Icon Finds Loach’s ‘Eric’

British outfit Icon Film Distribution has picked up the UK home
and theatre rights to acclaimed director Ken Loach’s latest Looking For Eric,
currently in production in Manchester. The film is being repped by the fine
folks at Wild Bunch with Sixteen Films, Canto Bros., and Why Not Productions
adding to the British/French co-production.

Screen describes the story as following “Eric, a
Manchester-based postman who finds himself in a personal crisis because of his
broken heart and chaotic family life.” The film was spawned through
conversations between Loach, writer Paul Laverty, producer Rebecca O’Brien, and
French football legend Eric Cantona. Whether the picture’s Eric has any direct or
rhetorical relation to Cantona is unclear. Also unclear is the role the great
game plays in the film, though it is described as being “inspired by the
foot-balling genius of Eric Cantona and his very special relationship with all
who love football.” Yeah I’m not sure what that means either.

Brit TV staples Steve Evets (Summer) and John Henshaw (The
Restraint of Beasts) are starring along with relative newcomer Stephanie
Bishop. Interesting casting to say the least.

Loach’s love for footie is well known. A passionate supporter
of his local club Bath City FC, the director even worked the pitch into his
contribution to Chacun son Cinema (Happy Ending) – where a father and son
choose to go to a soccer match in lieu of sitting through any number of Hollywood blockbusters. [The short can be viewed HERE,
but it requires the downloading of an app in order to watch]

It’s too early to tell when Looking for Eric will see
release, but don’t be surprised if it pops up at Cannes next year given Loach’s
preferred status at the festival.