EXCLUSIVE: Greenwich Entertainment has picked up U.S. distribution rights to Sundance drama The Friend’s House Is Here, written, directed, and produced by husband and wife filmmaking duo Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz.

The Alma Linda Films production had its world premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance where it won the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast. Greenwich will release the critically praised film in theaters this fall.

Shot entirely in secret in Tehran last summer, the movie “tells the story of two young women who carve out a vibrant world of freedom, creativity, and sisterhood within Tehran’s underground art scene. But when their community is exposed, they are forced to fight to protect one another and the fragile life they have built.”

The acquisition was negotiated by Greenwich’s Andy Bohn with WME Independent representing the filmmakers. Pic was executive-produced by Maryam Keshavarz (The Persian Version).

The production was mounted under extremely challenging conditions, beginning after the country’s bombing by the U.S. last summer. With limited communication access inside Iran, the filmmakers faced significant logistical hurdles in bringing the film to Sundance. In order to deliver the final cut, a member of the team transported the hard drive across the border into Turkey during a 12-hour drive through five security checkpoints. Members of the cast were unable to attend the premiere due to U.S. visa restrictions and they remain in Tehran.

“It’s been such an incredible journey to make this film underground with our fearless actors and smuggle it out of Iran,” said Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz. “We have been so humbled by the reception at Sundance and are overjoyed to work with Greenwich on the theatrical release to bring it to audiences across the country.”