Zach Braff's crowdfunded film lands distribution deal at Sundance

Zach Braff's crowd-funded new film, Wish I Was Here, is continuing its success story at the Sundance Film Festival after landing a distribution deal.

On Saturday (18Jan14), the director/actor proudly presented the follow-up to his 2004 breakout hit Garden State in Park City, Utah, and the movie caught the attention of executives at Focus Features.

Braff inked a deal for distribution in North America and select international countries with the movie bosses just hours after the film's world premiere.

Braff, who wrote, directed and starred in Wish I Was Here, shared his enthusiasm for the deal in a statement that reads: "I am very excited to be partnering with Focus Features as they are one of the biggest supporters of independent film in the business. This is the perfect collaboration for us as they recognize and appreciate how unique our journey has been to get this film made.

"Their enthusiasm to embrace our Kickstarter backers, while we fulfill our promises and rewards, made them a natural fit. My 46,520 backers are amazingly supportive and without them this film would not be a reality."

Braff made the movie using donations made by fans to crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com, eventually raising more than $3 million .

Braff celebrated the premiere and distribution deal with his fellow co-stars, including Kate Hudson, Mandy Patinkin, Josh Gad and Ashley Greene over the weekend (begs18Jan14).