Safdie Brothers Announce Narrative Feature ‘Heaven Knows What’ and New Production Company

Sibling directors have been a thing ever since the Coen brothers rose to prominence, but the Safdie Brothers have been carving out their own niche. Their debut feature “The Pleasure of Being Robbed” was the only American premiere at the 2008 Directors Fortnight sidebar at Cannes, where they returned a year later with “Daddy Longlegs,” which went on to receive acclaim at Sundance and elsewhere. Their basketball documentary “Lenny Cooke” hit theaters last year to strong acclaim. Now, Indiewire has learned that the duo is planning another feature, titled “Heaven Knows What,” and launching a new production company.

READ MORE: Why the Poignant, Fascinating ‘Lenny Cooke’ Is Not Your Typical Sports Doc

Based on the experiences faced by Arielle Holmes, a street kid the brothers met on a subway, the film is said to be a tumultuous drama (starring Holmes) about a couple who face addiction. 

“Heaven Knows What” was co-written by Ronald Bronstein, who starred in the Safdie’s film “Daddy Longlegs” and will be produced by Iconoclast Films, the studio behind “Spring Breakers.” Also in charge of production is Elara Pictures, the new production company created by the brothers, actor-director Sebastian Bear-McClard and Oscar Boyson, co-producer of “Frances Ha.”