California-based distributor Gravitas Ventures has acquired all U.S. rights to Shasha Nakhai’s feature documentary Take Light.

The project will receive a limited U.S. theatrical release via Gravitas in October, as well as a Canadian theatrical release led by producer Storyline Entertainment and supported by the OMDC.

On the international front, U.S.-based distribution company Journeyman Pictures picked up worldwide sales rights to the project.

Take Light is the directorial debut feature from Nakhai and explores the energy crisis in Nigeria. Born in the Philippines, Nakhai grew up in Nigeria and came to Canada as an international student in 2003. Her previous directorial credits include the shorts Paruparo (2013) and The Sugar Bowl (2011). Nakhai is also a producer on the feature project Scarborough (directed by Rich Williamson and penned by Catherine Hernandez), which earlier this year received funding through Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program.

Take Light was commissioned by CBC’s documentary Channel and supported by the CMF, OMDC, Telefilm and the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Funds. CBC’s documentary Channel holds the exclusive domestic TV and digital rights, with the project slated to make its world broadcast premiere on the channel later this year.

“As the global demand for African films increases, it’s a privilege to be working on a documentary that so intelligently defies stereotypes and which presents an honest and nuanced picture of everyday life in Nigeria,” said Journeyman Pictures’ acquisitions exec Percy Preston in a statement.