Netflix takes rights to young Obama film

Netflix has won a bidding war to land worldwide rights to a new movie about a young Barack Obama.

The SVOD platform scored the deal for the Vikram Gandhi-directed feature Barry at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film comes from Black Bear Pictures and Cinetic Media. It tells the story of Obama years before he became US president, in 1981, he wrestles with questions about race, identity and culture after moving to Nee York City to study.

According to several US news sites, numerous distributors had attempted to buy the film, meaning the deal once again highlights the attraction Netflix’s international service has for many content owners.

Barry has proven a critical hit, starring Devon Terrell in a break-out role.