is heading to become one of the most successful independent films winding into awards season this year, and having compiled the box office for four weeks now, I have watched this film — based on true events and starring Judi Dench — steadily climb both domestically and internationally. Curious, I ventured out to see it last night and found a theater almost full to capacity on a Thursday night (the only seats left were a smattering of neck-benders in the front). After the picture ended, the audience erupted into applause. Strong, positive word-of-mouth is why. It was, simply put, a sweet surprise.

In six weeks of release, the film directed by Stephen Frears (The Queen),domestically (in 727 theaters)(which averages out to about $3M a week). And internationally, in only seven territories, its cume is now $25M … and climbing. So, this little art house picture which is an Oscar contender for Best Picture and Best Actress, is likely to bank. How? It’s international rollout began with only 7 territories: It has played exceptionally in the UK, where it already is at $17M and on its way to $20M; in Australia it opened to $3M in its first week and looks on course to take in $10M there. Add in Italy, the home of the Vatican, and Philomena has quietly pulled in another $4.5M.