Apple Scores 'CODA' for Record Breaking $25 Million - It's THE Much Needed Film of Sundance 2021
Sundance Film Festival kicked off on January 28th virtually! Opening night presented many wonderful films, but none quite took the crowd and led conversations quite like “CODA”. Attendees loved ‘CODA’ (Children of Deaf Adults) so much that by day 3 of the fest there was already a bidding war! Apple Studios has officially won ‘CODA’ for a record-breaking $25 million sale!
Distributors seemed to agree, and there was a widespread belief that “CODA” has awards potential, with some insiders even predicting a date with the Oscars. Although the festival is virtual for the first time, there is plenty of hype behind the prestigious lineup this year. “I have been so moved by the outpouring of response to the film and am so excited to have found a partner in Apple that loves and deeply gets this movie, the spirit in which it was created and is committed to having this film reach the widest audience possible in a thoughtful and meaningful way,” Heder said in a statement to Variety. “The whole ‘CODA’ team is also so grateful to Sundance for being a part of the film’s journey. I hope that this film and Apple’s powerful support will help kick down some doors standing in the way of inclusion and representation and pave a path for more stories that center characters from the Deaf and Disabled community. The world has waited too long for these stories to be told. Now is the time. No more excuses.”
Breakout lead Emilia Jones plays Ruby, the daughter of a charismatic and tight-knit deaf family on the coast of Massachusetts. Fishermen by birth for generations, Ruby is crucial to the daily lives of her clan as the only hearing person in the house. Her dream of singing leads to a scholarship opportunity that forces a life-changing choice.
Breakout lead actress Emilia Jones Wows the Crowd in ‘CODA’. Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Heder directed the film and wrote the script. The cast includes Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Eugenio Derbez, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Amy Forsyth, and Kevin Chapman.
CODA, is a much-needed film. It’s a story that beautifully displays representation and moves the audience in more ways than expected. Written and directed by Siân Heder (it’s a remake of the 2014 French film ‘La Famille Bélier’), brings this all off with such sincerity and precision.
“This film has changed my life forever. It was such an honor to learn sign language. I fell in love with this beautiful language,” states lead actress Emilia Jones. “I’ve never felt so close to anyone in my life as I did with this. This movie was something so special to me and it really changed my life. I don’t think I’ll ever get this opportunity again. I’m really lucky!” Through the tumultuous year many of us has just had, CODA was a refreshing breath of fresh air that we all needed to reset. A film that you may come away feeling grateful that this flawless craftsmanship still exists.
