Indie Film 'A Little Prayer' Rises from the Ashes to Find New Life

In October 2025, the indie drama 'A Little Prayer' has found new life after facing years of distribution struggles. The film, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival nearly three years ago, was initially hailed as a breakout hit, earning praise for its authentic portrayal of family life in Middle America. However, the film sat on the shelf for years, with its original distributor, Sony Pictures Classics, eventually letting go of the rights.

The film's director, Angus MacLachlan, had to work tirelessly to find a new home for the project, which he had self-financed. His efforts paid off earlier this year when the Chicago-based Music Box Films acquired the distribution rights and released the film in theaters in August 2023. This allowed lead actress Jane Levy's acclaimed performance to finally reach audiences, after MacLachlan had worried her work would go unnoticed.

Despite the challenges, MacLachlan and Levy remain proud of the film, which they believe offers a rare, nuanced depiction of family drama in today's crowded indie landscape. While the initial festival buzz could not be fully recaptured, Music Box's targeted distribution strategy has helped the film find a dedicated audience, with strong digital rental performance complementing its modest theatrical run.