CANNES WATCH: Focus Features acquires new Tom Ford film in biggest sale of Cannes

CANNES, France – Tom Ford’s second film has been acquired by Focus Features in the biggest sale yet at Cannes.

Focus announced Sunday that it has acquired the worldwide rights to Ford’s upcoming thriller “Nocturnal Animals,” with Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal to star. The film marks the second film for the fashion designer following the 2009 drama “Single Man,” with Colin Firth.

After Ford pitched the film to buyers during the festival, it became one of the hottest properties on the market. It sold for about $20 million, making it easily the festival’s biggest purchase.

Ford will write, direct and produce the film, which is based on Austin Wright’s novel “Tony and Susan.” Focus chief executive Peter Schlessel called it a “romantic tale of revenge and regret.” It’s about an art gallery owner haunted by her ex-husband’s novel.

Production on “Nocturnal Animals” is planned to begin this fall.

— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle, http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP