Tribeca Film has acquired the North American rights to Somebody Up There Likes Me, the deadpan comedy from indie director Bob Byington that features remarkable performances from Keith Poulson, Nick Offerman and Jess Weixler. The film wowed audiences at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Byington’s home-base, and Tribeca welcomes the chance to make it available to wider audiences.

Byington’s latest film follows Max (Poulson) and his best friend Sal (Offerman) who, together with Lyla (Weixler), the woman they both adore, stumble through 35 years of seemingly mandatory but unfulfilling entanglements. Somebody Up There Likes Me marks a more scripted approach to filmmaking for Byington, whose signature freeform style previously defined films like RSO [Registered Sex Offender] (2008) and Harmony and Me (2009). Even with this more disciplined process, Byington’s wacky sensibilities make this comedic fable—about a man watching his life go by and wanting to do something about it—compelling viewing.

Geoff Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises, confirmed Tribeca Film’s enthusiasm for its latest acquisition: “Somebody Up There Likes Me displays all the quirkiness, personality, and distinction that defines independent filmmaking.” Gilmore went on to explain the film’s distinctive appeal: “Infused with a biting, dry sense of humor and filled with wonderful performances from a talented cast, Bob Byington’s latest film reaffirms his reputation for being one of the most wonderfully idiosyncratic directors at work today. Although the destination is familiar, the path that Byington charts is unexpected, strange and utterly unique.”

Bob Byington and actor/producer Nick Offerman likewise expressed their enthusiasm for their partnership with Tribeca. Bob Byington stated: “[We’re] very gratified that Tribeca responded to the film, and that Mr. Gilmore, who is a cinema icon, would put energy into releasing the film. [We’re] pleased to have made a film with a great team, and to be releasing the film with a team that is on par.” Offerman agreed: “Little films like ours are made exponentially more buoyant by the tender ministrations of a company like Tribeca. Finding ourselves in their tasteful clutches makes me as happy as a clam at high water.”

Also co-starring Kevin Corrigan, Megan Mullally and Kate Lyn Sheil, Somebody Up There Likes Me will be released both theatrically and on demand in Spring 2013. Prior to its release, it will continue its strong showings at U.S. and Canadian film festivals.

Watch the SXSW trailer here: 

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