Goldwyn, Fireworks love ‘Passionada’

Pic captures ‘merriment’ of Portuguese culture
By CATHY DUNKLEY

Samuel Goldwyn Films and Fireworks Pictures have picked up North American distribution rights to “Passionada,” directed by Dan Ireland (“The Whole Wide World”).Set against the picturesque backdrop of the New Bedford, Mass., fishing community, romantic drama centers around a Portuguese-American family in which old traditions conflict with modern views.

Story concerns a talented Fado singer who, as a single mom, tries to juggle life with her willful teen daughter and meddling mother-in-law. The singer’s life is disturbed when an attractive stranger falls in love with her.

Pic stars Jason Isaacs, Sofia Milos.
Emmy Rossum, Theresa Russell, Seymour Cassel and Lupe Ontiveros.

Jim and Steve Jermanok penned the script; Jim Jermanok also is exec producer on the pic.

“This is a feel-good film full of charm, merriment and the heart of Portuguese culture,” said Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films. “I fell in love with Sofia, as will everyone else.”

Deal was brokered by Gottlieb and David Bakalar, president of Sandyo Prods. and producer of the pic, with their attorneys. Paula Silver and Jeff Dowd will serve as marketing consultants on the pic.