Cohen Media Group has acquired “Oranges and Sunshine,” which stars Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wendham. It marks the directorial debut of Jim Loach, son of director Ken Loach and a veteran director of British television (“Shameless,” “Coronation Street”). The film was acquired for North American release from Icon Entertainment International.

Full press release below.

New York, NY (April 11, 2011) - Cohen Media Group announced its acquisition of Jim Loach’s Oranges and Sunshine, starring two-time Academy Award nominee Emily Watson (Breaking the Waves, Hilary and Jackie), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, V for Vendetta, Lord of the Rings) and David Wendham (300, Public Enemies, Lord of the Rings).

Oranges and Sunshine tells the true story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times:  the organized deportation of children who were sent from the United Kingdom to Australia. Almost single-handedly, against overwhelming odds and with little regard for her own well-being, she reunited thousands of families, brought authorities to account and worldwide attention to an extraordinary miscarriage of justice.

“This is a powerful story of courage, compassion and the will to bring the truth to light,” said Charles S. Cohen, chairman and CEO of Cohen Media Group.  “We are thrilled to have acquired the film as part of our 2011 slate.  Jim Loach guides the film with a sure hand and Emily Watson delivers a performance that will be remembered for years to come.  We are also thrilled to have the experience and expertise of producers Camilla Bray, Iain Canning and Emile Sherman who have recently come off the success of Academy Award winner The King’s Speech.”

“We’re delighted to be working with CMG who have a clear and aggressive strategy for bringing this very emotional and assured debut from Jim Loach to US audiences,” said Hugo Grumbar, Managing Director of Icon (International).

Oranges and Sunshine is written by Rona Munro (writer of award winning film Ladybird Ladybird) and produced by Camilla Bray, Iain Canning and Emile Sherman (The King’s Speech). The deal was negotiated by Anthony Buckner on behalf of Icon and Stephen Dembetzer at Cohen Media Group.