Los Angeles-based XYZ Films has acquired the distribution rights to D.W. Waterson’s debut feature Backspot in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

The competitive cheerleading drama, directed by Waterson, will will have its U.S. theatrical release in spring 2024, according to a news release.

The rights deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group with James Emanuel Shapiro from XYZ Films.

Waterson produced Backspot alongside the film’s star Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs through their prodco Night is Y. Martin Katz of Prospero Pictures and Alona Metzer are also producers, while Joanne Sarazen wrote the script based on a story by Waterson.

The film is executive produced by Elliot Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, J.C. Davidson and Katisha Shaw, with Nikki Yee co-producing. Canadian distribution for the film is handled by levelFILM. Backspot will stream on Crave and broadcast on CBC and also be available on CBC Gem.

Backspot, which made its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, follows the story of an ambitious cheerleader (Jacobs) whose drive for perfection and relationship is tested when she and her girlfriend (played by Kudakwashe Rutendo) are selected for an all- star cheer squad.

The film’s cast also includes Thomas Antony Olajide, Noa Diberto, Olunike Adeliyi, Wendy Crewson and Shannyn Sossamon.

“What do you do after you’ve just seen the best cheerleading movie since Bring It On? If you’re a distributor, you beg the filmmakers to let you work on the film. I’m so grateful and excited the filmmakers chose us as their partners on Backspot and cannot wait to share this film with audiences next year,” said James Emanuel Shapiro, XYZ’s EVP, U.S. distribution, in a statement.

The film’s producers added that “through conversations, XYZ has proven their deep understanding of our kickass cheerleading film and has been a steadfast champion.”

XYZ’s roster of titles include Matt Johnson’s BlackBerry (Rhombus Media, Zapruder Films), and Atom Egoyan’s Seven Veils (Ego Film Arts, Rhombus Media), among others.

Photo courtesy of Night is Y