Sony Classics warms to "Frozen River"

PARK CITY, Utah (Hollywood Reporter) - The Sundance competition entry "Frozen River," Courtney Hunt's drama about immigrants and single mothers, has been sold to Sony Pictures Classics.

Set in upstate New York, the drama examines a working-class single mother who teams up with a Native American woman who runs an illegal immigrant-smuggling operation.

A number of independent distributors were circling the pic, which stars Melissa Leo and Misty Upham. The film's producers were said to be impressed by SPC's award campaigning for Amy Adams in "Junebug" two years ago.

The specialty division scooped up North American rights to the film for a figure said to be just under $1 million. The movie is the first pickup for the company at Sundance.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter