Following its acquisition of Shaka King’s dramedy Newlyweeds, which made its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, in the NEXT <=> section, S&A has learned exclusively that Phase 4 Films will open the crowd-pleaser on September 18, 2013, at Film Forum theaters in New York City.

The gritty, stoner romantic dramedy, King’s feature film debut, stars Amari Cheatom and newcomer Trae Harris, in addition to Isiah Whitlock, Colman Domingo, Tonya Pinkins, Diane Neal, Adrian Martinez and Hassan Johnson.

Jim Wareck, Michael Matthews, Shaka King and Gbenga Akinnagbe are all producers.

“We are thrilled to be working with Shaka on his first feature. NEWLYWEEDS is an audience pleaser and we are looking forward to exposing it to audiences nationwide,” said Berry Meyerowitz, President & CEO of Phase 4 Films.

Adding to that statement, speaking for the production team, producer Jim Wareck said: “We are extremely buoyed by the news and grateful to Film Forum and Phase 4.”

Described as a bittersweet blend of comedy and drama, shot by Daniel Patterson, Newlyweeds is the story of polar opposites Lyle (Amari Cheatom) and Nina (Trae Harris) – a repo-man and a flower child whose bond is forged and frayed by their mutual adoration and voracious consumption of cannabis. 

Ahead of its September theatrical debut, Newlyweeds will screen at the fifth annual BAMcinemaFest, in NYC – a festival of American independents, running from June 19-28.

It’ll also screen at Rooftop Films summer screening series, also here in NYC, on July 18.

Read Zeba’s enthusiastic Sundance review of the film HERE.

Congratulations are in order for Shaka King and company!