"I am very excited to be partnering with Focus Features as they are one of the biggest supporters of independent film in the business," said Braff, who will star in the upcoming new musical Bullets Over Broadway, in a statement. "This is the perfect collaboration for us as they recognize and appreciate how unique our journey has been to get this film made. Their enthusiasm to embrace our Kickstarter backers, while we fulfill our promises and rewards, made them a natural fit. My 46,520 backers are amazingly supportive and without them this film would not be a reality."
"Wish I Was Here," Braff's Kickstarter-funded follow-up to his indie breakout "Garden State," is directed by Braff from a screenplay he wrote with his brother Adam. Also in the film are Kate Hudson, Josh Gad, Ashley Greene, Joey King and Pierce Gagnon.
The film, according to Focus, "tells the story of a thirty-something man who finds himself at a major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his career, and his family."
"We are thrilled to be in business with Zach Braff," added Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel. "'Garden State' was a huge benchmark in the world of independent film, and we are looking forward to continuing to support Zach and his unique voice. With 'Wish I Was Here,' he has once again delivered a film that perfectly captures something essential about our lives, and presents it with the laughter and emotion we all recognize."
"Wish I Was Here" was produced by Stacey Sher, Michael Shamberg, and Zach and Adam Braff. Christopher Woodrow, Molly Conners, Maria Cestone, Sarah E. Johnson and Hoyt David Morgan executive-produced. In addition to North America, Focus has acquired the distribution rights to the film in Poland and South Africa. For more information, visit FocusFeatures.com.