Factory 25 Takes 'In Transit' for November Theatrical Release

By Elena Vasquez

Factory 25, the Brooklyn-based independent distributor, has acquired world rights to "In Transit." The film, directed by Jaclyn Bethany, stars Alex Sarrigeorgiou, François Arnaud, and Jennifer Ehle. Theatrical release begins November 1. Digital debut follows December 1.

The deal lands after the film won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at NewFest, the New York LGBTQ film festival. Factory 25 will handle the two-phase roll-out.

What is the film about?

Set in a small Maine town, "In Transit" follows Lucy, a longtime bartender at a local dive, and her longtime boyfriend Tom. Their routine fractures when Ilse, an older artist drifting through her own life, asks Lucy to model.

The connection deepens just as Lucy learns the bar has been sold. Her settled life begins to slip. The official synopsis frames the stakes: each woman "stirs in the other the possibility of a different kind of meaning."

The two-character chamber piece tracks Lucy and Ilse's evolving bond. The film, Bethany said, "turns this relationship on its head" — subverting the artist-and-muse dynamic.

Who is behind the film?

Bethany directs. Sarrigeorgiou wrote the screenplay and leads as Lucy. Arnaud, known for the series "Heated Rivalry," and Ehle co-star. Ehle received an Academy Award nomination for "Pride and Prejudice."

The cast is small by design. "The film is a chamber piece, rotating solely around two strong women and their desires," Bethany said.

What festival pedigree does the film have?

The NewFest Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature anchors the film's marketing position. NewFest, the New York LGBTQ film festival, handed the award to "In Transit" before the Factory 25 acquisition. The win signals strong early audience support ahead of the November 1 theatrical bow.

What does the filmmaker say?

Bethany framed the project around a thematic gap in contemporary cinema. "One of the themes that interests me most as a filmmaker is intimacy between women," she said. "It is quite simply something we do not see enough on screen."

She added: "When I received the script for 'In Transit' I was instantly transported to Lucy and Ilse's world — two women from completely different backgrounds who are brought together by fate, art and desire. Alex's script is beautiful, subtle and thought provoking."

On the film's wider purpose, Bethany stated: "I believe most women can see aspects of themselves through each character. The film explores a unique and invigorating relationship between two women, exploring many aspects of femininity, female sexuality and the vulnerability of womanhood — both through our bodies and minds."

How does the release break down?

Theatrical release starts November 1. Digital release follows December 1, a 30-day window. An exclusive trailer and poster accompany the announcement.

What is at stake?

The acquisition gives Factory 25 a female-led, festival-vetted drama for the late-year calendar. For Bethany, the release marks a step up in distribution scale from her prior independent features. The film, exploring female sexuality, vulnerability, and mid-life reinvention, now reaches a national theatrical audience starting November 1.