Versatile Boards International Sales to ‘The Sound of Animals Fighting’

Versatile has boarded “The Sound of Animals Fighting,” Sibs Shongwe-La Mer’s sophomore feature, which will topline Emile Hirsch and Alice Braga.

The film is being produced by Fireworx Media and is repped by Versatile in international markets, while XYZ represents the project in the U.S. Both companies will start shopping the project at the American Film Market.

Shongwe-La Mer made his feature debut with “Necktie Youth,” which premiered at the Berlinale, then played at the Tribeca, AFI, Sydney, and London festivals, and at Durban International, where it won best film and best director awards.

“The Sound of Animals Fighting” follows two young brothers, James and Mickey, who flee their homeland after their close friend dies during a decadent night in Johannesburg. Seeking refuge in the grand metropolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil, they are instantly thrust into a world of hedonism and danger as they navigate the world of organized crime, drug smuggling and romance.

Hirsch, who’s starred in “Lone Survivor,””Milk” and “Into the Wild,” will play the role of the older brother, James. Braga, best-known for her roles in “City of God,” “Elysium” and “Queen of the South,” will play the film’s femme fatale lead, Valentina.

Sibs is represented by LBI Entertainment and Creative Artists Agency, and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd. in London, which is working with the team to package the film. Hirsch is represented by UTA, and Braga is handled by WME.

Principal photography is set to kick off during the second quarter of 2018. Filming will take place in Johannesburg and Sao Paulo.

Source: Variety