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EXCLUSIVE: Commercial director Bryan Buckley, whose feature film debut _The Bronze _was the opening film at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and was bought by Relativity for $3M, will next

direct a biographical comedy-drama based on a story in the _New York Times_‘ bestseller _The Pirates Of Somalia_ from Jay Bahadur. The feature, titled _Where The White Man Runs Away, _will

star _American Horror Story_‘s and_ X-Men_‘s Evan Peters. _The Bronze _was supposed to be released this month before Relativity’s financial mess pushed it back. Before the company filed

bankruptcy, Sony Pictures Classics picked it up, terminating Relativity’s rights, thereby removing the film from the company’s assets before it filed for Chapter 11. It has yet to be slated

for release. _Where The White Man Runs Away_, which was also adapted by Buckley, tells the story of rookie Canadian journalist Bahadur, who in 2008 formed a half-baked plan to embed himself

among the pirates of Somalia. He ultimately succeeded in providing the first close-up look into who these men are, how they live, and the forces that drive them. Bahadur famously interviewed

the pirate that hijacked the Maersk Alabama before he took the ship, which was the subject of the Tom Hanks-starring film _Captain Phillips_. Production begins this winter in South Africa

with Hungry Man (_Asad_), BCDF Pictures, (_The Outskirts_) and Kalahari Film & Media _(District 9_) producing. Jane Rosenthal (_Meet The Parents_) will executive produce. WATCH ON

DEADLINE Before directing and executive producing _The Bronze_, Buckley was nominated for an Oscar for his short film _Asad_ which also chronicles life in war-torn Somalia. Buckley is also

well known for his award-winning commercial work, specifically directing more than 50 spots for the Super Bowl, and his production outfit Hungry Man is one of the world’s largest commercial

production companies. Mino Jarjoura and Matt Lefebvre will oversee production for Hungry Man which will produce. Peters is best known for his work in FX’s_ American Horror Story_. He

currently portrays Mr. March in the fifth season, _American Horror Story: Hotel_. He will next be seen reprising his role as Quicksilver in _X-Men: Apocalypse_ which will be released May 27,

2016. Earlier this year, Peters wrapped production on _Elvis And Nixon_ alongside Kevin Spacey and Michael Shannon. Peters’ other film credits include _Kick-Ass._ BCDF Pictures is also

producing YA classic _Stargirl_ this winter with Catherine Hardwicke directing and Joey King and Charlie Plummer starring. BCDF has high school comedy _The Outskirts_ scheduled for wide

release this winter. Its other upcoming projects include Peter Hutchings’ _Arrivals_ with Asa Butterfield, Maisie Williams and Nina Dobrev. Peters is repped by CAA, Relevant, and Ziffren

Brittenham. Buckley is with WME, Untitled, and Bloom Hergott. BCDF is repped by Sheri Jeffrey at Hogan Lovells. Bahadur was repped in the deal by Sean Daily at Hotchkiss and Associates on

behalf of Rick Broadhead and Associates.