EXCLUSIVE: Alief has unveiled first deals for Nick Butler’s LGBTQIA+ dark comedy Lunar Sway following the title’s sales launch at the EFM.
TLA Releasing and Optimale Distribution have U.S. and acquired UK and French-speaking Europe respectively for a limited theatrical release in fall 2026.
The picture stars Noah Parker (Who By Fire) as an eccentric young man living in a remote desert town, pining after an ex. When his estranged birth mother turns up, they quickly bond. He thinks he has finally found someone he can relate to, but she comes with her share of secrets and ulterior motives.
Parker is joined in the cast by Liza Weil (Gilmore Girls), Grace Glowicki (Tito), Douglas Smith (Big Love) and Kaden Connors (Heated Rivalry).
Lunar Sway is Butler’s second film after debut feature film The Legacy of Cloudy Falls. Butler is also known for his casting work on titles such as Downsizing, Dim The Fluorescents, The Rehearsal and Euphoria.
The deal was negotiated by Cyril Rota from Optimale Distribution, Adam Silver from TLA Releasing and Brett Walker with Miguel Govea at Alief on behalf of Canadian director Butler’s New York-based Cloudy Pictures Inc.
“We are excited to be teaming up with cutting-edge distribution teams that focus on queer films,” said Butler. “This is a film about looking for love in all the wrong places and the chaos, humour, romance and sadness that comes with that, and both TLA and Optimale have the understanding to bring this to audiences that will connect with that message.”
Production wrapped in September 2024 in the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia. It was presented at the Locarno Film Festival’s Locarno Pro work-in-progress showcase last August, in a cohort which included Berlinale 2026 Competition title Nina Roza, winning two post-production awards.
“Lunar Sway was a perfect addition to our catalogue of titles,” said Adam Silver of TLA Releasing. “As a key distributor of independent LGBTQ+ cinema in the US and UK, Nick’s latest film represents a universal misfit story that our audiences can relate to.”
“Starting as a classic coming-of-age story in the countryside, Lunar Sway surprises the audience, taking storylines that we wouldn’t expect with a twisted and refreshing sense of humour and subversion. Brilliantly directed with very creative visuals and led by charming and talented revelation Noah Parker,” added Cyril Rota, Optimale distribution head.
Lunar Sway is produced by Lucas Meeuse and Jennifer Wrede. It is financed with support from Telefilm Canada and the Canada Council For The Arts.
