IFC to 'Mother' pic

Cuaron's 'Mama' coming to North America

By DANA HARRIS

Cuaron

HOLLYWOOD -- IFC Films has acquired North American distribution rights to Alfonso Cuaron's erotic coming-of-age story, "Y Tu Mama Tambien" ("And Your Mother Too").

Shot entirely in Mexico, "Y Tu Mama Tambien" centers on a pair of best friends who embark on a sexually charged road trip with a seductive woman they barely know.

Pic stars Maribel Verdu, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna and was produced by Jorge Vergara and Cuaron, who also co-wrote the script with his brother, screenwriter Carlos Cuaron.

Mexican record setter

IFC is planning a mid-2002 release for the film, which had the biggest three-day opening of any locally made film in the history of Mexican theatrical film distribution. "Y Tu Mama Tambien" was released in Mexico by 20th Century Fox, grossed $1.3 million on 250 screens in its first weekend and earned another $1.2 million in its second weekend, bringing its 10-day cume to $3.3 million.

IFC senior VP marketing and distribution Bob Berney and director of acquisitions Sarah Lash negotiated the deal on behalf of IFC, with Endeavor repping the filmmakers.

Good Machine Intl. has handled international sales of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" outside of North America, Latin America and Spain.