• Ballet Drama ‘Joika’ Starring Talia Ryder, Diane Kruger Acquired By Vertical

February 13, 2024 9:00am

Diane Kruger and Talia Ryder in 'Joika'Vertical

EXCLUSIVE: Ahead of screenings at the Santa Barbara Film Festival planned for February 15-16, the true-life ballet drama Joika starring Talia Ryder (Never Rarely Sometimes Always) as Joy Womack has been snapped up by Vertical in a deal for U.S., UK and Ireland rights. Co-starring Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds), the film written and directed by James Napier Robertson (The Dark Horse) is set for a day-and-date release this spring.

Joika offers a deep dive into the athletic trajectory of Womack, one of only a handful of foreigners, and only two American women, ever accepted into Russia’s elite and infamously tough Bolshoi Ballet. Testing the limits of dedication, determination, sacrifice and virtuosity, Joy’s brilliance is an inspirational journey into the most competitive, hostile dance school in the world. Spurred on by Tatiyana Volkova (Kruger), the Bolshoi’s magnetic and masterful tutor, and the searing passions of first love, Joy leaps into the unknown with the hopes of reaching extraordinary heights.