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Fox Searchlight Pictures is expected to close a deal for worldwide rights excluding the United Kingdom for Catherine Hardwicke's directorial debut "Thirteen," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Hardwicke co-wrote the script for "Thirteen" with then 13-year-old Nikki Reed upon whose experiences the film is inspired. "Once and Again" co-star Evan Rachel Wood plays the lead character, Tracey. Oscar winning actress Holly Hunter plays Tracey's mother. The film also marks Reed's acting debut as the cool and troubled best friend Evie.

"Thirteen" is an unflinching look at the sometimes-harsh world of a young teen trying to fit in with a fast group of seventh graders in Los Angeles. The film chronicles the life of thirteen year-old Tracey (Wood). After falling under the intoxicating influence of Evie (Reed), the most popular girl in school, Tracey finds herself entangled in a fast paced world spinning her sedentary life and emotions wildly out of control. Her mother, Mel (Hunter), frantically tries to understand her daughter's radical transformation. Each time she reaches for her, she learns the extent to which she's fallen just beyond her grasp. The film also features Jeremy Sisto "Six Feet Under," "May" and Deborah Unger "Between Strangers," "Sunshine."

"We are so proud to be able to distribute this tremendous film. Not since 'Boys Don't Cry' has there been such an uncompromising look at a young girl's search for her true identity," said Fox Searchlight President Peter Rice. "Catherine Hardwicke is an extremely talented writer and director. Not only does she elicit stunningly wonderful performances, but in the great tradition of Sundance, her style is wonderfully fresh and unique."

Hardwicke has worked for 15 years as a production designer on such films as "Laurel Canyon," "Vanilla Sky," and "Three Kings."

"We always imagined Fox Searchlight as the ultimate home for 'Thirteen' given their passionate support for ground-breaking independent films that go on to reach a mainstream audience," said Catherine Hardwicke, director and co-writer of the film. "I am thrilled that they recognize the potential of the movie. The enthusiasm that Peter Rice and his team have shown is everything we dreamed of for "Thirteen.'"

The film was produced by Jeffrey Levy-Hinte's Antidote Films and Michael London. The film was co-financed and executive produced by Working Title Films. Holly Hunter also served as executive producer.

SOURCE: Fox Searchlight