Mark Urman's Paladin has picked up 'Blood Done Sign My Name.'
Mark Urman's fledgling distribution shingle Paladin has picked up Jeb Stuart's civil rights drama "Blood Done Sign My Name" and set a February release date to coincide with Black History Month.
"Blood," based on Timothy Tyson's book, explores the racial upheaval and ensuing social change provoked by the true-life acquittal of a white father and son accused of murdering a black man in public view in 1970 in Oxford, N.C.
Paladin will open the film on about 100 screens on Feb. 19 in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and several cities in North Carolina and Virginia. Further expansion will take place through March.
Tyson's book has sold more than 150,000 copies since its publication in 2004. Tyson was 10 years old at the time of the murder and watched as his father,
pastor of an all-white Methodist church, tried in vain to get his congregation to reconcile with their African-American neighbors.
Nate Parker ("Red Tails") stars as civil rights activist Ben Chavis, and Rick Schroder portrays Tyson's father. Cast includes Afemo Omilami, Lela Rochon, Nick Searcy, Michael Rooker, Darrin Dewitt Henson and Gattlin Griffith.
Stuart, best known for penning "The Fugitive" and "Die Hard," wrote, directed and produced as he drew on his own experience as the son of a white Southern minister who lived through the events portrayed in the film. Mari Stuart, Mel Efros and Robert K. Steel also produced.
Urman, who launced Paladin in September, told Daily Variety that the breakout box office success of "Precious" had drawn him to "Blood."
"There's an African-American arthouse audience that's underserved," he added. "We're also in a position to take advantage of the real-life heroes of this story to promote this film."
Paladin's inaugural release was "Disgrace," the adaptation of the J.M. Coetzee novel starring John Malkovich, followed by "Splinterheads," written and directed by Brant Sersen.
It's also launching "The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond," based on Tennessee Williams' screenplay, on Dec. 30 in a platform release followed by an expansion in January. Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Evans, Ellen Burstyn and Ann-Margret star.
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com