Fox Searchlight has picked up distribution rights to Zal Batmanglij’s Sound of My Voice. The film, which premiered at Sundance, was co-written by (and stars) Brit Marling who also wrote and starred in the Sundance hit Another Earth, a film which Fox Searchlight is also distributing. Commenting on the acquisition, Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley had this to say:

“Zal Batmanglij’s first feature offers a truly unique voice in filmmaking with a tense and compelling tale. Brit Marling amazed us once again with her stunningly deft performance. We are thrilled to be working with such exceptional talent.”

Directed by Zal Batmanglij and written by Batmanglij and Marling, the film stars Brit Marling, Christopher Denham, Nicole Vicius and Avery Pohl. Hit the jump to read the full press release.

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Here’s the full press release:

LOS ANGELES, CA April 20, 2011 – Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley announced today that the company has acquired rights to English speaking territories, including North America, United Kingdom and Australia, for the suspenseful drama SOUND OF MY VOICE theatrical release. Directed by Zal Batmanglij and written by Batmanglij and Brit Marling, SOUND OF MY VOICE stars Brit Marling, Christopher Denham, Nicole Vicius and Avery Pohl. The film was produced by Hans Ritter, Shelley Surpin and Brit Marling.

“Zal Batmanglij’s first feature offers a truly unique voice in filmmaking with a tense and compelling tale. Brit Marling amazed us once again with her stunningly deft performance,” said Utley and Gilula. “We are thrilled to be working with such exceptional talent.”

“‘Sound of My Voice’ could not have found a better home than at Fox Searchlight. I'm inspired by their brave choices and unwavering support of filmmakers. I'm excited to be part of the family," said Batmanglij

In SOUND OF MY VOICE, Peter (Denham) and Lorna (Vicius), a young Los Angeles couple, infiltrate the underworld of a cult led by an enigmatic young woman named Maggie (Marling). Intent on exposing her as a charlatan and freeing the group members from her spell, Peter and Lorna start to question their objective as they unravel the mysteries of Maggie's past.

The deal was brokered by Fox Searchlight’s Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Megan O’Brien, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions Tony Safford and Vice President of Acquisitions Ray Strache with Shelley Surpin of Surpin & Mayersohn LLP, David Flynn and Rena Ronson of UTA’s Independent Film Group, CAA and Danielle Robinson of Alan Siegel Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.