Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American rights to WONDERFUL WORLD starring Matthew Broderick. The film is the directorial debut of Josh Goldin (writer of DARKMAN and OUT ON A LIMB).

Broderick plays Ben – a failed children’s folk singer and less-than-extraordinary weekend dad. Deeply cynical, Ben’s sole pleasure in life is derived from chess games with his Senegalese roommate Ibou. When Ibou is suddenly struck ill and an insensitive municipal employee exacerbates the emergency situation, Ben’s pessimistic worldview seems unequivocally confirmed. But when Ibou’s sister Khadi takes his place in their apartment, what starts as an awkward living arrangement becomes something more, and Ben finds that cynicism may be all a matter of perspective.

“Josh Goldin is a talented screenwriter and judging by his first feature has real directorial chops,” said Eamonn Bowles. “Matthew Broderick is great as always – we’re pleased to add WONDERFUL WORLD to Magnolia’s slate.”

Producer Glenn Williamson said, “It was incredibly gratifying to help Josh Goldin make his seamless transition from writer to writer/director. Josh pulled an incredible performance out of Matthew Broderick, it’s some of his finest acting work to date.”

Magnolia will release WONDERFUL WORLD on VOD platforms one month prior to its theatrical release as part of its Ultra VOD program, aiming for a theatrical release in early 2010.

“Ambush is extremely excited to be working with Magnolia Pictures on the release of WONDERFUL WORLD and are very confident with their release strategy for this heartwarming film,” said producer Miranda Bailey.

The deal was negotiated by Magnolia’s Senior Vice President Tom Quinn and Head of Business Affairs Chris Matson, and by CAA on behalf of the producers.

Source Magnolia Pictures Press Release