RLJE Films picks up the U.S. rights to Max Erlenwein’s The Dive

RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, has acquired the U.S. rights to The Dive, co-written and directed by Max Erlenwein (Stereo), from augenschein Filmproduktion and Protagonist Pictures. Erlenwein co-wrote the screenplay with Joachim Hedén (Breaking Surface). The film stars Louisa Krause (Dark Waters, “Billions”) and Sophie Lowe (Medieval). RLJE Films will release the film on August 25, 2023 in Theaters and On Demand.

“THE DIVE is a suspenseful and thrilling descent into the great unknown that we cannot wait to share with audiences this summer,” says RLJE Films Chief Acquisitions Officer Mark Ward. “We’re excited to partner with Protagonist, augenschein and the outstanding film team on this deep-sea adventure turned living nightmare.”

In THE DIVE, a deep-sea diving trip at one of the world’s most remote spots becomes a fight for survival for sisters Drew and May when a catastrophic landslide sends rocks tumbling into the sea. After being struck by the rockfall, May now lies deepbelow the surface, trapped by debris and unable to move. With dangerously low levels of oxygen, it is up to Drew to fight for her sister’s life. She must put her own life in jeopardy and risk paying the ultimate sacrifice. With no help in sight, time is quickly running out.

“THE DIVE takes audiences on an immersive journey of survival where the human body and mind are pushed to the limit, filled with breathtaking action and from the perspective of two female leads with rich character arcs,” said Maximilian Leo at augenschein Filmproduktion.

“RLJE Films is the perfect home for the first film from our strategic partnership with our friends at Protagonist, which aims to launch original stories and voices into the global market,” Jonas Katzenstein at augenschein added.

THE DIVE was produced by Leo and Katzenstein (7500, Stowaway, Mother Mary); co-produced by Pierre Ellul and Anika Psaila Savona of Falkun Films; executive produced by Hedén, Julia Gebauer (Breaking Surface), Jonas Sörrensson (Breaking Surface), Philipp Stendebach (Stowaway), Jonathan Saubach (The Most Beautiful Girl in the World), Doris Schrenner (The Invisible Guardian), Dave Bishop (The Innocents), George Hamilton (Blind Ambition), Luane Gauer (The Accidental Getaway Driver), Janina Vilsmaier (Marlene), Céline Dornier (The Innocents) and Pascal Hostachy (Night of the Hunted).

Ward negotiated the deal with Hamilton at Protagonist Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.