IFC Films nabs breakthrough star Thomas Mann’s “Preppie Connection”

PanARMENIAN.Net - IFC Films acquired North American rights to Joseph Castelo’s drama “The Preppie Connection” starring Thomas Mann, Variety has learned exclusively.

“The Preppie Connection” had its world premiere on Oct. 10 at the Hamptons Film Festival, where Mann won the “Breakthrough Performer” award. Based on a true story, the film was directed by Castelo from a script he co-wrote with Ashley Rudden.

Mann, who also starred in “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” portrays a working class prodigy who steps into the elite corridors of a prep school in his hometown and learns that the path into the world of “Preppies” is to supply them with cocaine. He uses his connections and fearlessness to impress his new friends, but finds that accessing the world of privilege comes at a steep cost.

The film also stars Lucy Fry, Sam Page, Logan Huffman, Bill Sage, Amy Hargreaves, Jessica Rothe, Hemky Madera, Robert Gorrie, Guillermo Arribas and Dylan Blue.

“The Preppie Connection” is produced by Joseph Mensch, Adam Folk, Joseph Castelo, Billy Raftery, Charlie Bunting, Eric Schultz and Carlo Sirtori. Exec producers are Octavius Prince, Andrew Kelley and Marisol Page.

Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, said, “Joseph Castelo brings an authentic voice and deft hand to his film, and he elicits another excellent performance from breakout star Thomas Mann.”

The deal for the film was negotiated with ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.