Phase 4 Films has acquired the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to Free Ride, the first film from CASM, the production company of Stephen Moyer, Anna Paquin, Cerise Hallam Larkin, and Mark Larkin. Free Ride is written and directed by Shana Betz.

Anna Paquin plays a single mom who moves to Florida with her daughters to try and make a better life, but gets caught up in the drug-trade business in the late 1970s. Cam Gigandet plays Paquin’s love interest.

From Deadline/Hollywood:

“Shana Betz has written and directed a poignant and gripping film anchored by a powerful performance by Anna Paquin,” says Phase 4′s Barry Meyerowitz. “We look forward to working with Shana, and the entire cast and producing team to bring this film to audiences.”

“It’s always very exciting to discover talented writers and directors at the beginning of their careers. Based on the life story of Shana Betz, our writer-director, Free Ride tells an emotionally intense story of survival, and the lengths a mother will go to, to take care of her children,” said Paquin. ”This was a story we felt passionately needed to be told. We are thrilled that Phase 4 is as excited about the film as we are and look forward to working with them.”

Phase 4′s Larry Greenberg and Katharyn Howe did the deal with Paradigm’s Nick LoPiccolo and attorney Ron Levin. Featured Artists Agency’s Brian Dreyfuss reps Betz and was heavily involved in packaging the movie. Cargo Entertainment is handling international sales.

Poster Source: I’m Here For Sookie