Bleecker Street Acquires U.S. Rights To TIFF Buzz Title ‘One Life’; Tour De Force For Anthony Hopkins

Bleecker Street has successfully secured the U.S. distribution rights for 'One Life,' a notable entry at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by James Hawes, the compelling drama features an ensemble cast including Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Marthe Keller, Jonathan Pryce, and Helena Bonham Carter. The screenplay, written by Lucinda Coxon and Nick Drake, brings this project to life, and it is a collaborative production by See-Saw Films, developed in partnership with BBC Film. Bleecker Street has set its sights on a theatrical release for the film in 2024.

Adapted from Barbara Winton's book, "If It’s Not Impossible…: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton," 'One Life' narrates the remarkable tale of Nicholas "Nicky" Winton, portrayed by Johnny Flynn, a young London broker who embarked on a life-changing journey to Prague in December 1938. Racing against the impending threat of Nazi border closures, Winton successfully persuades Trevor Chadwick, played by Alex Sharp, and Doreen Warriner, portrayed by Romola Garai, both integral members of the British Committee for Refugees in Czechoslovakia, to join him in a mission to rescue as many children as possible.

Five decades later, an older Nicky, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, still bears the weight of the children he couldn't save from the clutches of the Nazis. It isn't until a chance encounter with some of the survivors, brought to his attention by the BBC show "That’s Life!," that he begins to confront the guilt and sorrow that have haunted him. This unexpected reconnection propels him from obscurity to the status of a national hero.

One Life received significant backing from BBC Film and stands as a collaborative presentation by BBC Film and MBK Productions, in partnership with Cross City Films, FilmNation Entertainment, and Lipsync. The dedicated team of producers behind this project includes Joanna Laurie, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Guy Heeley. Serving as executive producers are Simon Gillis, Eva Yates, Barbara Winton, Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, and Peter Hampden.

The deal for See-Saw and Cross City Films was skillfully brokered by CAA Media Finance, with the expertise of Simon Gill. On the distribution front, Bleecker Street was represented by Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy. FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales.

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