“Medusa,” writer-director Anita Rocha da Silveira’s satirical thriller exploring the pressure women put on themselves to be perfect, has found a home. According to Deadline, Music Box Films has acquired North American rights to the film, with plans for theatrical release in summer 2022.

A selection at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and TIFF this year, the Brazilian film “is a horror-musical-comedy set in an alternate universe — but very close to reality — about a young woman who grows up in an ultra-conservative environment, where she is expected to keep control of every aspect of her life,” Silveira told Women and Hollywood. “And in order to keep control of herself, it is vital to control other women around her.”

The filmmaker continued, “After being slashed on her face, and feeling threatened with the loss of one of her main attributes in this society — her beauty — she will be able to distance herself from what is expected as standard behavior. After that, she will find her way to a special encounter. Silveira added, “This experience, instead of turning her body into stone, will awaken new sensations and desires. And the desire to scream – and ultimately to confront the world with the rage that she has kept inside for many years – will be unbearable.”

“’Medusa’s’ bold commentary on social and political trends in Brazil will resonate with US audiences who can recognize the disturbing parallels in this country,” said Brian Andreotti, Head of Acquisitions at Music Box Films. “Anita is an exciting filmmaker with a wholly original voice, and we are excited to bring her provocative and aesthetically striking film to a wider audience.”

“Medusa” won the award for Best Latin American Film at the 2021 San Sebastián International Film Festival. It will premiere at AFI Fest November 13.

Silveira previously directed the feature “Kill Me Please” and shorts “Os Mortos-Vivos,” “Handebol,” and “O vampiro do meio-dia.”