Fun at the Blue Fox
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired North American rights to “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” a unique coming-of-age story about two teenagers who form a special bond after once met one summer. The sale comes months after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release for the film this summer, though an exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division handles international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, incredible director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we’re proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences- well across the US,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking his directorial debut. It is based on the YA novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz about two teenage Mexican American boys in 1987 El Paso who explore a new, unusual friendship and the difficult path of self-discovery. Newcomers Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales star as Aristotle and Dante (whose characters, yes, share their classical names), alongside a cast that includes Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón ( “Ozark”) and Kevin Alejandro (“Fire Country” ).
“To say it’s a dream come true is very simple,” said Alberto. “This is a journey of a lifetime and I can’t wait to share this piece of my heart with the world. I just hope that viewers of all kinds can see themselves in the film and that it ignites feelings of hope and empathy — that it reminds them that love sometimes, and indeed often, comes in unexpected forms. I’m forever grateful to the Blue Fox team for making it possible. See you at the movies.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a film producer through his company 5000 Broadway Productions. The “Hamilton” creator narrated the audio version of Sáenz’s novel and joined the film after Alberto reached out on social media.
“Bringing this beautiful coming-of-age story to the big screen is very satisfying,” Miranda said. “Thanks to the unique vision of our director / screenwriter, Aitch Alberto, the story of Ari and Dante has been translated to the big screen with honesty and reliability. Thank you for new voices and new stories. “
Along with Miranda, the film’s producers include Dylan Sellers and Chris Parker of Limelight Productions, Valerie Stadler of Big Swing Productions, and Ben Odell and Eugenio Derbez of 3Pas Studios. Limelight financed the film with Boies/Schiller Entertainment. Zack Schiller, David Boies, Kyra Sedgwick, Meredith Bagby also serve as executive producers with Alberto.
“At 3PAS it’s very important for us to support new voices and we couldn’t be more proud of Aitch for bringing this beautiful story to life in the most authentic way, and separating the cliches,” said Derbez. “We can’t wait for viewers to meet Ari and Dante!”
The deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group and WME. UTA represents Alberto and Limelight.
Blue Fox Entertainment’s current US releases include the rom-com “The End of Sex,” starring Emily Hampshire and thriller “Bunker.” Previous releases include “The Wolf & The Lion,” the action-thriller “Killerman” with Liam Hemsworth, and the Bill Nighy comedy “Sometimes Never.”
Ahead of the film’s debut at TIFF, Aitch said different he wanted to make “a classic American movie that is relevant not only to us as Latinos, but to everyone.”
“And one that undermines the expectation and the tropes that we’ve seen before, which are often violent or lack authenticity in my experience,” he added. “I didn’t come from a super accepting family, but there was a lot of love. I really hope that translates to the audience.