Critics loved the film CODA at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. It currently sits on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100%, with reviewers praising its touching story and spin on the “coming-of-age” tropes. Now the film has a new home after a record-breaking deal following its premiere.
Apple has landed the worldwide rights to CODA, for what is reported at a number over $25 million. This is a brand-new Sundance record, with last year’s Palm Springs getting picked up by Hulu/Neon for a then-record setting $22.5 million. Industry reports say critics weren’t the only ones who loved it, as buyers at the festival went nuts for it. There were reportedly multiple offers on the table, and the bidding quickly surpassed that of Palm Springs‘s hefty price-tag.
This deal was led for Apple by heads of Worldwide Video Zack Van Amburg & Jamie Erlicht. The pair brought home the Sundance docu Boys State last year, which would go on to enter the Oscar race currently happening. Apple will look to take CODA down a similar path, hoping to get a few nominations for this piece.
SEE ALSO: Read our review of CODA here
“In Gloucester, Massachusetts, a culturally Deaf family runs a fishing business. Ruby, who is 17 years old and the only hearing family member, helps her Deaf parents and brother with the business. In high school, she joins the choir club, where she is attracted to her duet partner and finds a passion for singing.”
CODA is directed by Sian Heder and stars Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, and Eugenio Derbez.
Originally published January 30, 2021. Updated February 4, 2021.
