October 30, 2014 - 14:56 AMT
The Orchard nabs “Meet Me in Montenegro” Toronto Fest drama

Film and TV distributor The Orchard has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to “Meet Me in Montenegro”, which premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in theaters next year, Variety reported.

Real-life couple Alex Holdridge (“In Search of a Midnight Kiss”) co-directed the love story with Linnea Saasen, and the duo also star alongside Rupert Friend (“Homeland”) and Jennifer Ulrich.

Art imitates life in “Meet Me in Montenegro,” as it is closely tied to Holdridge and Saasen's real-life relationship. The film centers around L.A.-based writer-filmmaker Anderson (Holdridge) and Norwegian dancer Lina (Saasen), who shared a brief whirlwind romance which took them from Berlin to Montenegro, where Lina vanished – leaving only a note. Years later, a chance encounter reignites their mutual attraction, but their romantic future is ultimately in the hands of fate.

“Linnea and I are both thrilled to be working with the Orchard,” said Holdridge. “We truly couldn't have dreamed up a better group of creative, passionate and ambitious partners. To us their infusion of creative energy is the shot of adrenaline the U.S. film distribution world has been awaiting for a long time. It is the most exciting company in film distribution right now — bar none. We feel very lucky to be part of what they are launching this year.”

“From the minute we saw Alex and Linnea's film in Toronto, we were taken by the charm and wit of ‘Meet Me in Montenegro.’ And while the themes of love, relationships and commitment are universal, we loved that the personality of the film is unique unto itself,” said Paul Davidson, senior VP of film and TV at the Orchard.

The deal was negotiated by Danielle DiGiacomo of The Orchard and Cinetic Media.