EXCLUSIVE: Scatena & Rosner (S&R) Films has acquired worldwide rights to 109 Billion Followers, the Ela Thier drama starring J.K. Simmons and his daughter, Olivia Simmons.

S&R will launch the pic at the Cannes Market, which begins this week. J.K Simmons (Whiplash), Olivia Simmons (You Can’t Run Forever) lead the ensemble cast, which also features Nina Arianda (Venus Fur), Jake Ryan (Asteroid City) and Julianna Layne (A Christmas Story Christmas).

The film follows lonely film student Emma (Olivia Simmons), who documents a man who claims to be the Grim Reaper (J.K. Simmons). Per the synopsis, “While she keeps everyone at arm’s length—including her devoted and openhearted cameraman (Jake Ryan), and her estranged mother (Nina Arianda), the Reaper leads her on a magical journey to meet herself as a teen, as a young girl, and as an infant. Emma comes to life by recovering her ability to love – while she still can.”

Gato Scatena, Managing Director of S&R Films negotiated the deal with Nicholas Tabarrok on behalf of the filmmakers. 

“Every once in a while, a film sneaks up on you emotionally in a way you don’t expect,” said Scatena. “This is one of those films. Anchored by deeply human and unforgettable performances, the film manages to be funny, heartbreaking, surreal, and ultimately life-affirming without ever feeling manipulative. It’s the kind of emotionally intelligent and completely novel dramedy that reminds you why independent cinema still matters. I was genuinely moved by it.”

Thier Productions and Darius Films co-produced the pic, which is written and directed by Thier, who also produced alongside Tabarrok. Milton Kam is director of photography and Lauren Helms the production designer. Casting is by Mia Cusumano and Meghan Rafferty.