Kino Lorber Takes Clio Barnard's 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning' for North America

Kino Lorber has acquired North American distribution rights to Clio Barnard's "I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning," with a theatrical release planned for 2027. The deal arrives days after the film picked up eight British Independent Film Award nominations, including best British independent film, best director, best screenplay and best ensemble performance.

The film stars a cluster of fast-rising U.K. and Irish actors: Anthony Boyle ("Manhunt"), Joe Cole ("Gangs of London," "Peaky Blinders"), Jay Lycurgo ("Steve"), Daryl McCormack ("Wake Up Dead Man," "Bad Sisters") and Lola Petticrew ("Furious"). After the theatrical run, Kino Lorber will roll out digital, educational and home video releases.

What has the film won so far?

Quite a lot. "I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning" premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section at Cannes, where it won the people's choice audience award. It then screened at the Rome Film Festival, taking the top prize in the progressive cinema competition, with Boyle sharing the best actor award. Eight BIFA nominations followed. That's a festival run most films only dream about, and the distribution deal suggests the momentum has a commercial echo too.

What is the story about?

The film adapts Keiran Goddard's novel, with the screenplay by Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh ("Die My Love," "Small Things Like These"). It follows five childhood friends — Patrick, Shiv, Rian, Oli and Conor — who grew up on a Birmingham estate, skipped school together and dreamt of the lives they would one day lead.

Now they've hit thirty, and reality bites. Patrick (Boyle) and Shiv (Petticrew) remain happily married until an old secret opens new wounds. Oli (Lycurgo), the group's life and soul, is partying too hard and fading by the day. Conor (McCormack) has a baby on the way and a business plan that could change everything. Rian (Cole) alone left the estate for a high-paying London property job, yet he's lonely and disconnected, missing home. As the friends fight for their futures, rifts open in once unbreakable bonds, and the dreams they shared drift further out of reach.

What did the director say?

Barnard, for whom this marks a fifth feature as director, said: "When I read Keiran's novel 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning' I absolutely loved being in the company of Shiv, Patrick, Conor, Oli and Rian. I wanted to share this wonderful friendship group and the story of the struggles faced by their generation with cinema audiences so I'm absolutely thrilled that the film will have a release in the USA."

Her previous feature, "Ali & Ava," also premiered in Directors' Fortnight at Cannes and went on to win two BIFAs and earn two BAFTA nominations. Barnard, in other words, has form with this pipeline.

Who brokered the deal?

Kino Lorber's VP of acquisitions, Karoliina Dwyer, negotiated the deal with Charades and Gersh. Dwyer said: "Director Clio Barnard has crafted something truly special with 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning,' a beautifully observed coming of age story that sensitively captures a generation grappling with unrealized dreams. Her superb cast brings warmth and vulnerability to the five friends at the heart of the film, with an infectious energy that sweeps you into their shared celebrations, fears, and heartbreaks. We're thrilled to bring this stunning film to North American audiences."

The film was produced by Barnard's long-term producer Tracy O'Riordan ("Ali & Ava," "Alice & Jack," "Dream Horse," "Dark River," "The Selfish Giant") of Moonspun Films. It was developed with BBC Film, which co-financed with the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), in association with TPC, Charades and Curzon Film.

North American audiences now face a wait until 2027 — but if the film repeats even half of its festival-season success, it will be worth it.