Yana Alliata's "Reeling" Gains Global Sales Representation

The William Morris Endeavor Agency (WME) has secured world sales rights for "Reeling," the debut feature film from Italian-American director Yana Alliata. The film premiered in March 2026 at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, where it was showcased in the narrative feature competition. Set during a birthday luau weekend on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, "Reeling" follows Ryan, a young man grappling with memory loss after an accident, as he seeks to reconnect with his family. The film features performances by Ryan Wuestewald, Hans Christopher, and Nikki DeParis.

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"Reeling" is executive produced by acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog, alongside Thomas Kosasa and Nicole MacNaughton. The film had its U.S. theatrical debut on March 18, 2026, at the Los Feliz American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, with plans for a national expansion. Following its theatrical run, Tribeca Films, a distribution label from Tribeca Enterprises and Giant Pictures, will manage the film's digital distribution, making it available on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms starting in July 2026.

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Yana Alliata has expressed that "Reeling" is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. In a statement, she shared that the storyline was inspired by events from her best friend's annual birthday luau, which she attended while home in Hawaii. Alliata emphasized her desire to create a psychological drama that explores themes of family, memory, and the reconstruction of masculinity, reflecting her upbringing on Oahu. She co-wrote the screenplay with Amy Miner and is currently developing a horror ghost thriller set in Hawaii, which she will both write and direct.

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In her remarks about the film, Alliata stated, “Werner Herzog’s encouragement from script to screen has been invaluable.” She highlighted the significance of partnering with WME Independent for sales, noting that it would help the film reach audiences globally and share a narrative rooted in local Hawaiian experiences.

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While the film has garnered attention for its personal narrative and unique setting, there has been limited public critique or opposition reported thus far. As the film continues its festival circuit and prepares for wider release, responses from audiences and critics will likely emerge, providing a fuller picture of its reception.

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As "Reeling" prepares for its national theatrical expansion and subsequent digital release, Alliata's upcoming projects, including the horror ghost thriller, are anticipated to further showcase her evolving voice in the film industry. The collaboration with WME Independent is expected to enhance the film's visibility and accessibility to a broader audience.

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