Indie distributor Rich Spirit has acquired the U.S. and select international rights to the film "If I Go Will They Miss Me" [1].

The acquisition signals a strong market appetite for independent dramas featuring high-profile talent. The film's successful trajectory from a festival premiere to a distribution deal highlights the continuing role of Sundance as a launchpad for indie cinema.

Directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah [2, 3]. The distribution deal is valued at nearly $1 million, described as a high six-figure deal [1].

Oscar-nominated actress Danielle Brooks stars in the production. Her performance in the film earned her the Art of Light Award at the 2026 Miami Film Festival [4].

Brooks said the themes explored within the film served as a catalyst for her own creative ambitions. She said the project inspired her to create her own short film [4].

The film's reception at Sundance was a primary driver for the acquisition by Rich Spirit [1]. The distributor secured the rights following the strong reception of the project during the festival [1].

“The distribution deal is valued at nearly $1 million.”

The acquisition of 'If I Go Will They Miss Me' reflects a trend where independent distributors leverage festival buzz to secure prestige projects with established stars. By securing a high six-figure deal, the filmmakers have ensured a broader commercial reach beyond the festival circuit, while Brooks' transition from actress to aspiring short-film creator suggests a shift toward more holistic creative control for performers in the indie space.