‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ Lands High Six-Figure Distribution Deal After Sundance Premiere
If I Go Will They Miss Me, a coming-of-age drama that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, has secured a high six-figure distribution deal with indie banner Rich Spirit. The agreement, reportedly nearing $1 million, covers U.S. rights and select international territories. A theatrical release is planned for the fall.
Written and directed by Walter Thompson-Hernandez, the film expands on his earlier short of the same name. The feature stars Danielle Brooks, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and newcomer Bodhi Dell. The story centers on 12-year-old Lil Ant (Dell), a boy grappling with a distant relationship with his father (Nicholson) while experiencing mysterious visions that complicate his emotional landscape. The narrative blends intimate family drama with subtle supernatural undertones, positioning it within Sundance’s tradition of character-driven, formally distinctive independent films.
Following its premiere, the film drew strong critical attention. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge described Thompson-Hernandez as a “talent-to-watch,” calling the film a distinctive discovery within this year’s festival lineup. Positive early reviews likely contributed to the competitive interest that led to the acquisition.
In a statement announcing the deal, Thompson-Hernandez described the Sundance debut as a milestone and expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Rich Spirit for the film’s theatrical rollout. He characterized the project as a “labor of love,” emphasizing the collaborative effort behind its production and his eagerness for audiences to see it on the big screen.
The film was produced by Josh Peters, Saba Zerehi, and Ben Stillman. Executive producers include Robina Riccitiello, Steve Beckman, Isaac Ericson, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Sako Fisher, Meredith Crowley, Jonathan Weiner, Grace Lay, Tyler Bagley, Jack Chinery, Ryan Lynn, Brooks, and Nicholson. Jon Batiste contributed a cover of “This Bitter Earth” for the soundtrack and also serves as an executive producer, adding additional visibility to the project through his involvement.
The distribution deal was negotiated by Eugene Pikulin at Bruns Brennan Berry Pikulin & Jacobs LLP and the UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers and Rich Spirit.
Rich Spirit, founded by producer James Shani, has recently gained industry attention for its selective but ambitious slate. The company previously handled The Apprentice, a controversial biographical drama about Donald Trump that faced distribution challenges before release. Its second acquisition, BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, was positioned as an experimental documentary blending art, journalism, and cultural commentary. With If I Go Will They Miss Me, Rich Spirit continues to build its profile around films that merge artistic voice with cultural relevance.
The high six-figure sale underscores the ongoing marketplace value of Sundance premieres, particularly for films that balance strong performances with thematic depth. While the independent film market has faced tightening budgets and more cautious buying patterns in recent years, breakout titles with clear critical momentum continue to attract meaningful distribution offers.
With a fall theatrical release on the horizon, If I Go Will They Miss Me enters the next phase of its rollout positioned as both a Sundance discovery and a showcase for Thompson-Hernandez’s emerging voice in independent cinema.
