First Independent Pictures has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Holy Rollers.  Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha, Holy Rollers was inspired by actual events and it's about Hasidic Jews  that were recruited to smuggle ecstasy into New York City from Amsterdam in the late 90's.  Jesse Eisenberg is the lead.  The movie premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival to decent reviews.

According to the press release we were sent, First Independent anticipates an early to mid summer release. Hit the jump to read the entire press release.

Also, we posted 6 clips from the film and I did an interview with Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Danny A. Abeckase, Ari Graynor and Director Kevin Asch while at Sundance, so click here to check it out.

LOS ANGELES, FEBRUARY 22, 2010-Making another addition to its collection of  high-quality, talent-driven specialty films, (David Mamet's Edmond, Robert Siegel's - of The Wrestler fame- Big Fan), First Independent Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to Sundance 2010 Dramatic Competition entry Holy Rollers. First Independent anticipates an early to mid summer release.

Burgeoning star Jesse Eisenberg - after his recent turn in the hit Zombieland and his earlier stunning work in such specialty fare as The Squid and the Whale - stars as Sam Gold, a devoted yet wayward Hasidic Jew in late 90's NYC, who becomes involved in an international ecstasy ring. The film is based loosely on true events. Eisenberg will be next seen starring in The Social Network directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin.

The picture also stars Justin Bartha, of the mega-hit The Hangover, as well as rapper Q-Tip, Ari Graynor and Danny A. Abeckaser, who also produces.

The film is directed by talented first timer Kevin Asch, written by Antonio Macia, and in addition to Abeckaser, Jen Gatien, Per Melita, and Tory Tunnell.

First Independent Pictures President Gary Rubin said, "We believe in this film. It's that simple."

Director Kevin Asch: "As a filmmaker, you hope to work with a distributor that is as passionate about the movie as you are, and we found that in Gary Rubin and First Independent Pictures."

Producer Danny A. Abeckaser: "After five years of nurturing this deeply personal story, it's especially gratifying to know that the film will be shared with audiences around the US under the watchful eye of Gary Rubin and First Independent. We share the same vision and belief in this beautiful and unique independent film."

The deal was negotiated on the producer's behalf by Victoria Cook of Cinetic Media, with Rubin and attorney Shelley Surpin handling negotiations for First Independent.

About First Independent Pictures:

Based in Los Angeles, First Independent acquires approximately four features yearly for theatrical release. Previous other releases include the award-winning documentary New York Doll, Sixty Six from Working Title, The Great New Wonderful (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Gigantic starring Zooey Deschanel and Paul Dano.

Danny A. Abeckesar's shingle has worked with some of the world's most powerful film executives and entertainment personalities to develop events, exclusive contracts and marketing programs for film and television.

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