The French period drama “Marguerite,” about a ’20s socialite whose belief in her opera-singing abilities far exceeded her actual talents, has been acquired out of the Venice Film Festival.

Cohen Media Group has taken the U.S. rights to the competition film, which stars Cesar winner Catherine Frot.

“’Marguerite’ is a poignant, crowd-pleasing triumph that viewers everywhere will take to their hearts,” said CMG’s John Kochman.

Added Charles S. Cohen, “This story about the drive to succeed against all obstacles will strike a chord with audiences. It’s a great showcase for the remarkable Catherine Frot.”

Interestingly, “Marguerite” is based on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, who will be played by Meryl Streep in a biopic named after the socialite.

Jenkins was a young piano prodigy, but the musicality in her fingers didn’t translate to her voice box. She gave her first singing performance at the age of 44 and was convinced that the audience laughter during her arias were “hoodlums… planted by her rivals.” Before her death in 1944 at age 76, she had steadily gained notoriety over the years for her annual concerts, culminating in a sold-out Carnegie Hall recital that resulted in heaps of mockery.

[via Variety]