The U.S. and Canadian rights to the upcoming drama ‘The Last Rites of Joe May’ have been acquired by Tribeca Film. The company will release the movie, which was written and directed by Joe Maggio, on Video On Demand and theatrically in October 2011. The film, which had its world premiere in competition at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, follows the title character, a hustler, played by Dennis Farina, who goes after redemption.

Joe May, a Chicagoan who hustles Rolex knockoffs and bootleg DVDs, returns home after a long hospital stay to find out his landlord thought he was dead. The landlord rented out Joe’s apartment to single mother Jenny, played by Jamie Anne Allman, who has a young daughter. Reluctantly, Joe accepts Jenny’s offer to split the apartment. While struggling with his housing dilemma, Joe must also deal with his failing health and limited business opportunities.

Maggio said he’s thrilled Tribeca will release ‘The Last Rites of Joe May,’ which was produced by Stephanie Striegel and Bill Straus. “It’s a really personal film and Tribeca was so passionate about it, right from the beginning. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit.”

Of Maggio, Tribeca Enterprises’ Chief Creative Officer, Geoffrey Gilmore, said he’s “imagined a character that resonates with subtly and truth in addressing the realities of the final denouement of one’s life.” Gilmore added that Farina delivers the performance of a lifetime.

Written by: Karen Benardello