Alief, the international sales agent based in France and the United Kingdom, has acquired rights to 'Borges and Me,' a film adaptation of Jay Parini's memoir about his formative encounter with Argentine literary figure Jorge Luis Borges. The project represents a significant theatrical deal for the company as it expands its catalog ahead of major market screenings.
Directed by Marc Turtletaub, who previously helmed 'Jules,' the film is produced by his label Big Beach, known for 'Miss Sunshine.' The screenwriter is Oren Moverman, best known for 'The Messenger.' The narrative follows Parini, a young American graduate student at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 1971, as he navigates his early struggles to find his voice as a writer.
In the story, Parini is persuaded by his mentor, the Scottish poet and translator Alistair Reid, to drive Borges on a week-long road trip through the Scottish Highlands. The journey, taken in an old Morris Minor, begins as a reluctant obligation but evolves into a profound experience that changes Parini's life. The trip culminates in a meeting with poet George Mackay Brown.
The film features a distinguished cast led by Fionn Whitehead as Parini and Luis Gnecco as Borges. Alan Cumming and Peter Mullan also star in the production. The film was described by Alief President Brett Walker as a charming ride imbued with poetry, magical realism, and melancholy, highlighting the outstanding quality of the British cast.
Commercial momentum for the film has been strong. Prior to the American Film Market, the movie secured first major market theatrical deals with Icon Distribution for the U.K. and Ireland, Rialto Distribution for Australia and New Zealand, and MFA Film for German-speaking Europe. Additionally, Alfa Pictures acquired rights for Spain and other major markets.
Alief reported on the first day of trading at the American Film Market that it is currently in negotiations with buyers from Central Europe, the Middle East and North Africa region, Mexico, the Cono Sur countries of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, as well as Asia. This broad interest underscores the film's appeal across diverse international audiences.
The source material reflects the real-life relationship between Parini and the 72-year-old Borges. Despite his fame, Borges famously noted in a poem that he had not been happy. In the film, Gnecco’s portrayal captures moments of comedy and emotion, delivering a life-changing lesson to the young student. Parini’s voiceover in the film states that Borges has remained with him every day since their meeting.
Production details indicate that 'Borges and Me' is a presentation by Big Beach, involving Ossian International, Lemming Film, and A Private View. Alex Polunin, Turtletaub, Michael B. Clark, and Tim Foley are listed as producers, while Stephen Burt, Moverman, and Parini serve as executive producers.
Distributors have expressed enthusiasm for the project. Kelly Roger, CEO of Rialto Distribution, cited the film’s warmth and gentle wit, describing it as a beautiful story about an unlikely friendship between different generations. Spencer Pollard, CEO of Icon Film Distribution, expressed excitement about releasing the film in the U.K. and Ireland next year. Christian Meinke of MFA Film noted that the combination of Borges’ poetry and the magic of the Highlands makes for a delightful package suitable for arthouse audiences.
Director Turtletaub praised Alief for their passion and the enthusiasm shown by their partner distributors. Alief partner Miguel Govea added that the film captures the essence of the book with striking clarity, creating an evocative and upbeat road movie that resonates with both buyers and potential viewers.
