Fox Acquires Sundance Favourite The Birth Of A Nation In Record £12m Deal

Fox Searchlight has reportedly acquired the rights to Sundance Film Festival favourite ‘The Birth of a Nation’ as part of a record-breaking deal.

The biopic tells the story of Nat Turner - who led the most successful slave rebellion in US history in the state of Virginia in 1831.

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Deadline reports that a deal for the worldwide rights worth $17.5 million (£12.2m) is being finalised after “one of the most freewheeling all-night bidding battles” ever seen at the festival.

The film received a standing ovation following its screening on Monday (25 Jan) and has been reviewed in kind. Vulture has described it as “powerful” and “uncompromising”.

Interestingly, the film is being directed by first-time director Nate Parker, who also wrote the script with Jean McGianni Celestin, is a producer and is its leading man, playing the role of Turner.

It also stars ‘The Social Network’s Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley and Penelope Ann Miller - seen above.

'The Birth of a Nation’s potential as an Oscar contender at the 2017 awards show was likely a major factor in the deal being struck and the amount of money involved.

It’s no stretch to say that the recent #OscarsSoWhite controversy regarding the lack of diversity in the major Academy Award categories also played a part. Next year the nominees will be scrutinised more than ever, and 'The Birth of a Nation’ could be a contender.

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Picture Credits: Fox Searchlight / The Hollywood Reporter.