Vertigo Releasing has acquired distribution rights for The Young Offenders.

The acquisition will allow the film to be seen in the UK, Canada, the USA, and Australia and New Zealand (in addition to Ireland).

The film is based around Ireland’s biggest cocaine seizure, which occurred when a boat got in trouble in west Cork. It follows as two hapless young teens decide to go on a trip to find one of the bales of cocaine.

The Young Offenders is a first-time feature for director Peter Foott  and stars young Cork actors, Alex Murphy and Chris Walley.

Peter Foott said of the distribution deal:

The cast, crew and myself are delighted! Having our film reach such a huge audience is incredible and we are so happy it’s Vertigo who are taking us on this journey.

The film also stars Hilary Rose (of The Republic Of Telly) and stand-up comedian PJ Gallagher (Naked Camera).

It has grossed over €1m for Wildcard Distribution in Ireland, and is still playing in Irish cinemas.

Rupert Preston and Ed Caffrey of Vertigo Releasing described The Young Offenders as “one of the funniest and freshest films we’ve seen in years”, saying they are “thrilled to be working with Peter to bring the film to a UK and international audience”.

(Excerpted from http://www.thejournal.ie)