Magnolia Pictures and Participant have partnered to jointly acquire North American rights to “The Grab,” a new documentary from “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite.
The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, follows journalists from The Center for Investigative Reporting as they work high-profile sources and utilize a cache of secret data to uncover the money and influence being used by countries, corporations and members of the uber-elite to control the planet’s most vital resources. Participant and Magnolia are positioning the film as a “high-stakes global thriller,” one that takes viewers from Arizona to Zambia as the moviemakers examine the food and water scarcity that’s resulting from this little-known power grab.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with our good friends at Participant and the great Gabriela Cowperthwaite who has, yet again, brought to light a nail biting, explosive, and essential story,” said Magnolia Pictures co-ceo’s Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley.
The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, follows journalists from The Center for Investigative Reporting as they work high-profile sources and utilize a cache of secret data to uncover the money and influence being used by countries, corporations and members of the uber-elite to control the planet’s most vital resources. Participant and Magnolia are positioning the film as a “high-stakes global thriller,” one that takes viewers from Arizona to Zambia as the moviemakers examine the food and water scarcity that’s resulting from this little-known power grab.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with our good friends at Participant and the great Gabriela Cowperthwaite who has, yet again, brought to light a nail biting, explosive, and essential story,” said Magnolia Pictures co-ceo’s Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley.
- 3/6/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Following its breakout as one of the more highly discussed titles of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, nonagenarian action comedy Thelma, starring Oscar nominee June Squibb (Nebraska) in her first leading role, has been snapped up for North American distribution by Magnolia Pictures.
The deal came together following a competitive situation with multiple offers. Pic is slated for a wide theatrical release at a date still to be announced.
Marking the feature directorial debut of Josh Margolin, who directed from his own script, Thelma stars Squibb as a feisty 93-year-old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson (Fred Hechinger). In the aftermath, she sets out on a treacherous quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by an aging friend (Richard Roundtree) and his motorized scooter, to reclaim what was taken from her. The film features the final performance of Shaft icon Roundtree and co-stars Parker Posey, Clark Gregg,...
The deal came together following a competitive situation with multiple offers. Pic is slated for a wide theatrical release at a date still to be announced.
Marking the feature directorial debut of Josh Margolin, who directed from his own script, Thelma stars Squibb as a feisty 93-year-old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson (Fred Hechinger). In the aftermath, she sets out on a treacherous quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by an aging friend (Richard Roundtree) and his motorized scooter, to reclaim what was taken from her. The film features the final performance of Shaft icon Roundtree and co-stars Parker Posey, Clark Gregg,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, has acquired North American rights to “What You Wish For,” a new suspense-horror film written and directed by Nicholas Tomnay.
The film stars Nick Stahl (Showtime’s “Let the Right One In”) and had its world premiere at Fantasia Festival. Tamsin Topolski (“Slow Horses”) and Randy Vasquez (“America Has Fallen: Election Day”) also star. Magnet plans to release the film this summer. Tomnay previously co-wrote and directed “The Perfect Host,” which starred David Hyde Pierce.
In “What You Wish For,” Stahl plays Ryan, a talented chef whose crushing gambling problems prompts him to leave town in a hurry for the safe haven of an unnamed Latin American country. There, his friend Jack (Brian Groh), a more prestigious chef with his own unique troubles, welcomes him into his home. Ryan has no idea how Jack’s able to afford his extravagant lifestyle, and...
The film stars Nick Stahl (Showtime’s “Let the Right One In”) and had its world premiere at Fantasia Festival. Tamsin Topolski (“Slow Horses”) and Randy Vasquez (“America Has Fallen: Election Day”) also star. Magnet plans to release the film this summer. Tomnay previously co-wrote and directed “The Perfect Host,” which starred David Hyde Pierce.
In “What You Wish For,” Stahl plays Ryan, a talented chef whose crushing gambling problems prompts him to leave town in a hurry for the safe haven of an unnamed Latin American country. There, his friend Jack (Brian Groh), a more prestigious chef with his own unique troubles, welcomes him into his home. Ryan has no idea how Jack’s able to afford his extravagant lifestyle, and...
- 1/18/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to “Arctic Convoy,” a Norwegian naval thriller that is set in the middle of World War II. The film is from the producers of “The Wave” trilogy, so it’s a homecoming of sorts given that Magnolia released all three installments of that series.
“Arctic Convoy” is directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken and written by Christian Sibenherz, Harald Rosenløw Eeg and Lars Gudmestad. Magnolia is planning a 2024 release for the picture.
The film unfolds in 1942, as the leader of a convoy carrying vital military supplies to a Norwegian outpost decides to proceed through treacherous, enemy-infested waters despite the recall of their military escort. Fighting for their lives against German air and naval forces, the 35 civilian merchant ships brave brutal Arctic seas to bring much-needed support to soldiers on the front lines.
The film is produced by Martin Sundland, Catrin Gundersen and Thea Benedikte Karlsen for FanteFilm.
“Arctic Convoy” is directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken and written by Christian Sibenherz, Harald Rosenløw Eeg and Lars Gudmestad. Magnolia is planning a 2024 release for the picture.
The film unfolds in 1942, as the leader of a convoy carrying vital military supplies to a Norwegian outpost decides to proceed through treacherous, enemy-infested waters despite the recall of their military escort. Fighting for their lives against German air and naval forces, the 35 civilian merchant ships brave brutal Arctic seas to bring much-needed support to soldiers on the front lines.
The film is produced by Martin Sundland, Catrin Gundersen and Thea Benedikte Karlsen for FanteFilm.
- 12/18/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Dogwoof boards international sales.
Magnolia Pictures has picked up US rights to Participant and River Road’s Food, Inc. 2, the follow-up to Robert Kenner’s Oscar-nominated documentary.
Kenner co-directed with Melissa Robledo on the Telluride world premiere in which investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) take a fresh look at the nation’s food system.
Magnolia Pictures will release the film in the spring in the US. while Dogwoof has come on board to represent international sales.
While Food, Inc. fuelled a cultural conversation about the multinational corporations that control the food...
Magnolia Pictures has picked up US rights to Participant and River Road’s Food, Inc. 2, the follow-up to Robert Kenner’s Oscar-nominated documentary.
Kenner co-directed with Melissa Robledo on the Telluride world premiere in which investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) take a fresh look at the nation’s food system.
Magnolia Pictures will release the film in the spring in the US. while Dogwoof has come on board to represent international sales.
While Food, Inc. fuelled a cultural conversation about the multinational corporations that control the food...
- 11/9/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: After serving as the distributor for Participant and River Road’s Academy Award-nominated 2008 documentary Food, Inc., Magnolia Pictures has taken U.S. rights to the sequel, with Dogwoof coming aboard to rep international sales. An urgent continuation of the original film’s story, the doc is slated to premiere in the spring.
In the sequel, which world premiered at Telluride, directors Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo reunite with investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to take a fresh look at food in the U.S. The film reveals how corporate consolidation has gone unchecked by our government, leaving us with a highly efficient yet shockingly vulnerable food system dedicated only towards increasing profits. Seeking solutions, it introduces innovative farmers, food producers, workers’ rights activists, and prominent legislators such as U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester, who are facing these...
In the sequel, which world premiered at Telluride, directors Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo reunite with investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to take a fresh look at food in the U.S. The film reveals how corporate consolidation has gone unchecked by our government, leaving us with a highly efficient yet shockingly vulnerable food system dedicated only towards increasing profits. Seeking solutions, it introduces innovative farmers, food producers, workers’ rights activists, and prominent legislators such as U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester, who are facing these...
- 11/9/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedy to open in February 2024.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Bob Byington’s Locarno comedy Lousy Carter and has earmarked a February 2024 release.
David Krumholtz stars as a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live.
With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
The cast includes Martin Starr, Olivia Thirlby, Jocelyn DeBoer, Macon Blair, and Stephen Root, and will next screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival.
“Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order,...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Bob Byington’s Locarno comedy Lousy Carter and has earmarked a February 2024 release.
David Krumholtz stars as a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live.
With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
The cast includes Martin Starr, Olivia Thirlby, Jocelyn DeBoer, Macon Blair, and Stephen Root, and will next screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival.
“Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: On the heels of its August world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, the comedy Lousy Carter led by Oppenheimer‘s David Krumholtz has been picked up for North American theatrical distribution in early 2024 by Magnolia Pictures.
Written and directed by Bob Byington (Frances Ferguson), the film follows a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live. With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
Next set to screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival in Washington, pic also stars Martin Starr (Party Down), Olivia Thirlby (Dumb Money), Jocelyn DeBoer (Greener Grass), Macon Blair (The Toxic Avenger), and Stephen Root (Barry). Byington and Chris McKenna produced, alongside executive producers Stuart Bohart and Tim League.
Said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley, “Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order.
Written and directed by Bob Byington (Frances Ferguson), the film follows a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live. With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
Next set to screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival in Washington, pic also stars Martin Starr (Party Down), Olivia Thirlby (Dumb Money), Jocelyn DeBoer (Greener Grass), Macon Blair (The Toxic Avenger), and Stephen Root (Barry). Byington and Chris McKenna produced, alongside executive producers Stuart Bohart and Tim League.
Said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley, “Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order.
- 10/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to “Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The documentary, which was produced by Sk Global Entertainment, tells the story of Anita Pallenberg, the model and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s after a chance encounter with the Rolling Stones.
Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill directed the docu, which features the voice of Scarlett Johansson as Anita, based on the words of her unpublished memoir. Keith Richards and his children with Pallenberg, Marlon and Angela Richards, make appearances in the film.
Magnolia plans to release “Catching Fire” next spring.
“Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg” tells the story of a woman who was described as a “rock n’ roll goddess,” a “voodoo priestess” and an “evil seductress.” She was also accused of trying to break up the Rolling Stones. But despite her tumultuous life,...
Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill directed the docu, which features the voice of Scarlett Johansson as Anita, based on the words of her unpublished memoir. Keith Richards and his children with Pallenberg, Marlon and Angela Richards, make appearances in the film.
Magnolia plans to release “Catching Fire” next spring.
“Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg” tells the story of a woman who was described as a “rock n’ roll goddess,” a “voodoo priestess” and an “evil seductress.” She was also accused of trying to break up the Rolling Stones. But despite her tumultuous life,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Up above you’ll find a first-look photo from The Seeding, an upcoming horror movie that has been acquired for release here in the States by Magnet Releasing, Variety reports.
“Magnet will release the film early next year,” Variety notes.
The feature debut of director Barnaby Clay, The Seeding centers on a hiker who gets lost in the desert and seeks refuge with a woman who is living alone.
He soon discovers that she might not be there willingly…
Scott Haze (Venom) and Kate Lyn Sheil (V/H/S) star.
“Barnaby Clay has delivered a truly unsettling, shockingly nightmarish film with The Seeding,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley in a statement.
“When you set out to make a low-budget film there are a few dream scenarios you hold in the back of your mind, they keep you going through the many challenges stalking the path,” said Barnaby Clay.
“Magnet will release the film early next year,” Variety notes.
The feature debut of director Barnaby Clay, The Seeding centers on a hiker who gets lost in the desert and seeks refuge with a woman who is living alone.
He soon discovers that she might not be there willingly…
Scott Haze (Venom) and Kate Lyn Sheil (V/H/S) star.
“Barnaby Clay has delivered a truly unsettling, shockingly nightmarish film with The Seeding,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley in a statement.
“When you set out to make a low-budget film there are a few dream scenarios you hold in the back of your mind, they keep you going through the many challenges stalking the path,” said Barnaby Clay.
- 9/20/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of indie distributor Magnolia Pictures, has acquired North American rights to “The Seeding,” a new horror-thriller. It marks the feature directorial debut of Barnaby Clay and world premiered in Tribeca Midnight
“The Seeding” is about a hiker who gets lost in the desert and seeks refuge with a woman who is living alone. He soon discovers that she might not be there willingly. “The Seeding” stars Scott Haze (“Venom” and “Jurassic World Dominion”) and Kate Lyn Sheil (“You’re Next” and “V/H/S”). It will next screen at LA’s Beyond Fest and is in competition at this year’s edition of Sitges film festival. Magnet will release the film early next year.
“Barnaby Clay has delivered a truly unsettling, shockingly nightmarish film with ‘The Seeding,’” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley in a statement.
Magnet has previously released the likes of Tomas Alfredson...
“The Seeding” is about a hiker who gets lost in the desert and seeks refuge with a woman who is living alone. He soon discovers that she might not be there willingly. “The Seeding” stars Scott Haze (“Venom” and “Jurassic World Dominion”) and Kate Lyn Sheil (“You’re Next” and “V/H/S”). It will next screen at LA’s Beyond Fest and is in competition at this year’s edition of Sitges film festival. Magnet will release the film early next year.
“Barnaby Clay has delivered a truly unsettling, shockingly nightmarish film with ‘The Seeding,’” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley in a statement.
Magnet has previously released the likes of Tomas Alfredson...
- 9/20/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with juror names and winner of 2023 Points North Pitch.
Earlier: A first-time filmmaker has claimed the top prize at the 19th Annual Camden Film Festival in Maine, one of the country’s foremost all-documentary festivals.
Director Yousef Srouji earned the Harrell Award for Three Promises, a film set in the Occupied Territories. “At the start of the 2000s, the Israeli army retaliated against the second intifada in the West Bank,” notes a description of the documentary. “All the while, Suha, a mother of two young children, decides it’s time to start a film diary. Years later, her youngest son Yousef picks up the archive and discovers the difficult choices she faced then. The three promises, made and broken, evidence the strong love of a mother to her children, to her land, and to herself. The result is a reflexive act of love in a time capsule.”
‘Three Promises...
Earlier: A first-time filmmaker has claimed the top prize at the 19th Annual Camden Film Festival in Maine, one of the country’s foremost all-documentary festivals.
Director Yousef Srouji earned the Harrell Award for Three Promises, a film set in the Occupied Territories. “At the start of the 2000s, the Israeli army retaliated against the second intifada in the West Bank,” notes a description of the documentary. “All the while, Suha, a mother of two young children, decides it’s time to start a film diary. Years later, her youngest son Yousef picks up the archive and discovers the difficult choices she faced then. The three promises, made and broken, evidence the strong love of a mother to her children, to her land, and to herself. The result is a reflexive act of love in a time capsule.”
‘Three Promises...
- 9/19/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures announced on Thursday that they had acquired of North American rights to “Immediate Family,” director Denny Tedesco’s follow-up to his 2008 documentary “The Wrecking Crew,” which was also released by Magnolia.
While “The Wrecking Crew” followed the first wave of studio musicians in the 1960s, “Immediate Family” picks up where that film left off and highlights the talents of session musicians from the ’70s, with commentary from music legends Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett and Phil Collins.
“Denny Tedesco has given us another extremely entertaining glimpse behind the musical curtain of some of the most memorable songs of our time,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley in a statement. “The musical talent of these studio players is rivaled by their incredibly engaging personalities and hilarious stories.”
“Immediate Family” tracks the rise and...
While “The Wrecking Crew” followed the first wave of studio musicians in the 1960s, “Immediate Family” picks up where that film left off and highlights the talents of session musicians from the ’70s, with commentary from music legends Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett and Phil Collins.
“Denny Tedesco has given us another extremely entertaining glimpse behind the musical curtain of some of the most memorable songs of our time,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley in a statement. “The musical talent of these studio players is rivaled by their incredibly engaging personalities and hilarious stories.”
“Immediate Family” tracks the rise and...
- 7/27/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to “Immediate Family,” director Denny Tedesco’s follow-up to his acclaimed documentary “The Wrecking Crew.”
That earlier film, which Magnolia also released, followed the first wave of studio musicians in the ’60s. “Immediate Family” takes up the story where “The Wrecking Crew” ended, taking a deep dive through some of the most famous and influential session musicians from the 1970s.
To that end, the new documentary includes commentary from the likes of Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, and Phil Collins. Magnolia will release the film theatrically in December.
In addition to talking to those music legends, “Immediate Family” tracks the rise and collaborations of session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel as they help craft some of the decade’s most enduring hits.
The filmmakers say...
That earlier film, which Magnolia also released, followed the first wave of studio musicians in the ’60s. “Immediate Family” takes up the story where “The Wrecking Crew” ended, taking a deep dive through some of the most famous and influential session musicians from the 1970s.
To that end, the new documentary includes commentary from the likes of Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett, Keith Richards, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, and Phil Collins. Magnolia will release the film theatrically in December.
In addition to talking to those music legends, “Immediate Family” tracks the rise and collaborations of session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel as they help craft some of the decade’s most enduring hits.
The filmmakers say...
- 7/27/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Distributor plans 2024 release.
Magnet Releasing, Magnolia Pictures’ genre arm, has acquired US rights from Studiocanal to Cannes Un Certain Regard selection The Animal Kingdom.
‘The Animal Kingdom’: Cannes Review
Thomas Cailley, who was last in Cannes in 2014 with Directors’ Fortnight entry Love At First Fight, directed the story of genetic mutations that are causing humans to become hybrid creatures.
It stars Roman Duris, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Paul Kircher. Cailley co-wrote the screenplay with Pauline Munier, and Pierre Guyard produced the Nord-Ouest Films production. Magnet plans a 2024 release.
“The Animal Kingdom is a wild ride of a film,” said Magnolia Pictures...
Magnet Releasing, Magnolia Pictures’ genre arm, has acquired US rights from Studiocanal to Cannes Un Certain Regard selection The Animal Kingdom.
‘The Animal Kingdom’: Cannes Review
Thomas Cailley, who was last in Cannes in 2014 with Directors’ Fortnight entry Love At First Fight, directed the story of genetic mutations that are causing humans to become hybrid creatures.
It stars Roman Duris, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Paul Kircher. Cailley co-wrote the screenplay with Pauline Munier, and Pierre Guyard produced the Nord-Ouest Films production. Magnet plans a 2024 release.
“The Animal Kingdom is a wild ride of a film,” said Magnolia Pictures...
- 7/20/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, has bought U.S. rights to “The Animal Kingdom,” Thomas Cailley’s creature-filled dystopian thriller which world premiered as the opening night selection of Cannes Un Certain Regard.
Produced by Pierre Guyard at Nord-Ouest Films, “The Animal Kingdom” was financed and co-produced by Studiocanal, which handles French distribution and international sales. The film is set in a world where mutations in human genetics cause people to transform into hybrid creatures. It boasts stellar performances by Roman Duris (“Final Cut”), Adèle Exarchopoulos (“Blue Is the Warmest Color”) and Paul Kircher (“Winter Boy”). Magnet will release the film next year.
Duris stars as François, who sets off to save his wife, who has been affected by this mysterious condition. As some of the creatures disappear into a nearby forest, François embarks with Emile (Kircher), their 16-year-old son, on a quest to find her with...
Produced by Pierre Guyard at Nord-Ouest Films, “The Animal Kingdom” was financed and co-produced by Studiocanal, which handles French distribution and international sales. The film is set in a world where mutations in human genetics cause people to transform into hybrid creatures. It boasts stellar performances by Roman Duris (“Final Cut”), Adèle Exarchopoulos (“Blue Is the Warmest Color”) and Paul Kircher (“Winter Boy”). Magnet will release the film next year.
Duris stars as François, who sets off to save his wife, who has been affected by this mysterious condition. As some of the creatures disappear into a nearby forest, François embarks with Emile (Kircher), their 16-year-old son, on a quest to find her with...
- 7/20/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
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
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
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
Company plans October 6 theatrical release.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Berlinale and SXSW selection Joan Baez I Am A Noise directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor.
The film chronicles the final tour of the celebrated activist and folk singer and will next close the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release on the biopic-concert film hybrid, which follows Baez on her final tour and delves into her archive with previously unseen home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings.
Baez is remarkably revealing about her life...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Berlinale and SXSW selection Joan Baez I Am A Noise directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor.
The film chronicles the final tour of the celebrated activist and folk singer and will next close the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release on the biopic-concert film hybrid, which follows Baez on her final tour and delves into her archive with previously unseen home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings.
Baez is remarkably revealing about her life...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures announced today they’ve acquired worldwide distribution rights to “Joan Baez I Am a Noise,” an exploration of the famous 1960s folk singer. The film was presented at this year’s Berlinale as well as SXSW. Magnolia has plans to give it a full-scale theatrical release in October.
The documentary, directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle and Karen O’Connor is being touted less as a traditional documentary and more along the lines of Brett Morgen’s 2022 film on David Bowie, “Moonage Daydream.”
In the wake of Warner Bros. “Elvis” and Morgen’s “Moonage Daydream” last year, music docs continue to see an uptick in interest. However, the exploration of female singers remains lacking. Baez is a groundbreaking figure in the 1960s folk scene with a fascinating story. Magnolia has been especially interested in propelling original content forward, even pairing with NBC streamer Peacock back in April to stream their films.
The documentary, directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle and Karen O’Connor is being touted less as a traditional documentary and more along the lines of Brett Morgen’s 2022 film on David Bowie, “Moonage Daydream.”
In the wake of Warner Bros. “Elvis” and Morgen’s “Moonage Daydream” last year, music docs continue to see an uptick in interest. However, the exploration of female singers remains lacking. Baez is a groundbreaking figure in the 1960s folk scene with a fascinating story. Magnolia has been especially interested in propelling original content forward, even pairing with NBC streamer Peacock back in April to stream their films.
- 7/11/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Joan Baez I Am A Noise, the feature documentary about the iconic folk singer directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor.
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release of the film, which premiered at the Berlinale in February. Joan Baez went from Berlin to SXSW and recently served as the opening night film of DC/Dox. It is the closing night film for the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
“Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary shifts back and forth through time as it follows Joan on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings,” notes a release from Magnolia. “Baez is remarkably revealing about her life on and off stage – from her lifelong emotional struggles to her civil rights...
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release of the film, which premiered at the Berlinale in February. Joan Baez went from Berlin to SXSW and recently served as the opening night film of DC/Dox. It is the closing night film for the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
“Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary shifts back and forth through time as it follows Joan on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings,” notes a release from Magnolia. “Baez is remarkably revealing about her life on and off stage – from her lifelong emotional struggles to her civil rights...
- 7/11/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Lee Sun-kyun (Parasite) and Jung Yu-mi star as newlyweds in peril.
Magnolia Pictures’ genre arm Magnet Releasing has picked up North American rights to Jason Yu’s South Korean Cannes Critics’ Week selection Sleep.
‘Sleep’: Cannes Review
The thriller stars Lee Sun-kyun (Parasite) and Jung Yu-mi (Train To Busan) as newlyweds whose domestic bliss is disrupted when the man begins to develop sleep problems, claiming someone is inside.
As the man appears to become someone else during sleep, the expectant couple turn to a shaman who diagnoses something far more sinister than they could have imagined.
The Lewis Pictures...
Magnolia Pictures’ genre arm Magnet Releasing has picked up North American rights to Jason Yu’s South Korean Cannes Critics’ Week selection Sleep.
‘Sleep’: Cannes Review
The thriller stars Lee Sun-kyun (Parasite) and Jung Yu-mi (Train To Busan) as newlyweds whose domestic bliss is disrupted when the man begins to develop sleep problems, claiming someone is inside.
As the man appears to become someone else during sleep, the expectant couple turn to a shaman who diagnoses something far more sinister than they could have imagined.
The Lewis Pictures...
- 6/29/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of indie distributor Magnolia Pictures, has acquired North American rights to “Sleep.” The horror-thriller, which sounds designed to make you rethink your thoughts about sleepwalking, recently had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival’s critics week.
It was directed and written by Jason Yu, who worked with Korean filmmaking legends Bong Joon-ho and Lee Chang-dong before making his feature directing debut with “Sleep.” Magnet will release the film early next year.
The director’s previous collaborator, Bong, called “Sleep,” “the most unique horror film and the smartest debut film I’ve seen in 10 years.” So that’s some high praise from the director of “The Host” and “Parasite.”
According to an official synopsis, “Sleep” “follows newlyweds Hyun-su (Lee Sun-kyun) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi), whose domestic bliss is disrupted when Hyun-su begins speaking in his sleep, ominously stating, ‘Someone’s inside.’ From that night on,...
It was directed and written by Jason Yu, who worked with Korean filmmaking legends Bong Joon-ho and Lee Chang-dong before making his feature directing debut with “Sleep.” Magnet will release the film early next year.
The director’s previous collaborator, Bong, called “Sleep,” “the most unique horror film and the smartest debut film I’ve seen in 10 years.” So that’s some high praise from the director of “The Host” and “Parasite.”
According to an official synopsis, “Sleep” “follows newlyweds Hyun-su (Lee Sun-kyun) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi), whose domestic bliss is disrupted when Hyun-su begins speaking in his sleep, ominously stating, ‘Someone’s inside.’ From that night on,...
- 6/29/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Joanna Arnow’s “That Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed” has been acquired by Magnolia Pictures for domestic distribution.
The film, which premiered at Cannes during its Directors’ Fortnight section, is executive produced by Sean Baker. Arnow stars as a 30-something New York woman as time passes in her longterm Bdsm relationship, a low-level corporate job and her quarrelsome Jewish family.
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‘The Deepest Breath’ Trailer: Competitive Free Divers Get the Spotlight (Video)
The picture is Arnow’s narrative feature film debut following shorts including “Bad Dancing” (which won the Berlinale Silver Bear), “Laying Out” and the feature documentary “I Hate Myself.” The picture currently holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average critic score of 7.5/10.
“As a distributor, it’s always exciting to find a new, fresh and hilarious voice,” Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley said in a statement. “We...
The film, which premiered at Cannes during its Directors’ Fortnight section, is executive produced by Sean Baker. Arnow stars as a 30-something New York woman as time passes in her longterm Bdsm relationship, a low-level corporate job and her quarrelsome Jewish family.
Also Read:
‘The Deepest Breath’ Trailer: Competitive Free Divers Get the Spotlight (Video)
The picture is Arnow’s narrative feature film debut following shorts including “Bad Dancing” (which won the Berlinale Silver Bear), “Laying Out” and the feature documentary “I Hate Myself.” The picture currently holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average critic score of 7.5/10.
“As a distributor, it’s always exciting to find a new, fresh and hilarious voice,” Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley said in a statement. “We...
- 6/20/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Joanna Arnow’s “The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed.” The film, which recently world-premiered in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight section and is executive produced by Sean Baker, is a comedy about a 30-something New York woman, who is played by Arnow. It follows her as time passes in her long-term casual Bdsm relationship and low-level corporate job, and chronicles her quarrelsome Jewish family.
Critics liked Arnow’s witty and fresh take, with Variety calling it one of the festival’s true discoveries and hailing the filmmaker as “a raw, intimate and more importantly extremely funny new talent.“ The film is Arnow’s narrative feature film debut following shorts including “Bad Dancing,” which won the Berlinale Silver Bear, “Laying Out,” and the feature doc “I hate myself:).”
“As a distributor, it’s always exciting to find a new, fresh, and hilarious voice,...
Critics liked Arnow’s witty and fresh take, with Variety calling it one of the festival’s true discoveries and hailing the filmmaker as “a raw, intimate and more importantly extremely funny new talent.“ The film is Arnow’s narrative feature film debut following shorts including “Bad Dancing,” which won the Berlinale Silver Bear, “Laying Out,” and the feature doc “I hate myself:).”
“As a distributor, it’s always exciting to find a new, fresh, and hilarious voice,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The project joins mk2’s Cannes slate, with Magnolia planning North American theatrical launch.
Mk2 Films has acquired international rights to Raoul Peck’s Untitled Ernest Cole Documentary, with Magnolia Pictures taking rights for North America.
Mk2 will offer the project to buyers at this week’s Cannes market. Magnolia, which previously distributed Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro, is planning a theatrical release for the new film.
Cole was the first Black freelance photographer in South Africa and his early pictures revealed the conditions of Black life under apartheid to the world. He fled South Africa in 1966 and...
Mk2 Films has acquired international rights to Raoul Peck’s Untitled Ernest Cole Documentary, with Magnolia Pictures taking rights for North America.
Mk2 will offer the project to buyers at this week’s Cannes market. Magnolia, which previously distributed Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro, is planning a theatrical release for the new film.
Cole was the first Black freelance photographer in South Africa and his early pictures revealed the conditions of Black life under apartheid to the world. He fled South Africa in 1966 and...
- 5/15/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures and MK2 Films have acquired rights to Raoul Peck’s documentary about renowned photographer Ernest Cole.
The untitled documentary chronicles the life and work of Cole, the first Black freelance photographer in South Africa, whose early work revealed to the world the shocking, brutal realities of Black life under apartheid. Magnolia will release the film in North American theaters, while MK2 will handle the rollout internationally.
“Ernest Cole’s long and, at times, painful and tedious journey in America brings me back to a period of my life when my political commitment and artistic stamina were forged,” Peck said in a statement. “I profoundly feel, cherish and treasure his human eye on the facts of life and his piercing acuity over our terrible contradictions.”
The sale marks a reunion for Magnolia and Peck after 2016’s James Baldwin documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which became a modest box office hit with $8 million globally.
The untitled documentary chronicles the life and work of Cole, the first Black freelance photographer in South Africa, whose early work revealed to the world the shocking, brutal realities of Black life under apartheid. Magnolia will release the film in North American theaters, while MK2 will handle the rollout internationally.
“Ernest Cole’s long and, at times, painful and tedious journey in America brings me back to a period of my life when my political commitment and artistic stamina were forged,” Peck said in a statement. “I profoundly feel, cherish and treasure his human eye on the facts of life and his piercing acuity over our terrible contradictions.”
The sale marks a reunion for Magnolia and Peck after 2016’s James Baldwin documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which became a modest box office hit with $8 million globally.
- 5/15/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures and mk2 have acquired rights to Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck’s Untitled Ernest Cole Documentary, about South Africa’s first Black freelance photographer.
Magnolia’s deal is for North American rights, while mk2 takes international; mk2 is launching international sales at the Cannes Market, which opens Tuesday.
Cole (1940-1970) documented apartheid in South Africa not as an outsider but someone who experienced its cruelties. Under the country’s racist system, Black people could only be employed as laborers; nonetheless, Cole became a photographer, a defiance of rules that made him a “banned person” and forced him to flee to the United States. He continued making important documentary photography in New York, but at his death he had published a single book, House of Bondage (1967) and the whereabouts of much of his unpublished work remained unknown.
Only a few years ago, “more than 60,000 of his 35mm film negatives...
Magnolia’s deal is for North American rights, while mk2 takes international; mk2 is launching international sales at the Cannes Market, which opens Tuesday.
Cole (1940-1970) documented apartheid in South Africa not as an outsider but someone who experienced its cruelties. Under the country’s racist system, Black people could only be employed as laborers; nonetheless, Cole became a photographer, a defiance of rules that made him a “banned person” and forced him to flee to the United States. He continued making important documentary photography in New York, but at his death he had published a single book, House of Bondage (1967) and the whereabouts of much of his unpublished work remained unknown.
Only a few years ago, “more than 60,000 of his 35mm film negatives...
- 5/15/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Kohn’s Corner is a weekly column about the challenges and opportunities of sustaining American film culture.
Every year around this time, I relish the opportunity to vanish into a bubble of Cannes hype and pretend that world-class auteurs dominate the movie business on a global scale. But for the moment, I’ll take a breather from the laughing gas and acknowledge it’s a rough moment for the specialty distribution business — especially in America. A lot of those promising Cannes titles won’t follow me home.
Few movies that aren’t in English succeed at our box office. Most get lost in the streaming vortex, if they’re lucky to land there at all. Arthouses nationwide continue to face audience decline. Prestige Oscar movies don’t guarantee strong returns. A24’s winning streak faltered with the flop of its most-costly production, “Beau is Afraid,” suggesting that even its adoring...
Every year around this time, I relish the opportunity to vanish into a bubble of Cannes hype and pretend that world-class auteurs dominate the movie business on a global scale. But for the moment, I’ll take a breather from the laughing gas and acknowledge it’s a rough moment for the specialty distribution business — especially in America. A lot of those promising Cannes titles won’t follow me home.
Few movies that aren’t in English succeed at our box office. Most get lost in the streaming vortex, if they’re lucky to land there at all. Arthouses nationwide continue to face audience decline. Prestige Oscar movies don’t guarantee strong returns. A24’s winning streak faltered with the flop of its most-costly production, “Beau is Afraid,” suggesting that even its adoring...
- 5/13/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
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
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
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
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
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to “Kokomo City,” the feature directorial debut of Grammy-nominated producer, singer and songwriter D. Smith. The pact comes after the film’s world premiere in Sundance’s Next section. It marks Magnolia’s second acquisition at the festival, following its pickup of “Little Richard: I Am Everything.”
Smith filmed and edited the look at four transgender Black sex workers in Atlanta and New York City – Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell and Dominique Silver. “Kokomo City” was executive produced by Lena Waithe. It will next screen at Berlin Panorama. Magnolia will release the film theatrically this year.
“’Kokomo City’ is a miraculous cinematic debut by D. Smith,” said Eamonn Bowles, president of Magnolia Pictures. “Hilarious, revelatory and wildly entertaining, and with a soundtrack for the ages, the film demolishes preconceived notions and announces a major multi-talent to the film world. We can’t...
Smith filmed and edited the look at four transgender Black sex workers in Atlanta and New York City – Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell and Dominique Silver. “Kokomo City” was executive produced by Lena Waithe. It will next screen at Berlin Panorama. Magnolia will release the film theatrically this year.
“’Kokomo City’ is a miraculous cinematic debut by D. Smith,” said Eamonn Bowles, president of Magnolia Pictures. “Hilarious, revelatory and wildly entertaining, and with a soundtrack for the ages, the film demolishes preconceived notions and announces a major multi-talent to the film world. We can’t...
- 1/22/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Doc screens in Berlin Panorama next month; international sales to launch at EFM.
In the first purely on-site deal to close at Sundance 2023, Magnolia has picked up worldwide rights to Black trans sex workers documentary Kokomo City.
‘Kokomo City’: Sundance Review
The deal for the Next selection concluded after what the distributor said was an all-night negotiation with CAA Media Finance following Saturday night’s world premiere at Egyptian Theatre.
Grammy-nominated songwriter-producer D. Smith makes her feature directing debut on the film in which four Black trans sex workers in Atlanta and New York City break down the walls of their profession.
In the first purely on-site deal to close at Sundance 2023, Magnolia has picked up worldwide rights to Black trans sex workers documentary Kokomo City.
‘Kokomo City’: Sundance Review
The deal for the Next selection concluded after what the distributor said was an all-night negotiation with CAA Media Finance following Saturday night’s world premiere at Egyptian Theatre.
Grammy-nominated songwriter-producer D. Smith makes her feature directing debut on the film in which four Black trans sex workers in Atlanta and New York City break down the walls of their profession.
- 1/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Saturday premieres include William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth follow-up Eileen.
Multiple offers from studios and streamers are understood to have come in for Chloe Domont’s Sundance finance thriller Fair Play following the world premiere on Friday.
The film about a promotion at a New York hedge fund that pushes two newly engaged employees to the edge stars Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor and screens again in US Dramatic Competition today (January 21) to public and P&i.
Fair Play hails from the partnership between MRC and Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street to support emerging directors, and Star Thrower Entertainment.
Multiple offers from studios and streamers are understood to have come in for Chloe Domont’s Sundance finance thriller Fair Play following the world premiere on Friday.
The film about a promotion at a New York hedge fund that pushes two newly engaged employees to the edge stars Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor and screens again in US Dramatic Competition today (January 21) to public and P&i.
Fair Play hails from the partnership between MRC and Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street to support emerging directors, and Star Thrower Entertainment.
- 1/21/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to “Little Richard: I Am Everything” from CNN Films following its premiere on Thursday at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film from director Lisa Cortés examines the seismic impact that Richard Penniman, known professionally as Little Richard, had on the origins of rock and roll, as well as his personal struggles with his sexuality and religious faith. The film uses archival footage, much of it involving his dynamic performances, to tell that story. Magnolia plans to release “Little Richard: I Am Everything” in April.
“Little Richard is the true king of rock and roll, the alpha and omega of wild, rhythm-based music,” said Magnolia Pictures President Eamonn Bowles. “Lisa Cortés does the legend proud, getting the true story that celebrates this icon who shook the culture in so many ways.”
“Rock n’ roll, race, and queerness are core to our culture — and our culture wars,...
The film from director Lisa Cortés examines the seismic impact that Richard Penniman, known professionally as Little Richard, had on the origins of rock and roll, as well as his personal struggles with his sexuality and religious faith. The film uses archival footage, much of it involving his dynamic performances, to tell that story. Magnolia plans to release “Little Richard: I Am Everything” in April.
“Little Richard is the true king of rock and roll, the alpha and omega of wild, rhythm-based music,” said Magnolia Pictures President Eamonn Bowles. “Lisa Cortés does the legend proud, getting the true story that celebrates this icon who shook the culture in so many ways.”
“Rock n’ roll, race, and queerness are core to our culture — and our culture wars,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has scored worldwide rights to “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” which held its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Thursday evening. The distributor plans to release the film in April.
Directed by Lisa Cortés, the documentary explores the black queer origins of rock ‘n’ roll through the life and career of Richard Penniman. Drawing from performance footage and interviews with family and friends, scholars and fellow musicians, “I Am Everything” reveals how, as the synopsis puts it, Little Richard “created an art form for ultimate self-expression, yet what he gave to the world he was never able to give to himself.”
The film was selected to play at Sundance’s opening night, kicking off the festival’s U.S. Documentary program.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
“Little Richard is the true king of rock and roll,...
Directed by Lisa Cortés, the documentary explores the black queer origins of rock ‘n’ roll through the life and career of Richard Penniman. Drawing from performance footage and interviews with family and friends, scholars and fellow musicians, “I Am Everything” reveals how, as the synopsis puts it, Little Richard “created an art form for ultimate self-expression, yet what he gave to the world he was never able to give to himself.”
The film was selected to play at Sundance’s opening night, kicking off the festival’s U.S. Documentary program.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
“Little Richard is the true king of rock and roll,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Magnolia Pictures has taken global rights to CNN Films and director Lisa Cortés’ Little Richard: I Am Everything following its world premiere as the opening night selection of Sundance in the US Documentary Competition section.
Produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment for CNN Films and HBO Max, in association with Rolling Stone Films, and executive produced by Dee Rees, the film tells the story of the Black queer origins of rock ‘n’ roll, exploding the whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator – the originator – Richard Penniman. Magnolia plans to release the film in April. HBO Max is an EP and has domestic and international SVOD streaming rights.
Related Story Little Richard Doc’s Lisa Cortés On Rock ‘N’ Roll’s Architect, Sundance Directorial Debut, Mick Jagger & The Culture Wars Related Story Berlin Co-Heads On Securing U.S. Star Power, Asia's Return & Iran-Russia Bans: "One Of Our Goals...
Produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment for CNN Films and HBO Max, in association with Rolling Stone Films, and executive produced by Dee Rees, the film tells the story of the Black queer origins of rock ‘n’ roll, exploding the whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator – the originator – Richard Penniman. Magnolia plans to release the film in April. HBO Max is an EP and has domestic and international SVOD streaming rights.
Related Story Little Richard Doc’s Lisa Cortés On Rock ‘N’ Roll’s Architect, Sundance Directorial Debut, Mick Jagger & The Culture Wars Related Story Berlin Co-Heads On Securing U.S. Star Power, Asia's Return & Iran-Russia Bans: "One Of Our Goals...
- 1/20/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Acquisition titles spark early interest from Park City buyers.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park City as buyer interest begins to heat up on other available titles.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park City as buyer interest begins to heat up on other available titles.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee...
- 1/20/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Fair Play delivers strong world premiere heading into weekend.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park City as buyer interest begins to heat up on other available titles.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park City as buyer interest begins to heat up on other available titles.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee...
- 1/20/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Acquisition titles spark early interest from Park City buyers.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park City as buyer interest begins to heat up on other available titles.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park City as buyer interest begins to heat up on other available titles.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee...
- 1/20/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia International to launch sales at EFM.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park CIty.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman aka Little Richard.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee Torres and international sales manager Austin Kennedy will launch sales...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights from CNN Films to Sundance selection Little Richard: I Am Everything in a deal that is understood to have closed on site in Park CIty.
Lisa Cortés’ US Documentary Competition section entry premiered on Thursday opening night and explores the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll and the key role played by Richard Penniman aka Little Richard.
Magnolia plans to release the film in April in the US and Magnolia head of international sales Lorna Lee Torres and international sales manager Austin Kennedy will launch sales...
- 1/20/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to “Dalíland” starring Ben Kingsley and Ezra Miller, according to an individual with knowledge of the deal.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mary Harron, the film stars Kingsley as Salvador Dalí, one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. Barbara Sukowa, Rupert Graves, Christopher Briney, Suki Waterhouse and Andreja Pejic also star.
The film’s premiere closed the 2022 Toronto Film Festival. Magnolia plans to release the film theatrically next year.
Also Read:
Why Making ‘Dalíland’ Was a Dream Come True for ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Star Christopher Bri
ney
“Dalíland” tells the story of the later years of the strange and fascinating marriage between the genius Dalí and his wife, Gala (Sukowa), as their seemingly unshakable bond begins to stress and fracture. Set in 1973 between New York City and Spain, the story is told through the eyes of James (Briney), a...
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mary Harron, the film stars Kingsley as Salvador Dalí, one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. Barbara Sukowa, Rupert Graves, Christopher Briney, Suki Waterhouse and Andreja Pejic also star.
The film’s premiere closed the 2022 Toronto Film Festival. Magnolia plans to release the film theatrically next year.
Also Read:
Why Making ‘Dalíland’ Was a Dream Come True for ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Star Christopher Bri
ney
“Dalíland” tells the story of the later years of the strange and fascinating marriage between the genius Dalí and his wife, Gala (Sukowa), as their seemingly unshakable bond begins to stress and fracture. Set in 1973 between New York City and Spain, the story is told through the eyes of James (Briney), a...
- 11/22/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures has snapped up North American rights to the Toronto Film Festival closing-night film Dalíland from Mary Harron, Deadline has learned.
Oscar winner Ben Kingsley stars as the titular Salvador Dalí, and Ezra Miller plays the younger version of the world-renowned 20th century artist. Magnolia plans a theatrical release next year.
Dalíland tells the story of the later years of the strange and fascinating marriage between the genius Salvador Dalí and his wife, Gala (Barbara Sukowa), as their seemingly unshakable bond begins to stress and fracture. Set in New York and Spain in 1974, the story is told through the eyes of James (Christopher Briney), a young assistant who’s keen to make his name in the art world and helps the eccentric and mercurial Dalí prepare for a big gallery show. Rupert Graves, Suki Waterhouse and Andreja Pejic also star.
“Ben Kingsley wonderfully inhabits Salvador Dalí’s persona,...
Oscar winner Ben Kingsley stars as the titular Salvador Dalí, and Ezra Miller plays the younger version of the world-renowned 20th century artist. Magnolia plans a theatrical release next year.
Dalíland tells the story of the later years of the strange and fascinating marriage between the genius Salvador Dalí and his wife, Gala (Barbara Sukowa), as their seemingly unshakable bond begins to stress and fracture. Set in New York and Spain in 1974, the story is told through the eyes of James (Christopher Briney), a young assistant who’s keen to make his name in the art world and helps the eccentric and mercurial Dalí prepare for a big gallery show. Rupert Graves, Suki Waterhouse and Andreja Pejic also star.
“Ben Kingsley wonderfully inhabits Salvador Dalí’s persona,...
- 11/22/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Distributor plans 2023 theatrical release.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Mary Harron’s TIFF closing night film Daliland starring Ben Kingsley as the celebrated Surrealist artist and Barbara Sukowa as his wife and muse Gala.
The film takes place in the early 1970s as Dali prepares to stage a New York exhibition and is told through the eyes of a young assistant played by Christopher Briney.
Magnolia plans a 2023 theatrical release. “Ben Kingsley wonderfully inhabits Salvador Dalí’s persona and Barbara Sukowa is his match in this suitably wild and entertaining film from Mary Harron,” said Magnolia Pictures president Eamonn Bowles.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Mary Harron’s TIFF closing night film Daliland starring Ben Kingsley as the celebrated Surrealist artist and Barbara Sukowa as his wife and muse Gala.
The film takes place in the early 1970s as Dali prepares to stage a New York exhibition and is told through the eyes of a young assistant played by Christopher Briney.
Magnolia plans a 2023 theatrical release. “Ben Kingsley wonderfully inhabits Salvador Dalí’s persona and Barbara Sukowa is his match in this suitably wild and entertaining film from Mary Harron,” said Magnolia Pictures president Eamonn Bowles.
- 11/22/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to “Joyride,” a road-trip comedy starring Oscar-winner Olivia Colman and Charlie Reid. The indie studio will release the film in theaters and on demand on Dec. 23.
The picture was directed by Emer Reynolds (“Songs for While I’m Away”) and written by Ailbhe Keogan (“Bad Sisters). The cast also includes Lochlann O Mearáin, Olwen Fouéré, Ruth McCabe, and Tommy Tiernan.
“Joyride” follows 12-year-old Mully (Reid), who, after fleeing his father, steals a taxi and is shocked to find a woman, Joy (Colman), in the back seat with a baby. Joy has decided to give her child away to a friend, and Mully needs some distance from his debt-ridden dad, who’s after the cash Mully has with him. So the middle-aged mother and adolescent embark on a journey across Ireland — a trip that causes a bond to form between them.
Colman, who is...
The picture was directed by Emer Reynolds (“Songs for While I’m Away”) and written by Ailbhe Keogan (“Bad Sisters). The cast also includes Lochlann O Mearáin, Olwen Fouéré, Ruth McCabe, and Tommy Tiernan.
“Joyride” follows 12-year-old Mully (Reid), who, after fleeing his father, steals a taxi and is shocked to find a woman, Joy (Colman), in the back seat with a baby. Joy has decided to give her child away to a friend, and Mully needs some distance from his debt-ridden dad, who’s after the cash Mully has with him. So the middle-aged mother and adolescent embark on a journey across Ireland — a trip that causes a bond to form between them.
Colman, who is...
- 11/14/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-nominated Gianfranco Rosi documents Pontiff’s extensive global travels in first years of papacy.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to In Viaggio, Oscar-nominated Gianfranco Rosi’s documentary about Pope Francis’s extensive global travels.
Composed mostly of archival footage and images taken by Rosi, the film frames the Pontiff’s travels to 53 countries in the first nine years of his papacy within the backdrop of current events as he focuses on issues of poverty, migration, environment, solidarity, and war.
Magnolia plans a theatrical release on March 31, 2023. In Viaggio is presented by 21Uno Film shingle...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights from The Match Factory to In Viaggio, Oscar-nominated Gianfranco Rosi’s documentary about Pope Francis’s extensive global travels.
Composed mostly of archival footage and images taken by Rosi, the film frames the Pontiff’s travels to 53 countries in the first nine years of his papacy within the backdrop of current events as he focuses on issues of poverty, migration, environment, solidarity, and war.
Magnolia plans a theatrical release on March 31, 2023. In Viaggio is presented by 21Uno Film shingle...
- 11/11/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to “In Viaggio,” a documentary that offers a comprehensive look at the travels of Pope Francis. The globe-trotting film was directed by Gianfranco Rosi, the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker behind “Fire at Sea” and “Notturno.”
It is composed mostly of archival footage, and shows the public life of the head of the Catholic Church, following him from the pulpit through the “unpaved streets and vast public avenues” where he interacts with the faithful and those in need. Magnolia is planning a theatrical release on March 31, 2023.
“In Viaggio” premiered out of competition at the Venice Film Festival. IndieWire praised the movie for its “remarkable” access, as well as for its “elegant footage, stylishly directed and edited.”
The film’s title translates in Italian to “en route.” It unfolds over the first nine years of Pope Francis’s pontificate, during which he visited 53 countries, focusing on issues such as poverty,...
It is composed mostly of archival footage, and shows the public life of the head of the Catholic Church, following him from the pulpit through the “unpaved streets and vast public avenues” where he interacts with the faithful and those in need. Magnolia is planning a theatrical release on March 31, 2023.
“In Viaggio” premiered out of competition at the Venice Film Festival. IndieWire praised the movie for its “remarkable” access, as well as for its “elegant footage, stylishly directed and edited.”
The film’s title translates in Italian to “en route.” It unfolds over the first nine years of Pope Francis’s pontificate, during which he visited 53 countries, focusing on issues such as poverty,...
- 11/11/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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