The festival doesn’t actually kick off until Thursday, January 21, but the buying has already begun, and this just may be the first "black film" to be picked up by a distributor.

Oscilloscope Laboratories has announced its acquisition of U.S. rights to "The Fits" from director Anna Rose Holmer, her feature film debut, based on a script she co-wrote with Saela Davis and Lisa Kjerulff.

Described by the festival as a psychological portrait, "The Fits" follows Toni, an 11-year-old tomboy assimilating into a tight-knit dance team in Cincinnati’s West End, when a mysterious outbreak of fainting spells plagues the team, and her desire for acceptance is twisted.

The film stars Royalty Hightower, Alexis Neblett, Da’Sean Minor, Lauren Gibson, Makyla Burnam, and Inayah Rodgers. Its Sundance screening will be the film’s North American Premiere in the festival’s NEXT program.

“We connected strongly with Oscilloscope’s passion and vision for the film and are honored to be working with their dedicated team to bring ‘The Fits’ to audiences," director Holmer said.

Oscillioscope’s Dan Berger added: “’The Fits’ is exactly the type of film that Oscilloscope was created to champion – the masterfully executed result of a purely singular filmmaking vision. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to release it and equally thrilled to see what Anna does next.”

The film was produced by Lisa Kjerulff and Holmer.

Oscilloscope will release the film theatrically in summer 2016.

No trailer yet.