Tony Aloupis directed the gritty drama, which co-stars “True Blood” actor Kevin Alejandro

ARC Entertainment has acquired all North American rights to director Tony Aloupis’ gritty drama “Safelight,” which stars Evan Peters, Juno Temple and Kevin Alejandro (“True Blood”), it was announced Thursday by Scott Moesta, the company’s head of acquisitions.

“Safelight” will be released on VOD and in theaters on July 17.

“Safelight” tells the story of three desperate individuals whose paths perilously cross in a dusty desert town. Charles (Peters) is a high school senior with physical challenges; Vicki (Temple) is a troubled runaway turning tricks at a truck stop; and Skid (Alejandro) is her dangerously psychotic pimp, who has a huge chip on his shoulder.

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Their lives take a menacing turn when Charles and Vicki embark on a road trip without Skid up the California coast to photograph lighthouses. Skid couldn’t stand the imagined betrayal. Armed with a hunting knife, Skid looks to punish Vicki and the three characters face each other in a violent showdown that will change their lives forever.

“‘Safelight’ is a captivating story of two people who find each other in the midst of their harsh individual adversities,” said Moesta. “This film was extremely well written and directed with strong performances by the entire cast, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to expose this film theatrically and throughout the various channels here in the US and Canada.”

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“Safelight” was produced by Aloupis (“Sugar”), Bernie Gewissler (“Chillerama”) and Cory Neal (“Frozen”), and executive produced by Joe Krieg (“Sugar”) and Andrew Mysko (“Hatchet”).

The deal was negotiated by Moesta and Concourse Film Trade, the worldwide sales arm of Matthew Shreder and Andrew Felts, on behalf of the filmmakers. Concourse Film Trade also handled worldwide rights on the film.

Recent ARC Entertainment releases include “Field of Lost Shoes” starring Jason Isaacs, Lauren Holly, Nolan Gould and Luke Benward; “The Barber” starring Scott Glenn and Chris Coy; and “See You in Valhalla” starring Sarah Hyland, Steve Howey, Odeya Rush and Jake McDorman.