IFC Films announced today that they are acquiring North American rights to the millennial rom-com Dating & New York, starring Jaboukie Young-White and Francesca Reale. The film written and directed by Jonah Feingold, which is also his feature directorial debut. The film is an official selection of the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival and is set to make its World Premiere at the festival this Sunday, June 13.
Dating & New York follows New York City single millennials, Milo (Jaboukie Young-White) and Wendy (Francesca Reale), once they are thrown together by a dating app at what might be the worst, most complicated time for romance in their lives. After the requisite ghosting following a one-night stand, the magic of New York pulls them back together, and the jaded pair draws up a friends with benefits contract to avoid the pitfalls of a relationship. With one foot in the single life, their intentions and inner dating demons are tested as they run into exes, exchange profound text messages, and contend with a seemingly perfect new relationship between their best friends. For Wendy and Milo, their fate is decided when one of them catches real feelings, and the two must figure out how to remain friends, knowing they love one another, or decide to never text each other again.
Director Jonah Feingold added, “Those wishing stars in storybooks I grew up reading might actually work… It’s a dream come true to partner with IFC. They immediately blew us away with their vision and sincere passion towards our fairy-tale feel-good romantic comedy about modern romance in a time when it couldn’t be more complicated. Our cast and crew had a blast making this film, and we’re so excited to be in the IFC family.”
Dating & New York features a cast of emerging actors and comedians; Jaboukie Young-White (The Daily Show with Trevor Noah), Francesca Reale (Stranger Things), Catherine Cohen (Seek Treatment podcast), Brian Muller (Bridge and Tunnel), and Jerry Ferrara (Entourage). Rounding out the cast is Arturo Castro (Broad City), Alex Moffat (Saturday Night Live), Taylor Hill, Yedoye Travis, Sondra James, Sohina Sidhu, and Eva Victor. The film is produced by Joaquin Acrich and co-produced by Katie Schiller and Kieran Altmann (Shiva Baby). Executive producing are Spencer Barkoff, Jerry Ferrara, Tracy Kopulsky, Matthew Lev, Mason Novick, Francesca Reale, Craig Swidler, Sam Weinstein and Jaboukie Young-White.
Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films said, “Jonah’s take on dating in the app age is both incredibly funny and refreshingly optimistic, with shades of Nora Ephron and classic romantic comedies. It’s also an amazing showcase for so many young comedians, especially Jaboukie Young-White, and a perfect New York City film to launch at the Tribeca Film Festival. We’re so pleased to be partnering with Jonah for his debut feature.”
The deal for the film was negotiated by IFC Films’ Director of Acquisitions Aijah Keith and Acquisitions Coordinator Adam Koehler with UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers. IFC Films will release the film theatrically, on digital platforms, and Cable VOD September 2021.
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