.
Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner from The National compose the original music and score. Dandelion. The film credits of their films include Bardo, The Revenant The Two Popes(Bryce). CyranoAnd C’mon C’mon(Aaron, Bryce). The Grammy-winning artists, both in their own right and with The National, are the brothers. Bryce is known for his album. Murder Ballades with Eighth Blackbird and Aaron for Album of the Year with Taylor Swift’s Folklore.
Scott Shooman of WME Independent, IFC Films SVP and Productions Scott Shooman negotiated the deal for the film. Riegel is repped by Entertainment 360 and André Des Rochers of Granderson Des Rochers LLP. WME, Anonymous Content and Olivia Bell Management in the UK are Doherty’s reps. WME, Anonymous Content and Sloan offer rep Layne.