Bleecker Street has announced it has secured U.S. distribution rights to director Sebastián Lelio’s Disobedience, based on the book by Naomi Alderman. The film world premiered at the recent Toronto International Film Festival to strong critical acclaim for both Lelio’s filmmaking in his English language debut and standout performances by Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola.

From a screenplay by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film follows a woman as she returns from New York after the death of her estranged rabbi father to the Orthodox Jewish community in North London where she grew up. Once back at home, she stirs up controversy when she shows an interest in a childhood friend.

“Sebastian has captured, with real authenticity, the universality of love and faith, and the strength and sacrifice it takes to fight for what you believe in,” said Andrew Karpen, CEO of Bleecker Street. “We’re excited to bring Rachel Weisz’s, Rachel McAdams' and Alessandro Nivola’s powerful and honest performances to audiences across the country next year."

Director Lelio said, “Bleecker Street has proven in just a few years the power independent filmmaking can have across a wide range of audiences, and I am thrilled DISOBEDIENCE has found a home there with likeminded creatives.”

Producing are Frida Torresblanco for Braven Films, Ed Guiney for Element Pictures, and Rachel Weisz for LC6 Productions. Film4 developed the film and co-financed with FilmNation Entertainment who is also handling international sales.

Executive producers are Rose Garnett and Daniel Battsek for Film4, Ben Browning and Glen Basner for FilmNation Entertainment, Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures, as well as Eric Laufer and Giovanna Randall.

The deal was negotiated between Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy on behalf of Bleecker Street and WME Global and FilmNation Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.