TV & Film
'Obsession' Team Reflects On $15M TIFF Sale And Going Viral One Year Later
Sep 11, 2026
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Focus Features
film distributor · film studio
4 stories · latest Sep 11, 2026 · TV & Film
About Focus Features
Focus Features is a film production and distribution studio that backs feature films, literary adaptations, and high-profile festival releases. The company is actively involved in acquiring breakout festival hits as well as greenlighting original comedy and drama projects.
The studio's current project slate includes backing director Sarah Polley's cinematic adaptation of Sylvia Plath's novel The Bell Jar, which features pop star Billie Eilish in her major feature acting debut alongside Carey Mulligan, Danielle Deadwyler, Ike Barinholtz, and Connor Storrie. Focus Features also greenlit Old Friends New Friends, marking comedian Mike Birbiglia's return to directing narrative feature films after a decade-long hiatus.
Focus Features is heavily active on the festival circuit through major acquisitions and distribution titles. The studio acquired the thriller Obsession for 15 million dollars following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, and distributed director-led festival entries like the Shakespearean drama Elsinore starring Andrew Scott.
- Focus Features' coverage demonstrates a consistent pattern of combining big-budget festival acquisitions with prestige literary adaptations and talent-driven comedy projects.
- News surrounding the studio frequently highlights early Oscar buzz and major film festival debuts.
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Focus Features timeline
Aug 24, 2026
Focus Features greenlit Mike Birbiglia's feature comedy project Old Friends New Friends.
Mike Birbiglia Lands New Comedy 'Old Friends New Friends' With Patrick Schwarzenegger & Lucas HedgesSep 5, 2026
Focus Features distributed the Andrew Scott drama Elsinore ahead of its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival.
Hot Priest Goes Hamlet: Andrew Scott Sparks Major Oscar Buzz With Telluride Premiere of ‘Elsinore’Sep 8, 2026
Focus Features locked in the extended supporting cast for Sarah Polley's adaptation of The Bell Jar.
Billie Eilish’s Acting Debut Expands as 'The Bell Jar' Adds Major Hollywood StarsSep 11, 2026
The creative team behind Obsession reflected on the film's viral hit status one year after Focus Features acquired it at TIFF for $15 million.
'Obsession' Team Reflects On $15M TIFF Sale And Going Viral One Year Later
Focus Features: your questions
Did Focus Features buy the movie Obsession?
Yes, Focus Features acquired the breakout thriller Obsession in a $15 million deal following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
What film is Focus Features producing for Billie Eilish's acting debut?
Focus Features is backing director Sarah Polley's adaptation of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, which stars Billie Eilish in her feature acting debut.
What feature is Mike Birbiglia directing for Focus Features?
Focus Features officially greenlit Old Friends New Friends, marking Mike Birbiglia's first narrative feature directing project in a decade.