Paul Bettany's Directorial Debut Acquired by Screen Media Films

Screen Media Films has announced the acquisition of the U.S. rights to Paul Bettany's directorial debut "Shelter," which stars Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie.

The story follows Hannah (Jennifer Connelly) and Tahir (Anthony Mackie) who come from two different worlds but fall in love while homeless on the streets of New York. The plot explores how they got there and as more is revealed about their pasts, it is clear that they need each other to build a future. The film, as Screen Media described, is a love letter to the great New York dramas of the 1970's and an unsparing story of loss, love, sacrifice, redemption and, ultimately, hope.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Paul and his team in bringing this heart wrenching and ultimately inspiring tale which shines light on the 'invisibility' of the homeless," said Suzanne Blech at Screen Media. "Jennifer Connelly's performance is Oscar-worthy."

Bettany added that, "It is a film about judgment and love – the world is complex and we are all innocents, all worthy of forgiveness and all worthy of a home."

Screen Media plans a theatrical and VOD day & date release in 2015.