BFI Distribution has acquired U.K.-Ireland theatrical rights to Imran Perretta ’s debut “Ish,” which premiered earlier this year in Venice’s Critics’ Week, where it won the Audience Award, before going on to compete for the Sutherland Award at the BFI London Film Festival. Dhiraj Mahey won the breakthrough producer prize for the film at the British Independent Film Awards.

The distributor is scheduling a release for next year. Global Constellation handles worldwide sales, and brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.

“Ish” follows 12-year-old best friends Ish and Maram, who wrestle to hold onto their friendship in the wake of a police stop and search. As the ripples take hold, the boys try to make sense of the men they are becoming – and how “letting go” can be the hardest part

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