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Being away from home allows room for perspective, and for a group of U.S.-based documentary experts who made the trip to Cannes, the glass remains half full, despite the headwinds. The closure of Participant, Showtime Docs, CNN Films scaling back and belt-tightening across the board have led many to posit that a Golden Age of documentary films has ended. A discussion in the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival begged the question: If the Golden Age is over, what comes next?
For the assembled speakers, there was an acceptance of the challenges, but also a desire to take a long view and to look to the future.
“With the market retracting and some distribution outlets not being replaced by others, we’re forced to be creative again about how we get these films out to market, how we find audiences,” said Cinetic Media’s Jason Ishikawa during the Deadline-hosted panel.
For the assembled speakers, there was an acceptance of the challenges, but also a desire to take a long view and to look to the future.
“With the market retracting and some distribution outlets not being replaced by others, we’re forced to be creative again about how we get these films out to market, how we find audiences,” said Cinetic Media’s Jason Ishikawa during the Deadline-hosted panel.
- 5/24/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
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IFC Films and Shudder have acquired North American, UK and Ireland, and Australia and New Zealand rights to Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s sci-fi horror Menace in Cannes.
The deal reunites IFC Films and Shudder with the producers of previous releases Watcher and Late Night With The Devil, the latter of which became IFC Films’ highest-grossing opening weekend ever and is nearing $10m at the US box office.
IFC Films and Shudder will release Menace in 2025. Randall Okita, whose previous feature See For Me was released by IFC Films, directed the story starring Isabel May as a...
The deal reunites IFC Films and Shudder with the producers of previous releases Watcher and Late Night With The Devil, the latter of which became IFC Films’ highest-grossing opening weekend ever and is nearing $10m at the US box office.
IFC Films and Shudder will release Menace in 2025. Randall Okita, whose previous feature See For Me was released by IFC Films, directed the story starring Isabel May as a...
- 5/21/2024
- ScreenDaily
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London-based outfit Dogwoof has boarded international sales for the Sundance title “Look Into My Eyes,” from director Lana Wilson. Dogwoof will attend Cph:Dox, where the film will receive its European premiere next week.
The filmmaker’s previous films include Emmy Award winner “After Tiller,” “The Departure” — also handled by Dogwoof — and the Taylor Swift documentary “Miss Americana,” and she also directed the two-parter “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” which earned two Emmy nominations.
“Look Into My Eyes” follows a group of New York City psychics who conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection and healing. Wilson sets her gaze on the private lives of seven unconventional healers and creative types searching for solace and struggling to make dreams come true in a city of eight million people.
The deal for international sales rights was brokered between Dogwoof’s chief content officer, Oli Harbottle, and Jason Ishikawa,...
The filmmaker’s previous films include Emmy Award winner “After Tiller,” “The Departure” — also handled by Dogwoof — and the Taylor Swift documentary “Miss Americana,” and she also directed the two-parter “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” which earned two Emmy nominations.
“Look Into My Eyes” follows a group of New York City psychics who conduct deeply intimate readings for their clients, revealing a kaleidoscope of loneliness, connection and healing. Wilson sets her gaze on the private lives of seven unconventional healers and creative types searching for solace and struggling to make dreams come true in a city of eight million people.
The deal for international sales rights was brokered between Dogwoof’s chief content officer, Oli Harbottle, and Jason Ishikawa,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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More than a week after this year’s Oscar nominees were unveiled, the documentary world is still reeling from this year’s selections and trying to figure out what they might mean for the struggling sector. Notably, all filmmakers were international and the majority lacked distribution by major streamers; presumed favorites backed by Netflix, Apple TV+ and Max all failed to score a slot on the final Oscar ballot.
Doc branch voters no longer seem impressed by the major streamers’ ability to spend millions during campaign season, documentary film leaders tell Variety, and in the view of several notables, could harbor resentment towards those who have benefited from big spending by streamers.
This year’s feature nominees are: Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol” (PBS), Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters” (Kino Lorber), Nisha Pahuja’s “To Kill a Tiger”, Maite Alberdi’s “The Eternal Memory” (MTV Documentary Films...
Doc branch voters no longer seem impressed by the major streamers’ ability to spend millions during campaign season, documentary film leaders tell Variety, and in the view of several notables, could harbor resentment towards those who have benefited from big spending by streamers.
This year’s feature nominees are: Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol” (PBS), Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters” (Kino Lorber), Nisha Pahuja’s “To Kill a Tiger”, Maite Alberdi’s “The Eternal Memory” (MTV Documentary Films...
- 2/3/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
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Sundance Film Festival ran from January 18-28 and, after a sluggish start, there were deals (click here for the latest), celebrity sightings, and a protest.
Christopher Nolan turned up to collect an honourary award at the festival’s opening night gala fundraiser and called the occasion a “full circle moment” 23 years after premeiring his breakout thriller Memento there back in 2001.
Kristen Stewart also attended the gala and starred in two films this year, while celebrity guests included Robert Downey Jr., Will Ferrell, and Malia Obama, who managed to attend somewhat under the radar with her short film The Heart credited to Malia Ann.
Christopher Nolan turned up to collect an honourary award at the festival’s opening night gala fundraiser and called the occasion a “full circle moment” 23 years after premeiring his breakout thriller Memento there back in 2001.
Kristen Stewart also attended the gala and starred in two films this year, while celebrity guests included Robert Downey Jr., Will Ferrell, and Malia Obama, who managed to attend somewhat under the radar with her short film The Heart credited to Malia Ann.
- 1/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
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The 40th edition of Sundance proved that despite corporate consolidation, there is still a market for independently made documentaries. While there haven’t been many sales so far, there has been strong buyer interest in two celeb-focused docs — “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” and “Will & Harper,” featuring Will Ferrell — and healthy interest in others.
“The market didn’t have a pulse six months ago,” says Submarine Entertainment sales agent Josh Braun, who came to the festival with nine documentaries seeking distribution, including “Daughters,” “Gaucho Gaucho” and “Union.” “So there was a reason to be a little bit fearful coming into Sundance. But now we are feeling a pulse. We are heading in a good direction. The patient still needs some treatment, but we are no longer in a Doa situation.”
While Submarine has not yet closed deals for any of the titles, Braun is optimistic, given the fact a...
“The market didn’t have a pulse six months ago,” says Submarine Entertainment sales agent Josh Braun, who came to the festival with nine documentaries seeking distribution, including “Daughters,” “Gaucho Gaucho” and “Union.” “So there was a reason to be a little bit fearful coming into Sundance. But now we are feeling a pulse. We are heading in a good direction. The patient still needs some treatment, but we are no longer in a Doa situation.”
While Submarine has not yet closed deals for any of the titles, Braun is optimistic, given the fact a...
- 1/27/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
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IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the North American rights to “Ghostlight,” the second film from “Saint Frances” directors Alex Thompson & Kelly O’Sullivan which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy.
Kupfarer stars alongside his wife, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who recently starred in the film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” “Triangle of Sadness” star Dolly De Leon rounds out the main cast.
“Alex and I have long admired IFC Films’ fierce championing of independent cinema and are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in the space along with Sapan Studio to release ‘Ghostlight,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.
The film stars Keith Kupferer as Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ When the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life, he and his family are forced to address a recent tragedy.
Kupfarer stars alongside his wife, Tara Mallen, and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who recently starred in the film adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” “Triangle of Sadness” star Dolly De Leon rounds out the main cast.
“Alex and I have long admired IFC Films’ fierce championing of independent cinema and are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in the space along with Sapan Studio to release ‘Ghostlight,” O’Sullivan said in a statement.
- 1/25/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
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IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired North American rights to Sundance dramedy Ghostlight as the Sundance deals continnue to trickle in heading into the closing weekend.
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan directed the story of a melancholic construction worker who joins a local production of Romeo And Juliet and addresses a recent tragedy when the play mirrors his own life.
Ghostlight debuted in Premieres on opening day and screens again on Friday and throughout the weekend. The real-life acting family of Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer star alongside Dolly De Leon.
IFC Films plans...
Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan directed the story of a melancholic construction worker who joins a local production of Romeo And Juliet and addresses a recent tragedy when the play mirrors his own life.
Ghostlight debuted in Premieres on opening day and screens again on Friday and throughout the weekend. The real-life acting family of Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer star alongside Dolly De Leon.
IFC Films plans...
- 1/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
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IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the North American rights to “Ghostlight” following its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, where the tender-hearted drama drew strong reviews.
The film is the sophomore feature from Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and follows their critically acclaimed 2019 debut “Saint Frances.” It stars a real-life family of actors — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer — as well as Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon, a breakout for her turn in “Triangle of Sadness.” IFC Films plans to release the film in theaters later this year.
“Ghostlight” centers around Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” But as the onstage drama mirrors his own life, Dan and his family are forced to grapple with a recent tragedy. In his Variety review, Peter Debruge wrote that the story was “beautifully told,...
The film is the sophomore feature from Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan and follows their critically acclaimed 2019 debut “Saint Frances.” It stars a real-life family of actors — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and their daughter Katherine Mallen Kupferer — as well as Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon, a breakout for her turn in “Triangle of Sadness.” IFC Films plans to release the film in theaters later this year.
“Ghostlight” centers around Dan, a melancholic construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” But as the onstage drama mirrors his own life, Dan and his family are forced to grapple with a recent tragedy. In his Variety review, Peter Debruge wrote that the story was “beautifully told,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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Distributor plans September 15 theatrical release.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired US rights to Invisible Beauty, the documentary about the career of pioneering Black fashion model Bethann Hardison which premiered at Sundance and played at Tribeca.
Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng directed the film about Hardison’s career. Born in 1942 the Brooklyn native, now in her 70s, played a key role in the racial evolution of fashion.
Invisible Beauty features interviews with luminaries such as Iman, Tyson Beckford, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Fran Lebowitz, Pat Cleveland, Naomi Campbell, and Stephen Burrows.
Lisa Cortés produced and the executive producers are Hallee Adelman, John Boccardo,...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired US rights to Invisible Beauty, the documentary about the career of pioneering Black fashion model Bethann Hardison which premiered at Sundance and played at Tribeca.
Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng directed the film about Hardison’s career. Born in 1942 the Brooklyn native, now in her 70s, played a key role in the racial evolution of fashion.
Invisible Beauty features interviews with luminaries such as Iman, Tyson Beckford, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Fran Lebowitz, Pat Cleveland, Naomi Campbell, and Stephen Burrows.
Lisa Cortés produced and the executive producers are Hallee Adelman, John Boccardo,...
- 7/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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Magnolia Pictures has acquired the U.S. rights to “Invisible Beauty, a documentary telling the story of fashion icon Bethann Hardison.
The film, co-directed by Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng, premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and recently screened at Tribeca. The picture is produced by Lisa Cortés with Naomi Campbell serving as an executive producer and will debut theatrically Sept. 15.
The picture shines a spotlight on Hardison, one of the fashion industry’s most influential icons who, as a pioneering Black model, modeling agent and entrepreneur, pushed the boundaries of fashion culture and has been at the forefront of progress throughout her career. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is currently penning her memoir which will take stock of her legacy amid a fashion industry shaken by discrimination.
Also Read:
New York SAG-AFTRA President Says AMPTP Underestimated Union’s Resolve, Unity During Negotiations (Video)
“Bethann...
The film, co-directed by Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng, premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and recently screened at Tribeca. The picture is produced by Lisa Cortés with Naomi Campbell serving as an executive producer and will debut theatrically Sept. 15.
The picture shines a spotlight on Hardison, one of the fashion industry’s most influential icons who, as a pioneering Black model, modeling agent and entrepreneur, pushed the boundaries of fashion culture and has been at the forefront of progress throughout her career. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is currently penning her memoir which will take stock of her legacy amid a fashion industry shaken by discrimination.
Also Read:
New York SAG-AFTRA President Says AMPTP Underestimated Union’s Resolve, Unity During Negotiations (Video)
“Bethann...
- 7/18/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
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Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to Invisible Beauty, the Sundance world premiere documentary about the career of pioneering African American model and fashion icon Bethann Hardison.
Magnolia plans a September 15 theatrical release of the film directed by Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng. Lisa Cortés produced the film; supermodel Naomi Campbell serves as an executive producer.
“In her lifetime, Hardison has seen the pendulum swing toward and away from the Black model,” notes a release about the documentary. “At every setback, she spoke up and rallied her colleagues and clients in the industry to advance change. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is writing her memoir, taking stock of her own legacy at a moment when the fashion industry was shaken by discrimination.”
Model Bethann Hardison on a fashion shoot in New York in 1975.
The documentary...
Magnolia plans a September 15 theatrical release of the film directed by Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng. Lisa Cortés produced the film; supermodel Naomi Campbell serves as an executive producer.
“In her lifetime, Hardison has seen the pendulum swing toward and away from the Black model,” notes a release about the documentary. “At every setback, she spoke up and rallied her colleagues and clients in the industry to advance change. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is writing her memoir, taking stock of her own legacy at a moment when the fashion industry was shaken by discrimination.”
Model Bethann Hardison on a fashion shoot in New York in 1975.
The documentary...
- 7/18/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
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Is AVOD the solution for struggling indie doc filmmakers?
“Beyond Utopia,” “A Still Small Voice,” “Deep Rising,” “It’s Only Life After All,” “Going Varsity in Mariachi,” and “The Grab” are all documentary titles that garnered good reviews, positive audience feedback and plenty of media attention at major film festivals including this year’s Sundance and last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. But despite the high visibility, each title is still seeking distribution.
The chances of any of the six titles garnering a highly coveted distribution deal isn’t likely given the state of the entertainment industry at present. The dismal distribution landscape has forced some nonfiction filmmakers to turn to substantially less lucrative alternatives, such as ad-supported VOD, or AVOD channels, and revenue-sharing arrangements to get their work seen.
That list include filmmakers Violet Columbus and Ben Klein, who directed the 2022 Sundance grand jury prize documentary winner “The Exiles.
“Beyond Utopia,” “A Still Small Voice,” “Deep Rising,” “It’s Only Life After All,” “Going Varsity in Mariachi,” and “The Grab” are all documentary titles that garnered good reviews, positive audience feedback and plenty of media attention at major film festivals including this year’s Sundance and last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. But despite the high visibility, each title is still seeking distribution.
The chances of any of the six titles garnering a highly coveted distribution deal isn’t likely given the state of the entertainment industry at present. The dismal distribution landscape has forced some nonfiction filmmakers to turn to substantially less lucrative alternatives, such as ad-supported VOD, or AVOD channels, and revenue-sharing arrangements to get their work seen.
That list include filmmakers Violet Columbus and Ben Klein, who directed the 2022 Sundance grand jury prize documentary winner “The Exiles.
- 6/30/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
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Magnolia Pictures announced on Wednesday that it has acquired the North American distribution rights to Participant’s documentary “A Compassionate Spy” and will release it later this year.
Directed by two-time Oscar nominee Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”), “A Compassionate Spy” tells the story of Ted Hall, who at the age of 18 was the youngest physicist to work on the Manhattan Project with Robert Oppenheimer. Fearful that an American monopoly on something as devastating as a nuclear bomb could lead to catastrophe, Hall shared key secrets on the bomb’s development to Soviet spies, significantly shaping the course of the Cold War in the decades to come.
“A Compassionate Spy” is also a love story, retelling Hall’s lifelong relationship with his wife Joan, with whom he raised a family while under the shadow of FBI surveillance. The documentary tells Hall’s story through Joan’s perspective, as she kept many...
Directed by two-time Oscar nominee Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”), “A Compassionate Spy” tells the story of Ted Hall, who at the age of 18 was the youngest physicist to work on the Manhattan Project with Robert Oppenheimer. Fearful that an American monopoly on something as devastating as a nuclear bomb could lead to catastrophe, Hall shared key secrets on the bomb’s development to Soviet spies, significantly shaping the course of the Cold War in the decades to come.
“A Compassionate Spy” is also a love story, retelling Hall’s lifelong relationship with his wife Joan, with whom he raised a family while under the shadow of FBI surveillance. The documentary tells Hall’s story through Joan’s perspective, as she kept many...
- 2/16/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOWQ4N2I5MDEtNmJlNi00MjJiLWJjM2EtNTI2OTQyOTU1MmUwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Acquisition
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights from Participant to “A Compassionate Spy,” the new documentary from Steve James. The film, which world premiered at the Venice Film Festival ahead of its North American launch at Telluride, is a real-life spy story about Manhattan Project physicist Ted Hall, who provided nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union, told through the perspective of his wife Joan, who protected his secret for decades. Magnolia will release the film in theaters later this year.
“A Compassionate Spy” is presented by Participant and is a Mitten Media and Kartemquin Films production produced by Mark Mitten p.g.a., Dave Lindorff, and Steve James. Executive producers are Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Tim Horsburgh and Gordon Quinn.
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia executive VP Dori Begley and senior VP of acquisitions John Von Thaden; Participant’s Liesl Copland, executive VP content strategy and sales, Adam Macy,...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights from Participant to “A Compassionate Spy,” the new documentary from Steve James. The film, which world premiered at the Venice Film Festival ahead of its North American launch at Telluride, is a real-life spy story about Manhattan Project physicist Ted Hall, who provided nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union, told through the perspective of his wife Joan, who protected his secret for decades. Magnolia will release the film in theaters later this year.
“A Compassionate Spy” is presented by Participant and is a Mitten Media and Kartemquin Films production produced by Mark Mitten p.g.a., Dave Lindorff, and Steve James. Executive producers are Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Tim Horsburgh and Gordon Quinn.
The deal was negotiated by Magnolia executive VP Dori Begley and senior VP of acquisitions John Von Thaden; Participant’s Liesl Copland, executive VP content strategy and sales, Adam Macy,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
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Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights to A Compassionate Spy, the new documentary from Oscar-nominated director Steve James (Hoop Dreams, Life Itself) from Participant.
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year, follows the real-life spy story of Manhattan Project physicist Ted Hall, who infamously provided nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. The story is told through the perspective of his loving wife Joan, who protected his secret for decades.
Recruited in 1944 as an 18-year-old Harvard undergraduate to help Robert Oppenheimer and his team create a bomb, Hall was the youngest physicist on the Manhattan Project, but didn’t share his colleagues’ excitement after the successful detonation of the world’s first atomic bomb. Concerned that the new weapon would give the U.S. a post-war monopoly on global power and could lead to nuclear catastrophe, Hall began passing key information about the bomb’s construction to the Soviet Union,...
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year, follows the real-life spy story of Manhattan Project physicist Ted Hall, who infamously provided nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. The story is told through the perspective of his loving wife Joan, who protected his secret for decades.
Recruited in 1944 as an 18-year-old Harvard undergraduate to help Robert Oppenheimer and his team create a bomb, Hall was the youngest physicist on the Manhattan Project, but didn’t share his colleagues’ excitement after the successful detonation of the world’s first atomic bomb. Concerned that the new weapon would give the U.S. a post-war monopoly on global power and could lead to nuclear catastrophe, Hall began passing key information about the bomb’s construction to the Soviet Union,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTUyMGEyOTMtMjJhOS00N2ZmLTg2ZDEtZmMxYmJkMWMyNWIwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,24,500,281_.jpg)
Autlook Filmsales handles international sales at EFM on story of nuclear physicist Ted Hall.
Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from Participant to A Compassionate Spy, Steve James’s documentary about the controversial American nuclear physicist Ted Hall who passed secrets to the Soviet Union.
At age 18 Harvard graduate Hall became the youngest recruit to the Manhattan Project in the early 1940s. After the United States detonated its first nuclear bomb he became concerned his country had a potentially catastrophic monopoly on the technology and provided confidential information to the Soviets.
The film is told from the perspective of Joan,...
Magnolia Pictures has picked up North American rights from Participant to A Compassionate Spy, Steve James’s documentary about the controversial American nuclear physicist Ted Hall who passed secrets to the Soviet Union.
At age 18 Harvard graduate Hall became the youngest recruit to the Manhattan Project in the early 1940s. After the United States detonated its first nuclear bomb he became concerned his country had a potentially catastrophic monopoly on the technology and provided confidential information to the Soviets.
The film is told from the perspective of Joan,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzIwYjFjMWYtNjI5YS00MDUwLTgwNjAtYTJkMTYwMTUwYzdiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,80,500,281_.jpg)
On his recent promotional tour for “Pinocchio,” Guillermo del Toro went on more than one tirade about how “animation is a medium, not a genre,” and more than children’s entertainment. That’s a message that documentaries could have used at the 2023 edition of the Sundance Film Festival, which provided a stark reminder that the non-fiction community needs to start talking about its work in broader terms than the so-called “genre” that limits its appeal.
Blockbuster documentaries about treasured icons, thrilling subjects, and complicated pop-culture figures were everywhere at Sundance. For the most part, they came with distribution: Apple had “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” and “Steph Curry: Underrated,” Amazon premiered “Judy Blume Forever,” and Netflix brought diving survival saga “The Deepest Breath.”
Then there was… well, pretty much, everything else. No disrespect to any of the aforementioned titles (I haven’t seen them all), but it was disheartening...
Blockbuster documentaries about treasured icons, thrilling subjects, and complicated pop-culture figures were everywhere at Sundance. For the most part, they came with distribution: Apple had “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” and “Steph Curry: Underrated,” Amazon premiered “Judy Blume Forever,” and Netflix brought diving survival saga “The Deepest Breath.”
Then there was… well, pretty much, everything else. No disrespect to any of the aforementioned titles (I haven’t seen them all), but it was disheartening...
- 2/4/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmE5ZWQ1NTgtMDBlMS00NmU2LTgyNGQtMzBiNDNmMmRiYjQ1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,1,500,281_.jpg)
For documentary filmmakers seeking distribution for independently made projects, Sundance is the golden ticket. It’s where a few lucky doc directors can nail down seven-figure deals with major distributors including Netflix, Amazon or Apple TV+ every year. But this year, with streamers not only tightening their purse strings but also increasingly commissioning their own content, and even shunning more provocative political-leaning fare, the Park City market for indie nonfiction features will be more competitive and likely less lucrative.
Last January at Sundance 2022, which was an online-only event, the doc market got off to a strong start. Several Sundance nonfiction titles sold, including “Aftershock” (Disney’s Onyx Collective and ABC News), “All That Breathes” (HBO), “Descendant” (Netflix), “Last Flight Home” (MTV Documentary Films), “Fire of Love” (National Geographic), “Mija” (Disney+), “Nothing Compares” (Showtime) and “The Territory” (National Geographic). But as the year wore on, economic unease and the merger of...
Last January at Sundance 2022, which was an online-only event, the doc market got off to a strong start. Several Sundance nonfiction titles sold, including “Aftershock” (Disney’s Onyx Collective and ABC News), “All That Breathes” (HBO), “Descendant” (Netflix), “Last Flight Home” (MTV Documentary Films), “Fire of Love” (National Geographic), “Mija” (Disney+), “Nothing Compares” (Showtime) and “The Territory” (National Geographic). But as the year wore on, economic unease and the merger of...
- 1/18/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmYxOGJiMDctMGViZC00NGMxLThiMjItZDRiYTc2ZGQ5MGM1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
For several years, Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams hosted an intimate IDFA paella party at his apartment in Amsterdam for attending directors, producers and editors. But in 2018, Williams and his co-host, documentary producer, and the founder of Motto Pictures, Julie Goldman (“The Velvet Underground”), realized that the annual event had transformed into an award season stop.
“At one point, we looked around, and the whole party was filled with the international AMPAS (Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences) members,” says Goldman. “Then, the last year we had the party, someone rang the buzzer an hour before it was supposed to start. We buzzed him up, and it was this guy named Alex, and he said, ‘I was told that I have to come to this party.’”
It turned out that Alex was Alex Honnold, the subject of “Free Solo” – a film that would later win the Oscar for best feature documentary.
“At one point, we looked around, and the whole party was filled with the international AMPAS (Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences) members,” says Goldman. “Then, the last year we had the party, someone rang the buzzer an hour before it was supposed to start. We buzzed him up, and it was this guy named Alex, and he said, ‘I was told that I have to come to this party.’”
It turned out that Alex was Alex Honnold, the subject of “Free Solo” – a film that would later win the Oscar for best feature documentary.
- 11/14/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDA4MWY3MzQtZjM5My00Y2NkLWJkODItYjlhMjQ0MTIzYzA2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
IFC Films is acquiring North American rights to “Lakota Nation vs. United States,” a documentary about the Lakota Indians’ quest to reclaim the Black Hills. That sacred land was stolen in violation of treaty agreements, and the film, from directors Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli, looks at the many ways that the U.S. has ignored, overlooked and failed to grapple with the historical wrongs done to Indigenous communities.
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” is narrated by and features the poetry of acclaimed Ogala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier, winner of the National Books Critics Circle award and finalist for the National Book Award. The score is composed by Raven Chacon, recipient of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for “Voiceless Mass,” and director of photography is Kevin Phillips (“Super Dark Times”). The Lakota activists featured in the film include Nick Tilsen and Krystal Two Bulls, two organizers of today’s Landback movement,...
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” is narrated by and features the poetry of acclaimed Ogala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier, winner of the National Books Critics Circle award and finalist for the National Book Award. The score is composed by Raven Chacon, recipient of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for “Voiceless Mass,” and director of photography is Kevin Phillips (“Super Dark Times”). The Lakota activists featured in the film include Nick Tilsen and Krystal Two Bulls, two organizers of today’s Landback movement,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTVlM2NkYmYtMjhkZC00NzMwLWIzYzAtNDdmYzc0YzEzYjJmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Laura Poitras’ “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” Steve James’ “A Compassionate Spy” and Evgeny Afineevsky’s “Freedom on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom” are among 11 documentaries making their world premieres at the Venice Film Festival this year, with Poitras’ competition title vying for a Golden Lion — a rare feat for a doc at a major international film festival.
The growing number of high-profile non-fiction films in and out of competition at Venice suggests that major European film festivals have finally accepted documentaries as viable, cinematic art.
While docs at the Toronto International Film Festival and major U.S. fests, including Sundance, Telluride and South by Southwest, have long been the belles of the ball, the most prominent international festivals, including Venice, Cannes and Berlin, have been slow to embrace non-fiction content, especially in competition.
“There had been what I would only characterize as an illogical resistance to thinking...
The growing number of high-profile non-fiction films in and out of competition at Venice suggests that major European film festivals have finally accepted documentaries as viable, cinematic art.
While docs at the Toronto International Film Festival and major U.S. fests, including Sundance, Telluride and South by Southwest, have long been the belles of the ball, the most prominent international festivals, including Venice, Cannes and Berlin, have been slow to embrace non-fiction content, especially in competition.
“There had been what I would only characterize as an illogical resistance to thinking...
- 8/30/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjVlYWUwOTYtNTM5My00MWI1LThlNWItZWY4ZWE0MDYwNGFkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: Juno Films has acquired rights to the experimental drama The Same Storm, from writer-director Peter Hedges (Ben Is Back), for distribution in the U.S., Canada and the UK. The film will open at the Quad Cinema in NYC and the Laemmle Santa Monica on October 14.
Filmed during the Covid pandemic using cell phones and laptops, The Same Storm invites viewers into the lives of 24 characters as they navigate the spring and summer of 2020. With lockdowns, the Black Lives Matter movement and the looming 2020 election as key backdrops, the film explores the importance of human connection, family and love during a time when all of that seemed out of reach.
Two-time Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), Emmy and Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker (Colin in Black & White), two-time Oscar nominee Elaine May (Crisis in Six Scenes), Emmy nominee Moses Ingram (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Independent Spirit Award nominee...
Filmed during the Covid pandemic using cell phones and laptops, The Same Storm invites viewers into the lives of 24 characters as they navigate the spring and summer of 2020. With lockdowns, the Black Lives Matter movement and the looming 2020 election as key backdrops, the film explores the importance of human connection, family and love during a time when all of that seemed out of reach.
Two-time Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve), Emmy and Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker (Colin in Black & White), two-time Oscar nominee Elaine May (Crisis in Six Scenes), Emmy nominee Moses Ingram (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Independent Spirit Award nominee...
- 8/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYmYwNWQyNWQtZjg0YS00MmMxLTliNTItZGE4ODA5MTMwYjQzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: Zeitgeist Films and Kino Lorber have acquired North American rights to Eva Vitija’s documentary Loving Highsmith, which takes as its focus Carol and The Talented Mr. Ripley author Patricia Highsmith. Zeitgeist will release the film theatrically this September.
Loving Highsmith is a unique look at the life of the celebrated American author, focusing on Highsmith’s quest for love and her troubled identity through her personal diaries and the intimate reflections of her lovers, friends and family. The film sheds new light on her life and writings, the best known of which were adapted for the big screen: Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Carol, a partially autobiographical novel and the first lesbian story with a happy ending in 1950s America. Highsmith herself was forced to lead a double life and had to hide her vibrant love affairs from her family and the public, reflecting...
Loving Highsmith is a unique look at the life of the celebrated American author, focusing on Highsmith’s quest for love and her troubled identity through her personal diaries and the intimate reflections of her lovers, friends and family. The film sheds new light on her life and writings, the best known of which were adapted for the big screen: Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Carol, a partially autobiographical novel and the first lesbian story with a happy ending in 1950s America. Highsmith herself was forced to lead a double life and had to hide her vibrant love affairs from her family and the public, reflecting...
- 6/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZGY2MjQ1NTctZmUyOC00Njk4LWFmMzMtODc4MDBjMjdhOGEzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Things were moving so slowly at the Cannes Film Festival that the pace of deals was almost as glacial as the amount of time it takes to get your check at a restaurant in the south of France.
But then, sacré bleu, Netflix struck, shelling out more than 50 million for the rights to “Pain Hustlers,” a conspiracy thriller that unites Emily Blunt with Harry Potter director David Yates, and the move has started to accelerate deal-making up and down the Croisette.
This year’s market has been a litmus test for film sales as the U.S. and key international markets emerge from the worst of the pandemic. Many buyers have hoped for a correction, one that sees prices cool down, with more opportunities for international distributors who are still smarting from eye-watering global streaming buys during the Covid crisis. Domestic consolidation has also thrown up all sorts of questions...
But then, sacré bleu, Netflix struck, shelling out more than 50 million for the rights to “Pain Hustlers,” a conspiracy thriller that unites Emily Blunt with Harry Potter director David Yates, and the move has started to accelerate deal-making up and down the Croisette.
This year’s market has been a litmus test for film sales as the U.S. and key international markets emerge from the worst of the pandemic. Many buyers have hoped for a correction, one that sees prices cool down, with more opportunities for international distributors who are still smarting from eye-watering global streaming buys during the Covid crisis. Domestic consolidation has also thrown up all sorts of questions...
- 5/23/2022
- by Brent Lang and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTNlMDY1ZmMtZWIxYy00NjZkLTkyOTctYjg4NDNhZTQzM2MzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR11,0,500,281_.jpg)
Back in April 2022, Greenwich Entertainment announced the acquisition of North American distribution rights to Stay Prayed Up. Now, Greenwich has released an official trailer for the film.
This is the feature directorial debut of co-director Matt Durning and second feature from co-director D.L. Anderson (Farmer/Veteran). The Vittles Films and Interlocking Pictures documentary premiered to rave reviews at its World Premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and at Doc NYC. Greenwich will release the film in theaters on June 17 and will appear on Amazon and Apple+ TV July 5, 2022.
The only thing mightier than Lena Mae Perry’s electrifying voice is her faith. She’s spent the last 50 years sharing and sharpening both as the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and lifted hearts as far away as Ireland. Stay Prayed Up is a spirited celebration, inviting audiences into...
This is the feature directorial debut of co-director Matt Durning and second feature from co-director D.L. Anderson (Farmer/Veteran). The Vittles Films and Interlocking Pictures documentary premiered to rave reviews at its World Premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and at Doc NYC. Greenwich will release the film in theaters on June 17 and will appear on Amazon and Apple+ TV July 5, 2022.
The only thing mightier than Lena Mae Perry’s electrifying voice is her faith. She’s spent the last 50 years sharing and sharpening both as the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and lifted hearts as far away as Ireland. Stay Prayed Up is a spirited celebration, inviting audiences into...
- 5/12/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzE3MGQyOGQtOTA1YS00YTAxLWI2ZWUtNzgzNGYxYzgzNGE5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UY281_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: Greenwich Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the gospel documentary Stay Prayed Up, which premiered to critical acclaim at the Telluride Film Festival and Doc NYC, for release in theaters on June 17.
The film from directors D.L. Anderson and Matt Durning tells the story of Lena Mae Perry, who has spent the last 50 years sharing and sharpening her voice as the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and lifted hearts as far away as Ireland. Pic invites audiences into “Mother” Perry’s close-knit community as the 83-year-old strives to extend The Branchettes’ sacred song ministry ever forward, following the ensemble as they record their first live album—a hallmark in the canon of Black gospel groups. Mikel Barton, Phil Cook, Lena C. Williams and Leslie Raymond served as the feature’s producers.
“We believe Stay Prayed Up offers a well-timed,...
The film from directors D.L. Anderson and Matt Durning tells the story of Lena Mae Perry, who has spent the last 50 years sharing and sharpening her voice as the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and lifted hearts as far away as Ireland. Pic invites audiences into “Mother” Perry’s close-knit community as the 83-year-old strives to extend The Branchettes’ sacred song ministry ever forward, following the ensemble as they record their first live album—a hallmark in the canon of Black gospel groups. Mikel Barton, Phil Cook, Lena C. Williams and Leslie Raymond served as the feature’s producers.
“We believe Stay Prayed Up offers a well-timed,...
- 4/13/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjA2NmEzOWUtYWQ3My00ZTZlLTgxMjctNTA4MTdjODU1YmM5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
The Copenhagen Intl. Documentary Film Festival (Cph:dox), which runs March 23-April 3, has revealed its conference program. Among the filmmakers taking part are Sara Dosa (“Fire of Love”), Daniel Roher (“Navalny”) and Renzo Martens (“The White Cube”), and Brazilian indigenous cinematographer Tangãi Uru-eu-wau-wau (“The Territory).
The conference program, known as Cph:conference, is presented in partnership with training initiative Documentary Campus. It runs online and in-person March 29-April 1.
The mornings will be devoted to “storytelling, craft, and creative dilemmas of documentary filmmaking at the intersection of art, science and society,” the fest said. Each morning will feature “a thought-provoking conversation” between two filmmakers in the Cph:dox competition program.
The role of leaders nowadays and the themes of access and risk will be discussed by Roher and Christoffer Guldbrandsen (“A Storm Foretold”). Dosa and Lars Ostenfeld (“Into the Ice”) will delve into innovative storytelling, and the intersection between science and documentary filmmaking. The interconnection between past and present,...
The conference program, known as Cph:conference, is presented in partnership with training initiative Documentary Campus. It runs online and in-person March 29-April 1.
The mornings will be devoted to “storytelling, craft, and creative dilemmas of documentary filmmaking at the intersection of art, science and society,” the fest said. Each morning will feature “a thought-provoking conversation” between two filmmakers in the Cph:dox competition program.
The role of leaders nowadays and the themes of access and risk will be discussed by Roher and Christoffer Guldbrandsen (“A Storm Foretold”). Dosa and Lars Ostenfeld (“Into the Ice”) will delve into innovative storytelling, and the intersection between science and documentary filmmaking. The interconnection between past and present,...
- 3/4/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix takes Sundance doc ‘Descendant’, Warner Bros/HBO Max, Showtime, Mubi also in action (update)
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Festival runs through January 30.
Updated January 29: Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant on Friday (28), which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Showtime Documentary Films moved on Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and on Saturday Warner Bros and HBO Max took worldwide rights to Dakota Johnson drama Am I Ok? and Mubi picked up Free Choi Soo Lee.
Margaret Brown’s Descendant premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community...
Updated January 29: Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant on Friday (28), which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Showtime Documentary Films moved on Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and on Saturday Warner Bros and HBO Max took worldwide rights to Dakota Johnson drama Am I Ok? and Mubi picked up Free Choi Soo Lee.
Margaret Brown’s Descendant premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
![Taylor Schilling and Jackson Robert Scott in The Prodigy (2019)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTQxNTMwMmUtMWRkYi00MTRmLTgyYWItYTYwNGZkMWZmMzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjM4NTM5NDY@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Taylor Schilling and Jackson Robert Scott in The Prodigy (2019)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTQxNTMwMmUtMWRkYi00MTRmLTgyYWItYTYwNGZkMWZmMzQ2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjM4NTM5NDY@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
“Descendant,” the Participant feature documentary and Sundance Award winner about the legacy of slavery, has been acquired for worldwide rights by Netflix, the company announced on Friday. Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, will present the film, alongside Netflix.
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement. “I am excited that through Netflix and Higher Ground’s global reach, audiences around the world will learn this powerful history.”
“Descendant” follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement. “I am excited that through Netflix and Higher Ground’s global reach, audiences around the world will learn this powerful history.”
“Descendant” follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America. The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
- 1/29/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTk0ZGVkMWYtZTA2Ny00OTFhLWEzZjgtMGE4YTE2NzAwMmIxXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to the Sundance award-winning documentary “Descendant,” by filmmaker Margaret Brown. Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, will present the Participant feature alongside Netflix later this year.
The film follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story” in the film.
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
The film follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship arrived in America 40 years after African slave trading became a capital offense. It was promptly burned and its existence denied, but “after a century shrouded in secrecy and speculation, descendants of the Clotilda’s survivors are reclaiming their story” in the film.
“I have been humbled and honored to spend four years with the residents of Africatown as they seek justice and reconciliation for what happened in 1860, and what is still happening today,” Brown said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
- 1/29/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BY2JhYjE3NWQtMjc3ZC00YTI5LWExYTgtMmM0Mzk2YTcyYzM2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Two deals on Friday follow Focus’ worldwide buy on Brian And Charles, IFC/Shudder acquisition of Resurrection.
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BY2JhYjE3NWQtMjc3ZC00YTI5LWExYTgtMmM0Mzk2YTcyYzM2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Two deals on Friday follow Focus’ worldwide buy on Brian And Charles, IFC/Shudder acquisition of Resurrection.
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Margaret Brown’s film premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport human beings as cargo from Africa to America.
The ship’s existence, a centuries-old open secret, is...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYWYxNjY0N2ItMjA3NS00MmFkLWI4N2QtNzQ1YTIxZTI4YzZlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
The 31st annual edition of the Gotham Independent Film Awards, taking place Nov. 29, will feature a variety of updates, including acting awards that are not defined by gender, a kudo for breakthrough nonfiction series and the inclusion of international documentaries in the doc feature category.
The third new rule allowed for two European-based documentaries to be nominated in Gotham’s feature nonfiction category: Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s “Flee” and Camilla Nielsson’s “President.” Rounding out the Gotham category are three U.S.-based docus — Jessica Beshir’s “Faya Dayi,” Jessica Kingdon’s “Ascension” and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s debut, “Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).”
The decision to include international nonfiction into the doc feature category came to fruition this year for various reasons according to Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of the Gotham Film and Media Institute.
“In this continuing movement towards inclusion we wanted...
The third new rule allowed for two European-based documentaries to be nominated in Gotham’s feature nonfiction category: Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s “Flee” and Camilla Nielsson’s “President.” Rounding out the Gotham category are three U.S.-based docus — Jessica Beshir’s “Faya Dayi,” Jessica Kingdon’s “Ascension” and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s debut, “Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).”
The decision to include international nonfiction into the doc feature category came to fruition this year for various reasons according to Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of the Gotham Film and Media Institute.
“In this continuing movement towards inclusion we wanted...
- 11/29/2021
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTA3Y2Y1MDEtODZiNy00OTM5LTlmN2MtZTA0NGM4YTUyYjk4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Outfest has announced the award winners of its 2021 Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival.
The nation’s leading LGBTQ festival ran from August 13th to August 22nd, holding its closing night at the iconic Orpheum Theatre, with Vivian Kleiman’s No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics claiming the Documentary Feature Grand Jury Prize, and Brielle Brilliant’s Firstness winning the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize.
For the first time ever, Outfest collaborated with IMDb in choosing Audience Award winners, selecting them based on IMDb ratings. Among other prizes and recognition, eligible Outfest Los Angeles winners received a one-year membership to IMDbPro.
The winners of the Grand Jury Prizes for Best U.S. Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best International Narrative Short all received a $2000 cash prize awarded in partnership with Entertainment Partners.
Also of note is the fact that the U.S. and International Narrative...
The nation’s leading LGBTQ festival ran from August 13th to August 22nd, holding its closing night at the iconic Orpheum Theatre, with Vivian Kleiman’s No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics claiming the Documentary Feature Grand Jury Prize, and Brielle Brilliant’s Firstness winning the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize.
For the first time ever, Outfest collaborated with IMDb in choosing Audience Award winners, selecting them based on IMDb ratings. Among other prizes and recognition, eligible Outfest Los Angeles winners received a one-year membership to IMDbPro.
The winners of the Grand Jury Prizes for Best U.S. Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best International Narrative Short all received a $2000 cash prize awarded in partnership with Entertainment Partners.
Also of note is the fact that the U.S. and International Narrative...
- 8/24/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWMzNzM4N2ItNjU0NS00MjNkLWEzOGMtYTliODFkMGMzOGE1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
For many distributors and sales agents, the Tribeca Festival — which kicks off Wednesday — marks a major milestone: The first American festival in over a year offering an in-person venue to make deals for finished films. But the dealmaking will mirror the festival itself, which will offer in-person programming across the New York City’s five boroughs as well as a robust online component for out-of-towners.
The decentralized festival means that this year, Tribeca won’t be defined by making the daily trek to Manhattan to watch films and take meetings. New York-based agents and buyers say they’re looking forward to meeting in person and leveraging the long-awaited return of word-of-mouth buzz. But many in Los Angeles are still relying on Zoom and the festival’s online platform to do their work.
Maria Zuckerman, head of Topic Studios, has three films at the festival, all for sale: the Vanessa Kirby-starring “Italian Studies,...
The decentralized festival means that this year, Tribeca won’t be defined by making the daily trek to Manhattan to watch films and take meetings. New York-based agents and buyers say they’re looking forward to meeting in person and leveraging the long-awaited return of word-of-mouth buzz. But many in Los Angeles are still relying on Zoom and the festival’s online platform to do their work.
Maria Zuckerman, head of Topic Studios, has three films at the festival, all for sale: the Vanessa Kirby-starring “Italian Studies,...
- 6/9/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTQ3MDA0ZTctN2E3Ny00OWVhLTg0MWUtZWI1YjE1Mzk5MmNlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,30,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: All the Streets Are Silent, a documentary portrait of the skateboarding and hip-hop scenes in New York in the late 1980s and early ’90s, has been acquired by Greenwich Entertainment.
The U.S. rights deal precedes the film’s world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. The film will be released in theaters on July 23.
Jeremy Elkin is making his feature directing debut with All the Streets Are Silent, which is described as “a love letter to New York” blending elements of Paris Is Burning and Larry Clark’s Kids.
Between the city’s rebound from near-ruin in the 1970s and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Lower Manhattan was home to the thriving subcultures of skateboarding and hip-hop. Their convergence would give rise to modern street style. Eli Gesner, founder of skateboard gear and fashion brand Zoo York, will narrate the film. Hip-hop producer Large Professor, known...
The U.S. rights deal precedes the film’s world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. The film will be released in theaters on July 23.
Jeremy Elkin is making his feature directing debut with All the Streets Are Silent, which is described as “a love letter to New York” blending elements of Paris Is Burning and Larry Clark’s Kids.
Between the city’s rebound from near-ruin in the 1970s and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Lower Manhattan was home to the thriving subcultures of skateboarding and hip-hop. Their convergence would give rise to modern street style. Eli Gesner, founder of skateboard gear and fashion brand Zoo York, will narrate the film. Hip-hop producer Large Professor, known...
- 4/29/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmViNzY1NzYtYmU4OS00YzM3LWFkMTgtZTljZTc3OTIyZDhhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Tabitha Jackson and Carlo Chatrian shared challenges of upcoming events.
The directors of the Sundance and Berlin film festivals have revealed increased uncertainty over their upcoming events due to the ongoing pandemic.
Speaking on a virtual panel at Swiss documentary festival Visions du Reel (April 15-25), Sundance festival director Tabitha Jackson said there were challenges over both the planning of the January 2022 event and uncertainty over the films that will be ready, following a year of production disruption.
“We’re again in the position of needing to plan in the midst of uncertainty and, in a sense, it’s more...
The directors of the Sundance and Berlin film festivals have revealed increased uncertainty over their upcoming events due to the ongoing pandemic.
Speaking on a virtual panel at Swiss documentary festival Visions du Reel (April 15-25), Sundance festival director Tabitha Jackson said there were challenges over both the planning of the January 2022 event and uncertainty over the films that will be ready, following a year of production disruption.
“We’re again in the position of needing to plan in the midst of uncertainty and, in a sense, it’s more...
- 4/20/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmViNzY1NzYtYmU4OS00YzM3LWFkMTgtZTljZTc3OTIyZDhhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Artistic directors Tabitha Jackson and Carlo Chatrian shared challenges of upcoming events.
The artistic directors of the Sundance and Berlin film festivals have revealed increased uncertainty over their upcoming events due to the ongoing pandemic.
Speaking on a virtual panel at Swiss documentary festival Visions du Reel (April 15-25), Sundance artistic director Tabitha Jackson said there were challenges over both the planning of the January 2022 event and uncertainty over the films that will be ready, following a year of production disruption.
“We’re again in the position of needing to plan in the midst of uncertainty and, in a sense,...
The artistic directors of the Sundance and Berlin film festivals have revealed increased uncertainty over their upcoming events due to the ongoing pandemic.
Speaking on a virtual panel at Swiss documentary festival Visions du Reel (April 15-25), Sundance artistic director Tabitha Jackson said there were challenges over both the planning of the January 2022 event and uncertainty over the films that will be ready, following a year of production disruption.
“We’re again in the position of needing to plan in the midst of uncertainty and, in a sense,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQyYjE3NmItOWQ4YS00ZjQzLWJiNTEtNDdlZTBkYTQxN2I2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: Janus Films has acquired North American rights to the documentary Faya Dayi, the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Jessica Beshir.
Janus is planning a theatrical release later in 2021 for the film, which premiered in January in World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The Mexican-Ethiopian Beshir returned to Harar, Ethiopia, where she had lived as a child, to make her documentary. It explores the generations, young and old, who cultivate khat, a flowering plant chewed as a stimulant that has vital cultural and economic impact on Ethiopia.
“Faya Dayi took our breath away,” commented Peter Becker, Janus partner and president of Criterion. “Jessica Beshir’s commanding love letter to Ethiopia is both a meticulously observed exploration of the economic, social, and psychological impact of the khat trade on her country, and shot for shot, one of the most gorgeously cinematic films we’ve ever seen.”
Becker continued,...
Janus is planning a theatrical release later in 2021 for the film, which premiered in January in World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The Mexican-Ethiopian Beshir returned to Harar, Ethiopia, where she had lived as a child, to make her documentary. It explores the generations, young and old, who cultivate khat, a flowering plant chewed as a stimulant that has vital cultural and economic impact on Ethiopia.
“Faya Dayi took our breath away,” commented Peter Becker, Janus partner and president of Criterion. “Jessica Beshir’s commanding love letter to Ethiopia is both a meticulously observed exploration of the economic, social, and psychological impact of the khat trade on her country, and shot for shot, one of the most gorgeously cinematic films we’ve ever seen.”
Becker continued,...
- 4/6/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDVjMDc3MzQtYWQ0ZC00MTc1LWIwMjktMjMzNDAxY2ZmMjBkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Exclusive: Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to the Chris McKim-directed documentary Wojnarowicz which is also known for its full, and for some, controversial title, Wojnarowicz: F**k You F*ggot F*cker. The documentary which spotlights the artist and activist David Wojnarowicz is produced by Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey for Wow Docs and by McKim for Hobo Camp Films and will have a theatrical release on March 19 followed by VOD release on Kino Now and home video.
The docu made its world premiere at Doc NYC where it was honored with the 2020 Metropolis Competition Special Jury Recognition for Best Use of Archival Materials. It was also an official selection at last year’s Tribeca and Hot Docs Film Festivals.
“Chris McKim’s exuberant celebration of legendary artist and activist David Wojnarowicz is as fittingly in-your-face as David’s life and work itself,” said Kino Lorber SVP Wendy Lidell said.
The docu made its world premiere at Doc NYC where it was honored with the 2020 Metropolis Competition Special Jury Recognition for Best Use of Archival Materials. It was also an official selection at last year’s Tribeca and Hot Docs Film Festivals.
“Chris McKim’s exuberant celebration of legendary artist and activist David Wojnarowicz is as fittingly in-your-face as David’s life and work itself,” said Kino Lorber SVP Wendy Lidell said.
- 2/9/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYWViMjY0NTUtOGRlZC00ZGMyLTg3NDYtOGQyOGUwYTI0MDczXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Dogwoof handles international sales.
Neon has acquired its second Sundance selection, taking rights to Jamila Wignot’s documentary Ailey.
The US Documentary Competition selection premiered on Saturday (January 30) and profiles the life and work of dancer Alvin Ailey and his pioneering choreographer depicting the African American experience.
Sundance deals have trickled in over the first weekend, in keeping with tradition.
On Friday Neon announced it had acquired rights to Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s animated feature Flee, and a day later Apple pulled off the biggest deal in the festival’s history when it paid around $25m for the world on...
Neon has acquired its second Sundance selection, taking rights to Jamila Wignot’s documentary Ailey.
The US Documentary Competition selection premiered on Saturday (January 30) and profiles the life and work of dancer Alvin Ailey and his pioneering choreographer depicting the African American experience.
Sundance deals have trickled in over the first weekend, in keeping with tradition.
On Friday Neon announced it had acquired rights to Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s animated feature Flee, and a day later Apple pulled off the biggest deal in the festival’s history when it paid around $25m for the world on...
- 2/1/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BM2Y5NGI0MTQtN2Y4Yi00ZGU2LWFkMjAtZDc4MmI1NWRiZGRhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,18,500,281_.jpg)
Neon strikes again.
The indie label has picked up its second film out of this year’s Sundance, nabbing rights to Jamila Wignot’s “Ailey,” a documentary about dancing icon Alvin Ailey. The film debuted on Saturday and offers rare archival footage of performances by the Ailey Company, along with never-before-heard audio interviews recorded in the last year’s of Ailey’s life. Ailey was a pioneering African-American dancer, director and choreographer, whose work drew on myriad inspirations, weaving together jazz, ballet and modern dance to create a style that was all its own. He died from AIDS in 1989, at the age of 58.
Neon previously bought “Flee,” an animated movie about a man making sense of his past and his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan, for $1 million at the festival.
Neon has seen its profile rise following the triumph of “Parasite,” the South Korean thriller which swept last year’s Academy Awards.
The indie label has picked up its second film out of this year’s Sundance, nabbing rights to Jamila Wignot’s “Ailey,” a documentary about dancing icon Alvin Ailey. The film debuted on Saturday and offers rare archival footage of performances by the Ailey Company, along with never-before-heard audio interviews recorded in the last year’s of Ailey’s life. Ailey was a pioneering African-American dancer, director and choreographer, whose work drew on myriad inspirations, weaving together jazz, ballet and modern dance to create a style that was all its own. He died from AIDS in 1989, at the age of 58.
Neon previously bought “Flee,” an animated movie about a man making sense of his past and his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan, for $1 million at the festival.
Neon has seen its profile rise following the triumph of “Parasite,” the South Korean thriller which swept last year’s Academy Awards.
- 2/1/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzA1NjNjNDktNGI3Mi00ODE3LThmMDYtMjE0Yjc2OTdmOTlkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Neon has made its second acquisition of the Sundance Film Festival with Jamila Wignot’s Ailey, about dance legend Alvin Ailey.
The film debuted at the festival yesterday in the U.S. Documentary Competition section. The documentary explores Ailey’s life and his connection to the present dance company that bears his name with never-before-heard audio interviews recorded in the last year of his life and rare dance performances by the Ailey Company. Ailey found salvation through dance and he pioneered choreography centering on African American experiences. He endured racism and homophobia; addiction and mental illness.
Darcy Heusel, Neon’s Head of Impact and Audience Engagement, remarked “Ailey is a searing and inspirational account of a visionary artistic genius who used his gift of dance and movement to express the Black American experience. Jamila Wignot has created an indelible portrait of both the artist and his work and Neon is...
The film debuted at the festival yesterday in the U.S. Documentary Competition section. The documentary explores Ailey’s life and his connection to the present dance company that bears his name with never-before-heard audio interviews recorded in the last year of his life and rare dance performances by the Ailey Company. Ailey found salvation through dance and he pioneered choreography centering on African American experiences. He endured racism and homophobia; addiction and mental illness.
Darcy Heusel, Neon’s Head of Impact and Audience Engagement, remarked “Ailey is a searing and inspirational account of a visionary artistic genius who used his gift of dance and movement to express the Black American experience. Jamila Wignot has created an indelible portrait of both the artist and his work and Neon is...
- 2/1/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
![Alvin Ailey](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmIxNjE2NTUtYTAyNy00NDE5LTgxZmMtYzBkOGM5YjY3ZDI4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTExNDQ2MTI@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR18,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Alvin Ailey](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMmIxNjE2NTUtYTAyNy00NDE5LTgxZmMtYzBkOGM5YjY3ZDI4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTExNDQ2MTI@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR18,0,140,207_.jpg)
Neon has acquired its second film out of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival: Jamila Wignot’s “Ailey,” about dance legend Alvin Ailey.
The film, which debuted at the festival on Saturday to critical acclaim, includes never-before-heard audio interviews recorded in the last year of his life, with rare dance performances by the Ailey Company.
Ailey was a visionary artist who founded one of the world’s most renowned dance companies — the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — at age 27.
“Ailey is a searing and inspirational account of a visionary artistic genius who used his gift of dance and movement to express the Black American experience,” Darcy Heusel, Neon’s head of impact and audience engagement, said in a statement. “Jamila Wignot has created an indelible portrait of both the artist and his work and Neon is thrilled to be part of continuing his legacy by bringing this remarkable film to theaters across the country.
The film, which debuted at the festival on Saturday to critical acclaim, includes never-before-heard audio interviews recorded in the last year of his life, with rare dance performances by the Ailey Company.
Ailey was a visionary artist who founded one of the world’s most renowned dance companies — the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — at age 27.
“Ailey is a searing and inspirational account of a visionary artistic genius who used his gift of dance and movement to express the Black American experience,” Darcy Heusel, Neon’s head of impact and audience engagement, said in a statement. “Jamila Wignot has created an indelible portrait of both the artist and his work and Neon is thrilled to be part of continuing his legacy by bringing this remarkable film to theaters across the country.
- 2/1/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmJlNjcyZjEtNWVhOC00MDdiLWJlZmYtY2QyNGQ2OTYxOTVkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
In 2020, the Sundance Film Festival kicked off with a splashy premiere for Netflix’s new Taylor Swift documentary. When the 2021 edition gets underway on Thursday, there will be none of that. As a virtual affair, this year’s Sundance is a back-to-basics event, one where a plethora of smaller-scale films without distribution will vie both for awards and acquisition.
But don’t let the relative lack of A-list names suggest that sales activity will be sluggish. Amid a dearth of production, streaming arms race, and the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel coming into view, buyers are hungry for new product.
The result is an environment where theatrical distributors are bracing for competition from streamers for titles that are usually their bread and butter, while buyers of all breeds are expecting to consider films that in other years they might have passed on.
“Because Covid has been more impactful than originally anticipated,...
But don’t let the relative lack of A-list names suggest that sales activity will be sluggish. Amid a dearth of production, streaming arms race, and the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel coming into view, buyers are hungry for new product.
The result is an environment where theatrical distributors are bracing for competition from streamers for titles that are usually their bread and butter, while buyers of all breeds are expecting to consider films that in other years they might have passed on.
“Because Covid has been more impactful than originally anticipated,...
- 1/25/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzJmYjA2MWYtNjY4Ni00MmEzLWE0NjctNTk4ZDkwZmIwZmFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,22,500,281_.jpg)
Utopia has acquired “Dope Is Death,” a look at the establishment of an unconventional detoxification program in the Bronx in the early 1970s to deal with the heroin epidemic.
The sale took place in advance of the film’s screening in November at Doc NYC. Mia Donovan, who previously helmed “Inside Lara Roxx” and “Deprogrammed,” directed the film.
“Dope Is Death” centers on Dr. Mutulu Shakur, stepfather of Tupac Shakur, and a coalition of left-wing activists from the Young Lords and Black Panthers, who combined community health with radical politics to create Lincoln Detox, the first acupuncture detoxification program in America.
The film is slated to premiere on Vice World News — a new series presented by Vice co-founder Suroosh Alvi — before releasing digitally across VOD platforms.
“I feel so honoured to share this story of how community activists confronted the war on drugs with acupuncture and political education,” Donovan said.
The sale took place in advance of the film’s screening in November at Doc NYC. Mia Donovan, who previously helmed “Inside Lara Roxx” and “Deprogrammed,” directed the film.
“Dope Is Death” centers on Dr. Mutulu Shakur, stepfather of Tupac Shakur, and a coalition of left-wing activists from the Young Lords and Black Panthers, who combined community health with radical politics to create Lincoln Detox, the first acupuncture detoxification program in America.
The film is slated to premiere on Vice World News — a new series presented by Vice co-founder Suroosh Alvi — before releasing digitally across VOD platforms.
“I feel so honoured to share this story of how community activists confronted the war on drugs with acupuncture and political education,” Donovan said.
- 10/26/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
![Judd Apatow](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTgzMzIwMzMwMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjcxNjk2OA@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR7,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Judd Apatow](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTgzMzIwMzMwMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjcxNjk2OA@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR7,0,140,207_.jpg)
The cancellation of the SXSW conference by Austin city officials in the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak shocked multiple industries on Friday, but the biggest casualties are the smaller movies that still don’t have homes. A handful of studio titles were aiming to premiere at the festival to generate marketing and publicity around their upcoming release dates, including Judd Apatow’s Universal-produced “The King of Staten Island” and Paramount’s “The Lovebirds,” starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae. However, the bulk of the program is comprised of movies searching for distribution.
That includes the 20 movies in the narrative and documentary competition as well as potential discoveries in various sidebars, all of which were selected from a submission pool of 2,316 films. The cancellation leaves a sudden gap in the festival calendar and veterans of the industry reeling from an unprecedented situation.
At the same time, it leaves newcomers...
That includes the 20 movies in the narrative and documentary competition as well as potential discoveries in various sidebars, all of which were selected from a submission pool of 2,316 films. The cancellation leaves a sudden gap in the festival calendar and veterans of the industry reeling from an unprecedented situation.
At the same time, it leaves newcomers...
- 3/7/2020
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
![Saudi Runaway (2020)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmY5YjhmM2MtMmZkNC00YzBjLTg5MTQtODcwYTc0NzVkNDAzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjM3MDMxNQ@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR3,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Saudi Runaway (2020)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmY5YjhmM2MtMmZkNC00YzBjLTg5MTQtODcwYTc0NzVkNDAzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjM3MDMxNQ@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR3,0,140,207_.jpg)
National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired the worldwide rights to “Saudi Runaway” following its debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
“Saudi Runaway,” which will premiere on Tuesday at the Berlin International Film Festival, chronicles the story of a brave young Saudi woman, Muna, who reckons with her upcoming arranged marriage and takes her fate into her own hands, although it’s risky.
The documentary directed by Susanne Regina Meures features never-seen-before views into Saudi Arabia’s patriarchal culture and her claustrophobic existence.
Also Read: Kino Lorber Acquires Cuban Documentary and Sundance Winner 'Epicentro'
“Muna is one of the strongest-willed and most courageous women I know,” Meures said. “Unprecedented, as a Saudi woman, Muna dares to speak up. She shares her pain and offers us a glimpse into a hidden world. Although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the centre of world affairs, very few authentic images of life there exist.
“Saudi Runaway,” which will premiere on Tuesday at the Berlin International Film Festival, chronicles the story of a brave young Saudi woman, Muna, who reckons with her upcoming arranged marriage and takes her fate into her own hands, although it’s risky.
The documentary directed by Susanne Regina Meures features never-seen-before views into Saudi Arabia’s patriarchal culture and her claustrophobic existence.
Also Read: Kino Lorber Acquires Cuban Documentary and Sundance Winner 'Epicentro'
“Muna is one of the strongest-willed and most courageous women I know,” Meures said. “Unprecedented, as a Saudi woman, Muna dares to speak up. She shares her pain and offers us a glimpse into a hidden world. Although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the centre of world affairs, very few authentic images of life there exist.
- 2/25/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
![Saudi Runaway (2020)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmY5YjhmM2MtMmZkNC00YzBjLTg5MTQtODcwYTc0NzVkNDAzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjM3MDMxNQ@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR3,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Saudi Runaway (2020)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmY5YjhmM2MtMmZkNC00YzBjLTg5MTQtODcwYTc0NzVkNDAzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjM3MDMxNQ@@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR3,0,140,207_.jpg)
National Geographic Documentary Films has bought the documentary “Saudi Runaway,” which follows a young woman in Saudi Arabia attempting to flee the country before her arranged marriage.
The deal was announced on Tuesday prior to “Saudi Runaway” screening at the Berlin Film Festival. Directed by Susanne Regina Meures, the movie had its premiere in the World Documentary Competition section at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Meures also wrote the pic and produced it with Christian Frei.
The young Saudi woman used her cell phone to secretly document her claustrophobic existence and her flight to freedom. Working in close collaboration with Meures (whom she spoke with multiple times a day for months), the result is a view inside Saudi Arabia’s patriarchal culture.
“Muna is one of the strongest-willed and most courageous women I know,” Meures said. “Unprecedented, as a Saudi woman, Muna dares to speak up. She shares her...
The deal was announced on Tuesday prior to “Saudi Runaway” screening at the Berlin Film Festival. Directed by Susanne Regina Meures, the movie had its premiere in the World Documentary Competition section at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Meures also wrote the pic and produced it with Christian Frei.
The young Saudi woman used her cell phone to secretly document her claustrophobic existence and her flight to freedom. Working in close collaboration with Meures (whom she spoke with multiple times a day for months), the result is a view inside Saudi Arabia’s patriarchal culture.
“Muna is one of the strongest-willed and most courageous women I know,” Meures said. “Unprecedented, as a Saudi woman, Muna dares to speak up. She shares her...
- 2/25/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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