The Inbox (May 3-9, 2014)

Every week, I get several press releases, screening invitations and other notifications from a handful of studio contacts. While I won’t be sharing any information regarding my screening invites, some of the press releases might be of interest to my readers, so I thought I’d start sharing them in toto with all of you. These could include new image galleries for various films or important updates to upcoming releases from various smaller studios and art house production companies.

Image Gallery: Blended

See the Gallery Here

Press Release: “Horses of God” Premieres May 14

Jonathan Demme Presents HORSES OF GOD, A Drama About Young Moroccans Turned Islamic Martyrs

US Theatrical Premiere on Wednesday, May 14 at Film Forum

New York, NY, May 5, 2014 – Kino Lorber is proud to announce the New York theatrical opening of Horses of God, a film directed by Nabil Ayouch and presented by award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs), who first watched the film while in Marrakesh and has championed its release ever since.

Based on the eponymous best-selling novel by Mahi Binebine, Jonathan Demme Presents Horses of God will have its US theatrical premiere on Wednesday, May 14, at New York’s Film Forum. The film will expand nationwide after its New York premiere.

A drama set in a slum on the outskirts of Casablanca, and based on a horrific 2003 bombing (12 young men attacked multiple targets, leaving 45 dead), Horses of God is more a character study of children growing up without hope than it is a portrait of terrorists-in-training.

Yachine and Nabil, inseparable friends, fall under the influence of Yachine’s violent older brother, Hamid, after the latter is released from prison on drug charges, now a newly-minted Islamic fundamentalist.

These are street kids from poor families where everyday violence, mental illness, corruption, and dope-dealing compete with fantasies of escaping to Western Europe to earn scads of money or dreams of making it as a professional soccer player. They are subject to the lure of religious fanatics who blame their misfortune on “the imperialist Zionist conspiracy” and offer a “community of new brothers” to those who will submit to the discipline of martyrdom.

Nabil Ayouch’s deeply moving film has been lauded for its “brutal poetry” and the realism with which it depicts how insidiously and cynically fundamentalists ply their trade. The film was presented as part of Un Certain Regard at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

ABOUT KINO LORBER:
With a library of 800 titles, Kino Lorber Inc. has been a leader in independent art house distribution for over 30 years, releasing over 25 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Classics, and Alive Mind Cinema banners, including four Academy Award® nominated films in the last six years. In addition, the company brings over 70 titles each year to the home entertainment market with DVD and Blu-ray releases under its 5 house brands, distributes a growing number of third party labels, and is a direct digital distributor to all major platforms including iTunes, Netflix, HULU, Amazon, Vimeo and others.

Press Release: “Radio Free Albemuth” Comes to Theaters

PHILIP K. DICK NOVEL ‘RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH’ COMES TO THEATERS VIA FREESTYLE

Shea Whigham, Alanis Morissette, Jonathan Scarfe & Katheryn Winnick Star in Sci-fi Tale Set for Day and Date Release on June 27th, 2014

A new trailer is now available for the film. Please see the two links below for the trailer:

Los Angeles, CA (May 6, 2014) – Freestyle Releasing and Freestyle Digital Media (FDM) announced today that they have acquired theatrical and all DVD/VOD rights to the science fiction thriller RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH, which is based on a Philip K. Dick novel and was directed and adapted by John Alan Simon. The film stars Jonathan Scarfe (“Perception,” “Grimm”), Shea Whigham (“Boardwalk Empire”), Katheryn Winnick (“Vikings”) and world renowned recording artist Alanis Morissette (“Weeds”). Supporting cast includes Scott Wilson (“Walking Dead”), Ashley Greene (“Twilight”), Jon Tenney (“The Closer,” “Scandal”) and Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”). The film was produced by Dale Rosenbloom, Stephen Nemeth and Elizabeth Karr along with Simon and will debut in limited theaters and on all digital platforms on June 27, 2014.

From sci-fi author Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly) comes his most personal and prophetic thriller to date. It’s 1985 in an alternate reality and Berkeley record store clerk Nick Brady (Jonathan Scarfe, Perception) begins to experience strange visions transmitted from an extra-terrestrial source he calls VALIS. He uproots his family and moves to Los Angeles where he becomes a successful music executive with a secret mission to overthrow the oppressive government led by US President Fremont (Scott Wilson – The Walking Dead). With the help of his best friend, sci-fi writer, Philip K. Dick himself (Shea Whigham – Boardwalk Empire, American Hustle) and a beautiful, mysterious woman named Silvia (Alanis Morissette – Weeds), Nick finds himself drawn into a conspiracy of cosmic, mind-shattering proportions. Although it might cost them their freedom or even their lives, they join
forces to expose the dangerous truth about the corrupt regime.

FDM’s CEO Susan Jackson brokered the deal directly with Simon’s Discovery Productions, which will join forces with FDM on the release. Discovery was repped in the deal by Matthew Fladell, Esquire.
“Philip K. Dick is a legend in the sci-fi world,” said Jackson, “Radio Free Albemuth” is one of the truest adaptations of his vision and will be loved by his core fans as well as fans of the genre.”

“The big-budget, effects-heavy studio movies made from Dick’s works have often emphasized one ‘high concept’ idea to try to create exciting action movies. I took the indie route in order to have the freedom to make a movie that captures all the other aspects that reader/fans like myself love – Dick’s dark humor, politics, visionary metaphysics, borderline paranoia, and especially his tender view of the human condition,” said Simon.

The source novel for the film was considered to be Dick’s answer to Orwell’s 1984 and is still one of his most prescient works — a powerful sci-fi conspiracy thriller that underlines the conflict of individual rights against the power of the state.

The following is a list of Dick’s highest profile screen adaptations:
Blade Runner (1982) from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968)
Total Recall (1990) from We Can Remember It for You Wholesale (1966)
Minority Report (2002) from The Minority Report (1956)
A Scanner Darkly (2006): adapted from novel of the same name
Adjustment Bureau (2011) from story Adjustment Team
Total Recall (Summer 2012) from We Can Remember It For You Wholesale

Recent Freestyle titles include the box office hit GOD’S NOT DEAD, TIGER EYES, the first big screen adaptation of a Judy Blume novel starring Willa Holland, and the SXSW festival favorite FUNERAL KINGS from the McManus Brothers and the upcoming THE IDENTICAL starring Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta.

About Freestyle Releasing:
Freestyle Releasing is a full-service, theatrical motion picture distribution company that specializes in representing independent companies, major studios, and mini-major studios for the purpose of exhibiting their films in a first class theatrical release. The founders and principals of Freestyle Releasing, Mark Borde and Susan Jackson are highly regarded and experienced motion picture veterans with a combined total of over a century of respected work in the industry. From a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.
About Freestyle Digital Media
Freestyle Digital Media, LLC was launched in November 2011 by its CEO Susan Jackson who is Co-President and founder of independent theatrical distributor Freestyle Releasing, LLC and North American sales company Turtles Crossing, LLC. Freestyle Digital Media supplies quality commercial film and TV content directly to all US VOD/SVOD rental DVD/Kiosks and theaters using the latest cloud-based technologies to automate digital workflow. Freestyle’s goal is to provide fresh, well-marketed product and stay on the cutting edge of the ever-compressing windows to ensure that their partners benefit from a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.
About Discovery Productions
Discovery Productions is a production company that primarily specializes in movie adaptations. Development projects include other Philip K. Dick properties (“Flow My Tears The Policeman Said” and “VALIS”), Jim Thompson novels (“Nothing More Than Murder” and “Pop 1280”) as well as novels and short stories by Hugo-Award winning author Lucius Shepard. The distribution arm of Discovery has successfully rereleased cult classics like the original “The Wicker Man”, “The Haunting of Julia” and Dennis Hopper’s “Out Of The Blue.”

Press Release: “The Great Hynpotist” To Show at Cannes

FORTISSIMO JOINS FORCES WITH WANDA MEDIA TO PRESENT “THE GREAT HYPNOTIST” IN CANNES

LONDON, MAY 6, 2014: On the eve of the start of Cannes, Fortissimo Films announced that it has struck a deal with the globally expansive Chinese media conglomerate, Wanda Media to co-handle the worldwide representation (ex-Hong Kong, Taiwan/Southeast Asia) on Wanda’s massive commercial hit, THE GREAT HYPNOTIST. Currently in release in China the film is at the top of the local charts with a first week box-office approaching US$25 million.

The film, a mystery thriller is a game-changer representing a new direction in genre films for China and marks the 2nd commercial success there for its Taiwan-born Director Leste Chen who previously scored with his 2013 rom-com Say Yes. Starring Chinese Superstar XU Zheng (Lost in Thailand) and Hong Kong singer/actor phenon Karen Mok (Around the World in 80 Days, Shaolin Soccer), THE GREAT HYPNOTIST was produced by Tina Shi, and James Li and Executive Produced by XU Zheng and Gillian ZHAO and is Presented by Jerry Ye on behalf of Wanda Media Co. The film premiered as the closing film of last month’s Beijing International Film Festival and will be shown next week in the Cannes Market, prior to enjoying further festival exposure.

SYNOPSIS: Xu Ruining (XU Zheng) is a renowned therapist skilled in hypnotherapy. One day a new patient named Ren Xiaoyan (Karen Mok) is brought to him presenting him with one of the most complex cases he has encountered in his career. In spite of all his skills and experience, he seems unable to break thru with her to discover what is the root of her problems. Despite his patient’s wan appearance, whatever he does, she reacts violently, and remains closed off- unreachable by his award winning techniques. Soon he finds himself falling into her trap.

THE GREAT HYPNOTIST joins Fortissimo’s strong Cannes slate which includes a number of high profile films in the Cannes Market like Berlin’s Golden Bear Winner Black Coal, Thin Ice, Fruit Chan’s The Midnight After, Ira Sach’s Love Is Strange, and and Isabel Coixet’s, Another Me; and pre-sale titles like Terence Davies, Sunset Song, John Cameron Mitchell’s, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, Alex Van Warmerdam’s Schneider Vs. Bax, and Roger Goldby’s , The Time of Their Lives starring Joan Collins and Pauline Collins.

The deal was negotiated by Fortissimo’s Chairman, Michael J. Werner and it’s Beijing-based Acquisitions and Sales Senior Executive Winnie Lau together with Wanda Media’s Vice-President and Head of Distribution James Li, and International Distribution Director Celine Lin, along with Wanda Media’s CEO Jerry Yeh and General Manager Gillian Zhao.

On making the announcement, Werner said, “Wanda Media is one of the World’s most exciting and globally focused entertainment companies in the Industry today. The chance to work with Wanda on Leste Chen’s, THE GREAT HYPNOTIST is a fantastic opportunity for Fortissimo to bring another break-thru film from China to the world. This film represents a continuing evolution in the global outlook of Chinese Cinema by combining a commercial genre with a strong budget, great production values, and an engaging and engrossing story packaged together with stunning visuals and artistic highlights which I am sure will be well received by audiences everywhere.”

Wanda’s James Li echoed those comments by saying that, “We believe that The Great Hypnotist has the potential to enjoy success around the globe, and that by working with Fortissimo, we can achieve that goal.”

Wanda Media was founded in 2010 and is fully owned and operated by The Wanda Group which was founded in 1988. It is the Film and Television production and distribution side of the Company which amongst other businesses operates the largest cinema chain in China and Asia. With its recent acquisition of America’s AMC chain, it became one of the largest exhibitors in the World. For the coming three years, Wanda Media plans to produce eight films annually and distribute an additional nine films per year.

Fortissimo Films is an international film, television and home entertainment sales organization specializing in the production, presentation, promotion and distribution of unique, award winning and innovative feature films from independent film makers from all over the world.

Press Release: “Othello Symphony” by Elliot Goldenthal Released

ELLIOT GOLDENTHAL’S OTHELLO SYMPHONY RELEASED OSCAR-WINNER’S WORK RECORDED AT POLAND’S ALVERNIA STUDIOS

Alvernia Studios are pleased to celebrate the release of Academy Award-winning composer Elliot Goldenthal’s Othello Symphony on May 6th courtesy of Zarathustra Music. Based on the eponymous ballet Goldenthal himself composed in 1998, the work was recorded last year in Alvernia’s state of the art studio facilities with the acclaimed AUKSO Orchestra.

The American, who achieved global acclaim with his work on the likes of HEAT, PUBLIC ENEMIES, ALIEN 3 and the Oscar-winner FRIDA, turns 60 years before the release and is currently in the midst of a prolific spell of creative productivity.

Earlier this month, the composer’s label also released String Quartet No. 1 “The Stone Cutters” and Early Chamber Works, which includes world premiere recordings of his 1980 Sonata for Bass and Piano and 1974 Three Pieces for Solo Piano, in addition to the Extension Ensemble performing Goldenthal’s Second Brass Quintet.

Alvernia Studios is a unique complex of studios prepared for the production of all types of music. The complex consists of: an impressive, spacious music scoring studio, two audio postproduction studios, film final mix and Dolby print studio as well as three sound stages. Renowned musicians including Jonny Greenwood, Michael Price, David Kitay and Don Davis have worked in Alvernia Studios, and the late esteemed pianist and composer Wojciech Kilar’s final compositions were recorded at the facility earlier this year.

About Alvernia Studios
Located 10 miles west of richly historic Krakow, Poland, ALVERNIA STUDIOS was fully equipped in 2009, went operational in 2010 and offers a turnkey filmmaking solution for production and post-production requirements. Established by Polish broadcasting executive Stanislaw Tyczynski, founder and owner of RMF FM, Poland’s first commercial radio station which has developed one of the highest audience ratings among European broadcasters, the facility is one of the most modern film studios in Europe.

Combining complex film services with investment in its own productions and co-productions, the domed studios produce international features for theatrical release, video games, music projects and commercials.

The filmmaking one-stop shop offers soundstages including the world’s largest shadeless spherical bluescreen, music scoring studios, mobile units in a fleet of modern swap bodies, full shooting equipment, and motion capture services based on ultramodern Vicon cameras. Post-production facilities offer a full range of services, starting with a the world’s newest 16mm and 35mm laboratory with telecine transfers, through scanning, colour correction, visual effects, to full film audio postproduction including final mix and Dolby printmaster.

ALVERNIA STUDIOS is a member of the Kodak Imagecare Program. It is the only laboratory in Poland to have obtained the Kodak Image Care Certificate (one of the 19 held globally), and is one, of an array of prestigious technological certificates, held by ALVERNIA STUDIOS: in-cluding the Dolby Premier Studio Certification (one of 22 held globally); and the Truelight Theatre Certification (one of 28 held globally, 11 in Europe).

Press Release: Full Program Announced for Sydney Film Festival

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE FULL PROGRAM FOR THE 4-15 JUNE FESTIVAL

The 61st Sydney Film Festival program was officially launched today by the NSW Minister for the Arts, Troy Grant.

“The New South Wales Government, through Screen NSW and Destination NSW, is very pleased to be again supporting Sydney Film Festival which is also part of Vivid Ideas 2014. Sydney Film Festival is a highlight of the city’s rich arts calendar and an important part of our cultural fabric. The Festival underpins Sydney’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Film, and I look forward to experiencing the Festival this June,” Mr Grant said.

“Sydney Film Festival has gone from strength to strength over recent years, with attendances increasing over 23% since 2011 to 143,000,” said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley. “SFF not only presents the best films from across the country and around the world, but we also open up dialogue between the creators and audiences and curators and critics alike, in every direction and combination. Together in a crowded theatre, comedies are funnier, horror films are scarier and tender moments bring tears more readily; everything we feel is amplified by the power of the shared experience.”

Direct from its world premiere screening at the Cannes Film Festival, SFF and Vivid Ideas are proud to present the Australian Premiere of the highly anticipated futuristic thriller The Rover and host the director David Michôd and key talent Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson at the State Theatre on Saturday 7 June. The Rover screens as part of the SFF Official Competition. David Michôd, Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson and producer Liz Watts will also give a talk as part of Vivid Ideas, further details to be announced in the coming weeks.

In 2014, SFF features the most Australian films ever to compete for the prestigious Sydney Film Prize: in addition to The Rover; the 12 film selection includes the World Premiere of Kasimir Burgess’ Fell, and Amiel Courtin-Wilson and Michael Cody’s Ruin. The internationally recognised SFF Official Competition, now in its seventh year, awards a $60,000 cash prize in recognition of courageous, audacious and cutting-edge cinema. The previous Sydney Film Prize winners are: Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012); A Separation (2011), which went on to win an Academy Award; Heartbeats (2010); Bronson (2009); and Hunger (2008).

The 61st Sydney Film Festival consists of 183 titles from 47 countries and includes 15 World Premieres (including 6 World Premiere short films), 122 Australian Premieres (including 14 Australian Premiere short films) and 6 International Premieres (including 1 International Premiere short film).

SFF will screen in even more venues this year including the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays, the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Art Gallery of NSW and, new in 2014, the Skyline Drive-In Blacktown, with a special 40th anniversary screening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Friday The 13th June. The Apple Store Sydney hosts a selection of free public talks and SFFTV @ Martin Place returns for its fourth year with a big screen at Martin Place Amphitheatre, giving you a multi-layered look at all things SFF, with an ever changing mix of trailers, red-carpet coverage, short films and more. This year we present a special program of innovative animated shorts, Big Window on a Big Screen, curated by guest programmer Malcolm Turner, director of animation festivals in London, New Zealand and Australia. What’s more, in 2014 for the first time Martin Place becomes an integral part of Vivid Sydney, with spectacular light installations and other attractions illuminating the night along with SFF’s big screen.

This year SFF presents the Australian Premiere of 20,000 Days on Earth featuring Nick Cave as the Opening Night Film on Wednesday 4 June and the Australian Premiere of New Zealand vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows as the Closing Night film on Sunday 15 June.

Also in 2014, The Hub returns to Town Hall for a third year with a packed program of talks, exhibitions, live performances and over 25 free events. Open until midnight for 11 days only from 5-15 June, this Festival pop-up bar is the beating heart of SFF. Situated within a short stroll of most Festival venues, the Hub is the perfect meeting place for film lovers to relax, mingle and be entertained.

This year The Hub features a Festival Bar and Herman Miller and Living Edge Lounge, a Discount Ticket Booth, savvy Program Gurus, a delicious Gelato Messina cart, a TITLE Pop-Up Store, a vintage Foxtel Movies photo and video Booth, an informal daily Film Club, an exclusive collection of iconic American Eames furniture, the Hugh Hamilton Rosebud photographic exhibition, a not-to-be-missed Viewmaster Experience by artist Vladimir, a series of Illustrated Talks and Panels as well as a Girl Rock Riot dance party, Cinema Burlesque and much more. The full up-to-date schedule of events at Festival Hub is now available at sff.org.au

SFF will screen 10 films direct from the 2014 Cannes Official Selection, Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week, including: The Rover in Cannes Official Selection; Two Days, One Night, The Captive in competition; How To Train Your Dragon 2 out of competition; Cold in July, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, You’re Sleeping Nicole and National Gallery in Directors Fortnight; The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as a special screening in Directors Fortnight; and Life Itself in Cannes Classics.

The Opening Night Gala features the Australian Premiere of 20,000 Days on Earth, an innovative film about international cultural icon Nick Cave directed by visual artists Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard, who will be in attendance. The Opening Night Film screens at the State Theatre on Wednesday 4 June at 7:30pm and is followed by an afterparty at Bungalow 8, Kings Street Wharf with beverages supplied by Eden Road, Little Creatures and Yarrabank. Opening Night is presented by Audi.

The Closing Night Gala features the Australian Premiere of the vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows, the new film from Taika Waititi (who directed Boy, which won the Audience Award at SFF 2010) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) at the State Theatre on Sunday 15 June at 8pm. The Closing Night Gala which also includes the announcements of all the SFF awards for 2014, including the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize (see Official Competition below). Taika Waititi will attend the Festival and introduce the screening.

The 61st Sydney Film Festival runs 4-15 June and brings a packed program of screenings and special events to even more venues across Sydney. For tickets and full up-to-date program information visit sff.org.au

ABOUT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
Sydney Film Festival screens feature films, documentaries, short films and animated films across the city at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays, the Art Gallery of NSW, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, the Apple Store, SFFTV at Martin Place, Skyline Drive-In Blacktown, and the Festival Hub at Town Hall.

The Festival is a major event on the New South Wales cultural calendar and is one of the world’s longest-running film festivals. For more information visit www.sff.org.au

Sydney Film Festival also presents 12 films that vie for the Official Competition, a highly respected international honour that awards a $60,000 cash prize based on the decision of a jury of international and Australian filmmakers and industry professionals. Previous Sydney Film Prize winners include: Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), A Separation (2011) – which went on to win an Academy Award, Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008).

The 61st Sydney Film Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney. The Festival’s Strategic partner is the NSW Government through Destination NSW.

What: Sydney Film Festival
When: 4-15 June, 2014
Tickets & Info: 1300 733 733 sff.org.au

Press Release: “True Life: I’m a Gay Athlete” Debuts on MTV

MTV’S “TRUE LIFE: I’M A GAY ATHLETE” EXPLORES THE LIVES OF COLLEGE ATHLETES STRUGGLING TO FIND ACCEPTANCE IN COMPETITIVE SPORTS TONIGHT AT 11:30 PM ET/PT

SPECIAL JOINS MTV’S RECENTLY LAUNCHED LOOK DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN TO HELP YOUTH ACCELERATE FIGHT AGAINST RACIAL, GENDER & LGBT INEQUALITY

New York, NY (May 7, 2014) – Airing tonight, on the eve of the 2014 NFL Draft, where Michael Sam is expected to become the first openly gay pro football player, MTV’s Emmy-winning series will provide an inside look at the lives of two college athletes as they are torn between their love of sports and the fear of coming out to their families and teammates about their sexuality.

Viewers will meet Stephen, the strongest rower on his crew team, who worries that the rest of the guys will see him as weak if reveals he’s gay. Stephen is trying to take his rowing career to the next level but his concerns have forced him to pull away from the team. He is now working to summon the courage to come clean and risk losing his standing on the water with his team.

As a competitive cheerleader and all around girly-girl Desiree’s friends and family never suspected Desiree is a lesbian and until now, have had no problem keeping it that way. She has been filled with conflict and is anxious that her friends and family will no longer be cheering for her when they find out she is a lesbian.

“True Life: I’m A Gay Athlete” joins MTV’s recently launched “Look Different” campaign, a multi-year initiative empowering America’s youth to better counter the hidden racial, gender and anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) biases all around us. The campaign reflects Millennials’ deep commitment to the principles of equality and fairness, while inviting them to look differently at subjects like privilege, prejudice and “colorblindness.”

Look Different will help young people better recognize and respond to bias – which most encounter on a daily basis and most find difficult to discuss openly – by leveraging MTV’s core assets, including on-air programming, social media reach, innovative digital tools, celebrity engagement and much more.

“True Life Presents: I’m a Gay Athlete” is produced executive produced by Cheryl Horner Sirulnick from Gigantic! Productions. Elis Ortiz also serves as producer. Marshall Eisen and Betsy Forhan serve as executive producers for MTV. Jonathan Mussman serves as executive in charge of production.

About MTV:
MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Press Release: Kino Lorber Acquires North AMerican Rights to “Finding Fela”

KINO LORBER ACQUIRES ALL NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO ALEX GIBNEY’S FINDING FELA AFTER ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT SUNDANCE NEW YORK THEATRICAL PREMIERE SET FOR AUGUST 1 AT IFC CENTER

New York, NY – May 7, 2014 – Kino Lorber is proud to announce the acquisition of all North American rights to the documentary Finding Fela, following the film’s world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Oscar® Winner Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room), the film was produced by Jigsaw Productions, Knitting Factory Entertainment, Okayplayer and Okayafrica.

Finding Fela will begin its national theatrical run on August 1, with an exclusive Manhattan engagement at IFC Center; the film is also scheduled to open in DC on August 8 (at Landmark’s E Street Cinema), as well as in Boston (at Landmark’s Kendall Square) and Atlanta (Landmark’s Midtown) on August 15. Besides these dates, Kino Lorber will book Finding Fela in more than 75 additional markets where Fela!, The Musical, attracted huge crowds and sold over 1,000,000 tickets nationwide. A digital, VOD and home media release will follow.

The film will also screen at the famous Bonnaroo music festival (www.bonnaroo.com) on Friday, June 13, where Fela’s son, acclaimed musician Seun Kuti, will appear for a special Q&A and perform before the screening.

Finding Fela tells the story of Fela Kuti’s life (1938 – 1997), his music, and his social and political importance. This in-depth look at the man who created Afrobeat (a fusion of Jazz, traditional West African rhythms, Funk, Highlife, and psychedelic rock) brings audiences close to Mr. Kuti’s fight against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. With his audacious music and a great deal of courage, Fela Kuti helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria, promoted Pan Africanist politics to the entire world and became an inspiration in the global fight for the rights of all oppressed people.

Taking audiences through a multi-threaded journey into the power of art to affect political and personal change, Finding Fela also reveals the creative process behind the Broadway musical Fela!, directed and co-conceived by acclaimed choreographer Bill. T. Jones.

As a committed critic of the legacies of European cultural imperialism, Mr. Kuti became a major political force in Nigerian and African politics – even becoming a Presidential candidate (twice) in the 1980s. His socialist political views and truly subversive life style also lead to a criminal, government-sanctioned attack on his commune in 1977, which lead to his arrest and the death of his 82-year-old mother. Mr. Kuti was eventually released, but his mother’s death shaped the rest of his life.

“I’m very proud of Finding Fela and am delighted that the film will have a robust theatrical release in North America, so that audiences can experience the story and the power of this extraordinary performer and fighter for social justice,” said director Alex Gibney. “As Fela has said, in fighting for a better possibility, ‘music is the weapon.’”

“Finding Fela is not only the definitive documentary on music legend Fela Kuti, but also the most in-depth and comprehensive film about how Mr. Kuti influenced music, politics and art worldwide – and how we’re still coming to terms with his larger-than-life legacy,” said Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lober.

Finding Fela also features never-before-seen footage of his major concerts and even of Fela’s funeral. Exclusive talking-head interviews with Femi Kuti (Fela’s eldest son), Yeni Kuti (Fela’s first child), Seun Kuti (Fela’s youngest son), Sandra Izsadore (former Black Panther party member), as well as musicians Questlove and Paul McCartney, form what’s bound to be the most inspirational and high-energy documentary of the summer.

About Kino Lorber:
With a library of 800 titles, Kino Lorber Inc. has been a leader in independent art house distribution for over 30 years, releasing over 25 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Classics, and Alive Mind Cinema banners, including four Academy Award® nominated films in the last six years. In addition, the company brings over 70 titles each year to the home entertainment market with DVD and Blu-ray releases under its 5 house brands, distributes a growing number of third party labels, and is a direct digital distributor to all major platforms including iTunes, Netflix, HULU, Amazon, Vimeo, and others.

Press Release: Rooftop Films Summer Series Announces Sponsor

ROOFTOP FILMS 2014 SUMMER SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR: INDUSTRY CITY

(New York, NY | April 29, 2014) Rooftop Films (a New York based non-profit) continues to be the cultural vanguard for unique and exciting arts events in New York City by announcing Industry City as their 2014 Presenting Sponsor, as well as the primary venue for their 2014 Summer Series. The support of Industry City as Presenting Sponsor will help Rooftop Films enhance, reinvent and reinvigorate their outdoor screenings all summer long, presenting more than 45 new, independent films in stunning locations all across New York City – including 15 at Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Rooftop Films does more than show movies—they’re building a community. To do that, Rooftop must engage and inspire by giving them an experience they’ve never had before. To make something that matters, Rooftop events must be unique, engaging and memorable; and Rooftop could not do that without the generous support of Industry City.

“Last year’s screenings at Industry City were a huge success, and we’re pleased to bring the series back to the complex and to Sunset Park on a bigger scale,” said Andrew Kimball, Industry City CEO. “Rooftop Films provides us with a distinctive opportunity to bring independent film to our tenants, to the Sunset Park community and to new audiences across the city while showcasing our property.”

Located along the historic waterfront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Industry City has been working to restore and convert their 6 million-square-foot property into a center for cutting-edge innovation, while retaining the historic charm of the 119 year-old complex. Building on a heritage that harkens back to the grandeur of American industrial manufacturing, Industry City has now become a hub for artists, makers, creators, builders, and entrepreneurs. Their commitment to fostering a sense of community for the 300+ businesses within Industry City and the upland residential neighborhood of Sunset Park reflects the ideals that Rooftop Films has held since its inception in 1997: to build, enhance, and support robust arts communities in diverse neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs and beyond.

“The Rooftop Films Summer Series is not just about discovering great new films and music, it is also about visiting different neighborhoods and spaces” says Dan Nuxoll, Program Director for Rooftop Films. “Last year we presented three sold-out screenings on the roofs and in the courtyard at Industry City, and the events were fantastically successful. Our audience loved their iconic buildings and appreciated the opportunity to explore a little bit of their historic complex. This summer, Industry City is showing their support for Rooftop Films and the Sunset Park Community by hosting more than 15 events onsite, including our opening and closing nights and two additional free screenings. We are thrilled to be a part of the exciting new things going on in Sunset Park.”

Building on the success of the 2013 Summer Series screenings at Industry City, Rooftop Films hopes to engage the vital community of Sunset Park, and inspire more filmgoers to explore the distinct and thriving neighborhoods around them. Industry City’s generous support allows Rooftop Films to program additional community-centric free screenings for the local residents of Sunset Park so that they can experience the rooftops and courtyards of this dynamic and exciting venue.

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Rooftop Films is a non-profit organization whose mission is to engage and inspire the diverse communities of New York City by showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers and musicians. In addition to their annual Summer Series – which takes place in unique outdoor venues every weekend throughout the summer – Rooftop provides grants to filmmakers, teaches media literacy and filmmaking to young people, rents equipment at low-cost to artists and non-profits, and produces new independent films. At Rooftop Films, we bring underground movies outdoors.

Press Release: Content to Handle Worldwide Sales for “Life at These Speeds”

CONTENT TO HANDLE WORLDWIDE SALES ON “LIFE AT THESE SPEEDS” STARRING DOUGLAS BOOTH, BILLY CRUDUP, ANNASOPHIA ROBB AND SAM ROCKWELL

Worldwide Sales to Begin at the Cannes International Film Festival Next Week with Production Starting this Fall

Los Angeles, May 8, 2014 – Content announced today that Leif Tilden’s LIFE AT THESE SPEEDS, featuring Douglas Booth (NOAH, JUPITER ASCENDING), Billy Crudup (ALMOST FAMOUS, WATCHMEN), AnnaSophia Robb (BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, SOUL SURFER) and Sam Rockwell (MOON, THE WAY WAY BACK), will commence production this Fall. Content will be handling worldwide sales and introducing the film to buyers at the Cannes International Film Festival next week. Written by Marc Novak, the film is produced by Tom Butterfield (THE TRUST) and Scott Alvarez (DOWN FOR LIFE).

LIFE AT THESE SPEEDS is an uplifting and emotional romantic drama about the power of our happiest memories to sustain us in the worst of times. After a teenager’s best friends die in a tragic accident, he finds that running allows him to remember them perfectly. Running, however, also brings him a certain notoriety, and he soon finds himself caught between keeping the past alive and making new memories in the present.

Content’s Jamie Carmichael said: “Every now and then a script comes from left field and entirely captures your imagination and your heart. LIFE AT THESE SPEEDS is that script. It’s powerful, emotional, inspiring and up-lifting – Leif, Tom and Scott have put together something truly beautiful.”

The Content sales slate also includes: Amy Berg’s Janis Joplin documentary JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE, Academy Award® Winning director Mike van Diem’s THE SURPRISE; JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE directed by Academy Award® Winner John Ridley and starring Andre Benjamin which premiered in Toronto; the family adventure PUDSEY: THE MOVIE, the supernatural horror DARK SUMMER directed by Paul Solet; the intense horror THE DIABOLICAL starring Ali Larter; the Brian Kavanaugh-Jones executive produced spy thriller NEWCOMER; the Steve McQueen documentary The Man & Le Mans; Dan Bush’s supernatural heist thriller THE TRUST; and Caradog James’ psychologically terrifying DON’T KNOCK TWICE.

Imelda Staunton and Freddie Highmore are represented by Artist Rights Group (A.R.G), Miranda Hart is represented by Troika, and Toby Jones by UTA.

About Content
Content Film is the worldwide film and library sales arm of Content Media Corporation Ltd., which owns and distributes a significant library of high quality and commercial feature films, television and digital assets. In addition to handling worldwide sales, marketing, and publicity — the company assists film producers in securing finance. The Feature Film Library arm also manages international sales on over 255 titles. Content Film is being managed in an executive capacity by Jamie Carmichael, President – Film Division.

Content Media most recently closed a multi-faceted deal with Bruno Wu’s Beijing-based Seven Stars Entertainment and Media, Ltd., in which Content acquired the Alive Group of companies allowing Content to distribute its extensive library of film and television rights through the Alive Group to the Chinese market, as well as a direct equity investment by Seven Stars into Content.

Press Release: Principal Photography Begins on “The Woods”

OCCUPANT ENTERTAINMENT COMMENCES PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON CORIN HARDY’S SUPER NATURAL THRILLER “THE WOODS”

Joseph Mawle and Bojana Novakovic Star with Shooting Commencing in Ireland this Month

Los Angeles, CA (May 8, 2014) – Occupant Entertainment announced today that principal photography for Corin Hardy’s feature directorial debut, THE WOODS, will begin in Ireland this month. Written by Hardy and Olga Barreneche, THE WOODS stars Joseph Mawle (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, “Game of Thrones”), who will be next seen in Ron Howard’s “In the Heart of the Sea”, and Bojana Novakovic (Devil, Edge of Darkness), who currently stars on “Rake”. The film is produced by Occupant’s Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino, and is overseen by Occupant executive Kate Sharp. Fantastic Films is acting as the Irish co-producer and financing coming from Prescience, Hyperion Media Group and the Irish Film Board, with Paul Brett, Tim Smith and James Swarbrick executive producing for Prescience, Michael Mailis for Hyperion and Will Clarke for Altitude Film Sales, which is handling international sales and will debut first footage in Cannes. WME and ICM are handling domestic rights.

Co-written and directed by award-winning music video director Corin Hardy, THE WOODS follows a London-based conservationist who is sent to Ireland to investigate an ancient forest. During his survey, he accidentally disturbs the hallowed grounds and finds himself in a fight for survival to protect his family from an ancient brood of creatures.

Recently, Occupant Entertainment released Better Living Through Chemistry, starring Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan, Ray Liotta and Jane Fonda, written and directed by Geoff Moore and David Posamentier. The company is in post on Sophie Barthes’ MADAME BOVARY, starring Mia Wasikowska, Ezra Miller Rhys Ifans and Paul Giamatti; and in pre-production on Rock of Ages creator Chris D’Arienzo’s Always On My Mind,” starring Glenn Close and Nick Nolte. Additionally, Occupant’s original series for Hulu, “Behind the Mask”, is on its second season, and was recently nominated for a Sports Emmy® award.

ABOUT OCCUPANT ENTERTAINMENT
Occupant Entertainment is an independent film production company based in Los Angeles, founded in 2006. The company’s first film All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, starring Amber Heard, was one of the hot titles at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival and was acquired in a bidding war by The Weinstein Company. The company then produced The Wackness, written and directed by Golden Globe nominee Jonathan Levine (50/50), starring Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck, which won the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Sony Pictures Classics in the US. In 2008, Occupants partners Joe Neurauter and Felipe Marino were named on Variety’s annual “10 Producers to Watch” list.

ALTITUDE FILM SALES AND ALTITUDE FILM ENTERTAINMENT
Altitude Film Sales is part of the Altitude Film Entertainment group, a UK-based vertically integrated film company launched in 2012 by Will Clarke, founder of leading UK independent producer and distributor Optimum Releasing (now Studio Canal), with Andy Mayson as joint-CEO.

Altitude Film Entertainment comprises Altitude Film Production led by Will Clarke chairman and joint-CEO with Andy Mayson; Altitude Film Sales with Managing Director Mike Runagall launched in May 2012; and Altitude Film Distribution with Hamish Moseley as Head of Distribution launched in October 2013.

Altitude Film Sales is handling the international sales of an exciting and eclectic slate of films including director Jalmari Helander F action-adventure Big Game, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Stevenson, Jim Broadbent and Onni Tomila, Julius Avery’s Australia-set crime thriller Son of a Gun starring Ewan McGregor and Alicia Vikander; Catch Me Daddy from leading music video and commercials director Daniel Wolfe; the tense, edge-of-your-seat underwater thriller 47 Meters Down directed by Johannes Roberts and Christopher Smith’s high-concept family comedy, Get Santa, starring Jim Broadbent and Rafe Spall.

Press Release: Additional Cast Announcd for “Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost”

IMELDA STAUNTON, FREDDIE HIGHMORE, MIRANDA HART, AND TOBY JONES ROUND OUT CAST OF ‘OSCAR WILDE’S THE CANTERVILLE GHOST’ STARRING STEPHEN FRY AND HUGH LAURIE

Content to Handle Worldwide Sales for the Oscar Wilde Animated Adaptation at Cannes

Los Angeles, May 9, 2014 – Content announced today that Academy Award® nominee Imelda Staunton (MALEFICENT, VERA DRAKE), Freddie Highmore (BATES MOTEL, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY), Miranda Hart (MIRANDA, CALL THE MIDWIFE), and Toby Jones (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, THE HUNGER GAMES) have joined the voice cast of Kim Burdon’s Oscar Wilde’s THE CANTERVILLE GHOST featuring two-time Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie (HOUSE MD) and Golden Globe nominee Stephen Fry (THE HOBBIT PARTS 2 and 3, SHERLOCK HOLMES: GAME OF SHADOWS). Giles New and Keiron Self are adapting the classic Oscar Wilde story. The animated film is produced by Robert Chandler and Gina Carter. Content will be handling worldwide sales starting at the Cannes market this month.

Currently in pre-production, the animated comedy follows the story of Sir Simon de Canterville who has been haunting his ancestral home in rural England, Canterville Chase, for over three hundred years. He has successfully scared off every previous tenant with ease and aplomb, up until the Otis family from America moves in.

Stephen Fry, who stars as the famous ghost, remarked “I’m excited as a little child to be playing in Oscar Wilde’s hilarious and touching ghost-story/romance/comedy – especially as it will mean working again with Hugh Laurie after all these years. The standard and style of the animation will be astounding and the voice talent unmatched in what I am certain will be, the cliché is unavoidable, an unmissable experience for all the family.”

Content’s Jamie Carmichael said, “Take one bone rattling CANTERVILLE GHOST, add a dollop of Fry, a slice of Laurie and the result is pure, perfect, hilarious magic. Robert, Gina and Kim have created an extraordinarily wonderful world and Content is thrilled to be a part of it.”

Producers Robert Chandler and Gina Carter commented, “The Canterville Ghost has been made as a live-action feature over the years with such actors as Sir John Gielgud, Charles Laughton and David Niven playing the famous ghost, but it has never been made as an animated movie. The animation allows us to emphasize the comedy and the epic qualities of Sir Simon’s journey. The hauntings will be magnificently visual; the humor laugh-out-loud; the love story at its centre deeply moving.”

At the Marché in Cannes, Content will also be handling worldwide rights to Academy Award® Winner Mike van Diem’s THE SURPRISE, Academy Award® Nominated Amy Berg’s Janis Joplin documentary JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE, and Alistair Legrand’s intense horror THE DIABOLICAL starring Ali Larter.

The Content sales slate also includes: JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE directed by Academy Award® Winner John Ridley and starring Andre Benjamin which premiered in Toronto; the family adventure PUDSEY: THE MOVIE, the supernatural horror DARK SUMMER directed by Paul Solet, the medieval actioner IRONCLAD 2: BATTLE FOR BLOOD; the Steve McQueen documentary THE MAN & LE MANS; Dan Bush’s supernatural heist thriller THE TRUST; and Caradog James’ psychologically terrifying DON’T KNOCK TWICE.

Imelda Staunton, Freddie Highmore and Toby Jones are represented by Artist Rights Group (A.R.G), Miranda Hart is represented by Troika.

About Content
Content is the worldwide film and library sales arm of Content Media Corporation Ltd., which owns and distributes a significant library of high quality and commercial feature films, television and digital assets. In addition to handling worldwide sales, marketing, and publicity — the company assists film producers in securing finance. The Feature Film Library arm also manages international sales on over 255 titles. Content is being managed in an executive capacity by Jamie Carmichael, President – Film Division.

Press Release: “Fruitvale Station” Releasing in UK & Ireland

POWERFUL AND POIGNANT, ‘FRUITVALE STATION’ SET FOR UK & IRISH CINEMAS ON 6 JUNE

Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Independent Spirit Award winner and US box office hit stars Michael B Jordan and Melonie Diaz

9 May 2014, London, UK – Altitude Film Distribution will release Ryan Coogler’s powerful, unflinching and award winning feature film debut, FRUITVALE STATION in UK and Irish cinemas on 6 June.

Written and directed by debutant Coogler, the Independent Spirit Award and Sundance and Cannes Film Festival winner, stars Michael B Jordan (CHRONICLE), Melonie Diaz (A GUIDE TO RECOGNISING YOUR SAINTS) and Oscar winner, Octavia Spencer (THE HELP). FRUITVALE STATION was produced by Forest Whitaker (LAST KING OF SCOTLAND) and Nina Yang Bongiovi.

FRUITVALE STATION tells the true story of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old Oakland, CA resident over the course of December 31, 2008 as he works on being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer), being a better partner to his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz) and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter. As the day goes on Oscar realises that change is not going to come easily and as he and Sophina celebrate the New Year and a fresh start, one truly shocking, tragedy shakes his community – and the entire United States – to its very core.