The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces major gifts from Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg
Katzenberg and Spielberg donate $10 million each to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences received separate $10 million gifts from Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In recognition of these gifts, the two main galleries on the lobby floor of the Academy Museum will be named for Katzenberg and Spielberg – The Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and The Spielberg Family Gallery.
“Steven and Jeffrey share a passion for moviemaking and philanthropy,” said Academy Museum Campaign Chair Bob Iger. “With these incredibly generous gifts, they are combining the two, moving us closer to our goal of building a museum to preserve the history of motion pictures and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.” The Academy launched the Museum’s $300 million capital campaign in 2012 and has already secured more than half of the campaign’s goal in commitments. The campaign is co-chaired by Annette Bening and Tom Hanks.
“I am so pleased to join with Jeffrey to help build this museum to celebrate, educate, and preserve the arts and sciences of motion pictures,” said Spielberg. “Having our family name on the lobby floor is a deeply personal way to say how much motion pictures and the Academy have meant to all our lives.”
“Both Steven and I recognize that film’s global impact deserves a museum that reflects its unequaled heritage and serves as a beacon for the future of what we love,” added Katzenberg. “Marilyn and I appreciate this opportunity to be part of such a significant project.”
Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs commented, “Steven and Jeffrey have elevated the art of filmmaking to new heights and have created some of the most beloved films of all time. They continue to be champions of our industry. Having them join us as we build the Academy Museum is an incredible honor. We are so grateful for their support and partnership.”
The lobby of the Academy Museum will be a lively open space that will invite the public to engage in the life of the Museum. The Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Gallery and The Spielberg Family Gallery will be the only gallery spaces on the lobby level and will showcase exhibitions that will explore the past, present, and future of moviemaking.
“We are building the world’s premier movie museum, and I cannot imagine doing this without the support of two of our industry’s most inspiring leaders,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “Their gifts will create the first galleries our visitors experience when entering the Museum.”
Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, the Academy Museum will be located next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the historic Wilshire May Company building. Slated to open in early 2017, the Academy Museum will contain nearly 300,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, exhibition spaces, theaters, screening rooms, education centers, and special event spaces.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
"Experience Nirvana" in Seattle on December 7, 2013
The Seattle music scene in 1989 was on the precipice of altering the course of global pop culture. Ironically, the punk music of the Pacific Northwest was having difficulty gaining traction beyond a small but enthusiastic regional following. While critically acclaimed, the embryonic movement was in imminent danger of a premature demise. In an effort to draw international attention to their fledgling label, Sub Pop sent their three marquee acts to Europe. The rest, as they say, is history.
Experiencing Nirvana: Grunge in Europe, 1989 is Bruce Pavitt’s account of this pivotal period of contemporary culture. As the visionary founder of Sub Pop – first as a hand crafted zine, then a series of cassettes, music columns, and radio broadcasts – Pavitt was in a peculiar position to chronicle the tour that cemented grunge as the soundtrack of a generation. Through journal entries and candid photographs, Pavitt follows Nirvana, TAD, and Mudhoney at a momentous stage of a movement that almost didn’t happen.
Pavitt will appear at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, December 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 to give a brief reading from this fascinating account and sign copies of the hardcover book. A selection of photographs from the triumphant tour will be on display with sales proceeds to benefit the Vera Project. Photographer Charles Peterson will guest DJ and several prominent musicians of the era will attend.
Listing information:
Experiencing Nirvana: Grunge in Europe, 1989
Reading and book signing with author Bruce Pavitt
Saturday, December 7, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale Street in Georgetown, 206.658.0110
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Review: "Pacific Rim" a Big Fanboy Experience
Pacific Rim (2013)
Running time: 131 minutes (2 hours, 11 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief language
DIRECTOR: Guillermo del Toro
WRITERS: Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro; from a story by Travis Beacham
PRODUCERS: Guillermo del Toro, Jon Jashni, Mary Parent, and Thomas Tull
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Guillermo Navarro (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Peter Amundson and John Gilroy
COMPOSER: Ramin Djawadi
SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, Max Martini, Rob Kazinsky, Clifton Collins, Jr., Ron Perlman, Mana Ashida, Santiago Segura, Diego Klattenhoff, and Ellen McLain (voice)
Pacific Rim is a 2013 science fiction-action film from director Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth). The film is set in a near-future where humankind fights monstrous creatures that emerge from the sea with gigantic humanoid war machines. A former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive one of these war machines as part of a desperate plan to save the world from an apocalypse.
Pacific Rim is set in a world in which, beginning in 2013, colossal monstrous beasts, called “Kaijus,” emerged from “the Breach” a chasm on the floor of the Pacific Ocean that opens to an inter-dimensional portal. These Kaijus began attacking human cities, especially along the Pacific Rim. To combat them, the Pacific Rim nations built equally colossal, robotic, humanoid war machines called “Jaegers” (think Transformers in human-like mode). The Jaeger program is initially successful, but many are destroyed as the Kaijus grow more powerful and the frequency of their attacks increased.
By 2025, the United Nations and world governments have discontinued the Jaeger program. However, Jaeger program commander, Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), has taken the four remaining Jaegers that he has, and has devised a last-ditch plan to end the war against the Kaijus by planting a thermonuclear bomb in their portal, the Breach. Pentecost recruits former Jaeger pilot, Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam), to pilot a revamped version of his old Jaeger, Gypsy Danger. But resistance from some of his fellow pilots and his friendship with Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), a Jaeger pilot wannabe, may complicate an already complicated mission.
First, I must say that I think that “Pacific Rim” is a bad title. I don’t know what else they could have titled this movie, but that title is vague in regards to the larger story of the movie. Anyway, I think of Pacific Rim as the ultimate fanboy movie. If you like big science fiction and fantasy films with big special effects and that are almost entirely created by CGI (computer-generated imagery), Pacific Rim might be for you. If you like giant robots (also called “mecha”) fighting giant monsters in what looks like a cross between mixed-martial arts and WWE-styled professional wrestling, this movie is for you. If you like seeing disaster and destruction on an epic scale, with cities literally smashed to bits, Pacific Rim is for you.
I like Pacific Rim, but it is a little too long. The movie runs for 131 minutes; I’d had enough after 100 minutes. Although I am a fan of some of the cast, I also wish that the cast had more charisma. Idris Elba is always a great film presence, as he is here. Ron Perlman adds flair and something like an exotic spice to every movie in which he appears, and he does so in this film as Hannibal Chau. I love seeing Charlie Day (as Dr. Newton Geiszler) because of his deft comic touch. However, at least to me, the rest of the cast lacks the personality and charisma to carry a big genre movie like Pacific Rim. I don’t know what people see in Charlie Hunnam. He might be good for TV, where he stars in the cable television series, “Sons of Anarchy,” but his presence is undersized for the massive Pacific Rim.
I can overcome my reservations because I’m happy to have a Guillermo del Toro movie, the first in five years. Pacific Rim proves that he can do big effects-laden movies, although this film lacks the level of imagination in del Toro’s previous efforts. It is precisely his imagination, however, that makes a weird, monster movie concept like Pacific Rim work. So the fanboy in me does like this movie, especially because of its director, which is a very fanboy thing.
7 of 10
B+
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Missing You, Dear Sister 2013
I have not forgotten, even 22 years later. I won't forget.
Can you peek down from up there and spy on J.J. Abrams for me? Send any hot tips about Star Wars to me via my dreams.
And your old pal Mickey turned 85 yesterday.
Monday, November 18, 2013
"Gravity" Now Past $500 Million in Worldwide Box Office
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” Soars over $500 Million Worldwide
Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed worldwide hit, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, continues to break box office records.
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reaching another astronomical milestone, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” crossed $500 million at the worldwide box office on Saturday, November 16, 2013. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Gravity” has earned an astounding $240.6 million domestically and $274.3 million internationally, for an estimated worldwide total to date of $515 million, and still climbing. From the start, the film has enjoyed record-breaking domestic and international openings, most recently in the UK. It is now the highest-grossing movie ever (worldwide) for its Oscar®-winning stars, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
Box office results for IMAX® are also very strong, with an estimated $47.1 million domestically, and $24.2 million in 42 overseas markets, for a global total to date of $71.3 million.
In addition, 3D continues to be the format of choice for the vast majority of moviegoers who want to experience the story in the most immersive way possible. The 3D sales represent 81% of the box office domestically and have grown to 80% internationally.
The half-billion mark comes as “Gravity” prepares for two more major openings: in China on November 19, followed by Japan on December 13.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “This is an outstanding achievement for Alfonso, Sandy and George, and the film’s extraordinary team of innovative artists. We congratulate all of those who brought to life a film that is not only creatively groundbreaking but also beloved by both critics and audiences worldwide.”
Kwan Vandenberg stated, “We are delighted that moviegoers everywhere have embraced 'Gravity' and made it into a global, cinematic event. With anticipation really high for the China and Japan openings, we are expecting even stronger international returns in the coming weeks.”
Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and George Clooney (“Syriana”) star in “Gravity,” a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).
Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney) in command. But on a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left.
But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.
“Gravity” was written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films). Chris deFaria, Nikki Penny and Stephen Jones served as executive producers.
The behind-the-scenes team includes multiple Oscar®-nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children of Men,” “The New World”); production designer Andy Nicholson (art director “Alice in Wonderland”); editors Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger (VFX editor “Children of Men”); and costume designer Jany Temime (the “Harry Potter” films). The visual effects were handled by Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”). The music was composed by Steven Price (“Attack the Block”).
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Esperanto Filmoj/Heyday Films Production, an Alfonso Cuarón Film, “Gravity.” The film is being released in 3D and 2D and IMAX®, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.
gravitymovie.com
Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed worldwide hit, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, continues to break box office records.
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reaching another astronomical milestone, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” crossed $500 million at the worldwide box office on Saturday, November 16, 2013. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Gravity” has earned an astounding $240.6 million domestically and $274.3 million internationally, for an estimated worldwide total to date of $515 million, and still climbing. From the start, the film has enjoyed record-breaking domestic and international openings, most recently in the UK. It is now the highest-grossing movie ever (worldwide) for its Oscar®-winning stars, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
Box office results for IMAX® are also very strong, with an estimated $47.1 million domestically, and $24.2 million in 42 overseas markets, for a global total to date of $71.3 million.
In addition, 3D continues to be the format of choice for the vast majority of moviegoers who want to experience the story in the most immersive way possible. The 3D sales represent 81% of the box office domestically and have grown to 80% internationally.
The half-billion mark comes as “Gravity” prepares for two more major openings: in China on November 19, followed by Japan on December 13.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “This is an outstanding achievement for Alfonso, Sandy and George, and the film’s extraordinary team of innovative artists. We congratulate all of those who brought to life a film that is not only creatively groundbreaking but also beloved by both critics and audiences worldwide.”
Kwan Vandenberg stated, “We are delighted that moviegoers everywhere have embraced 'Gravity' and made it into a global, cinematic event. With anticipation really high for the China and Japan openings, we are expecting even stronger international returns in the coming weeks.”
Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and George Clooney (“Syriana”) star in “Gravity,” a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).
Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney) in command. But on a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left.
But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.
“Gravity” was written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films). Chris deFaria, Nikki Penny and Stephen Jones served as executive producers.
The behind-the-scenes team includes multiple Oscar®-nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children of Men,” “The New World”); production designer Andy Nicholson (art director “Alice in Wonderland”); editors Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger (VFX editor “Children of Men”); and costume designer Jany Temime (the “Harry Potter” films). The visual effects were handled by Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”). The music was composed by Steven Price (“Attack the Block”).
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Esperanto Filmoj/Heyday Films Production, an Alfonso Cuarón Film, “Gravity.” The film is being released in 3D and 2D and IMAX®, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.
gravitymovie.com
Review: "Undercover Brother" Timeless and Funny
Undercover Brother (2002)
Running time: 86 minutes (1 hour, 26 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for language, sexual humor, drug content and campy violence
DIRECTOR: Malcolm D. Lee
WRITERS: John Ridley and Malcolm McCullers, from a story by John Ridley (based upon the Internet series by John Ridley)
PRODUCERS: Brian Grazer, Michael Jenkinson, and Damon Lee
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Tom Priestley Jr.
EDITOR: William Kerr
COMPOSER: Stanley Clarke
COMEDY/ACTION
Starring: Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Denise Richards, Aunjanue Ellis, Dave Chappelle, Chi McBride, Gary Anthony Williams, Neil Patrick Harris, Billy Dee Williams, Robert Trumbull, J.D. Hall (voice), William Taylor
The subject of this movie review is Undercover Brother, a 2002 comedy and action film from director Malcolm D. Lee. The movie is based on an original Internet animated series created by screenwriter John Ridley. The movie spoofs 1970s blaxploitation films and also James Bond movies via the character “Undercover Brother.” Undercover Brother the movie focuses on a group of secret agents trying to stop “The Man” from derailing an African-American candidate’s presidential campaign.
As a comedy, Undercover Brother, a broad parody of black exploitation films and 70’s Afro-American pop culture, focuses on its characters rather than its simple storyline and straightforward, but thin plot. A light plot is a treacherous path for a film; especially in light of how uneven previous blaxtiploitation parodies were, focusing almost entirely on skewering preconceptions rather than telling a story.
This includes Hollywood Shuffle and I’m Gonna Git you Sucka. Both films rapidly ran out of steam, and Shuffle, which also skewered stereotypes of black people in mainstream Hollywood films, struggled with being both a comedy and social satire. Sucka tried to be both a parody and a conventional action movie (or it certainly seemed that way) and often failed on both counts.
Undercover Brother doesn’t have any of those problems because it’s a straight yuck fest. Any social commentary on the relationships between the skin colors is either simply coincidental or so slyly and quickly interjected that the audience will either miss it or ignore it. Director Malcolm D. Lee (Spike Lee’s cousin and the director of The Best Man) carefully navigates the dangerous straits that are parodies. He keeps things moving, and with a script that makes almost every word an integral part of a joke, he doesn’t have to deal with nuisances like character development. I do have to give the film credit because the jokes are little sharper than they appear. It’s like the mainstream gets to join the mostly black cast for the laughs, but it’s as if the creators aren’t letting them in on the entire joke because “they” might be the punch line.
In the plot, a lone black agent, Undercover Brother (Eddie Griffin), joins B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., an organization engaged in a secret war against The Man (voice of J.D. Hall), an evil figure who wants to reverse the influence of African-Americans on white American culture. The Man also wants to derail the candidacy of a promising black presidential hopeful (Billy Dee Williams) by controlling his mind. Undercover Brother must also face off against The Man’s main henchman, Mr. Feather (Chris Kattan). Crazed and struggling with own attraction to hip-hop culture, Mr. Feather unleashes the one weapon sure to bring a brother down, an attractive white woman in the form of White She Devil (Denise Richards).
Well, I laughed a lot, and I think that anyone who likes black exploitation films, 70’s black cinema, and movies that poke fun at such will like Brother. The acting is good enough, although Chris Kattan and Dave Chappelle struggle with over the top characters whose routines are too long and often wear out their welcome. Denise Richards, an underrated actress because people focus on her stunningly good looks and super fine body, is underutilized in the film. White She Devil’s successful quest to conquer Brother is funny, the best parody and only true satire in the film, but once her part is over, she is reduced to window dressing. It’s a shame because the dynamic between Brother, White She Devil and the savvy Sistah Girl (Aunjanue Ellis), who is not big on the idea of a black man sleeping with a white woman, is the film’s best subplot.
My reservations aside, I want to see this movie again because what it does well it does oh-so-damn well. The filmmakers are incredibly inspired and when they’re on in this film, I laughed as hard as I’ve ever done watching any movie. Comedy is tricky, so I can only give kudos to this solid effort. And, hey, I have to give props for the film’s large cast of African-Americans.
7 of 10
B+
NOTES:
2003 Black Reel Awards: 6 nominations: “Theatrical - Best Actress” (Aunjanue Ellis), “Theatrical - Best Director” (Malcolm D. Lee), “Theatrical - Best Screenplay (Original or Adapted)” (John Ridley), “Best Film Soundtrack,” “Best Film Poster,” and “Best Song” (Snoop Dogg-performer, Bootsy Collins-performer and song writer, George S. Clinton-song writer, Jerome Brailey-song writer, and Fred Wesley-performer for the song “Undercova Brother (We Got the Funk”)
Updated: Monday, November 18, 2013
The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Participant Media Pushes "The Square" in Social Media
Participant Media Enters “THE SQUARE” to Mount Social Action Campaign for Jehane Noujaim’s Gripping, Award Winning-Documentary
Film Will Bow Theatrically in Eight North American Cities on January 17, 2014
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Participant Media will join forces with director-producer Jehane Noujaim (Control Room; Startup.com; Rafea: Solar Mama) and producer Karim Amer (Rafea: Solar Mama) for the documentary THE SQUARE, a riveting, deeply human chronicle of the Egyptian protest movement. Participant Media will mount a comprehensive social action campaign targeting universities, cultural institutions and thought leaders across the country, with support from Participant’s digital network TakePart as well as “TakePart Live,” its live nightly talk show on Pivot, Participant’s new television network.
The first film to win the Audience Award at both the Sundance and Toronto film festivals, THE SQUARE will open theatrically in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, Boston and Toronto on January 17, 2014. The film is being released theatrically by Noujaim Films.
THE SQUARE is an epic documentary that tells the behind-the-headlines story of the Egyptian Revolution through the eyes of young activists who have sought for the last two years to build a better Egypt. The film captures the immediacy and intensity of the protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of military leader Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013, providing a kaleidoscopic, visceral portrait of the events as they unfold before Magdy, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Khalid Abdalla, an Egyptian actor who played the lead in Participant’s The Kite Runner and the charismatic Ahmed, whose poetic storytelling carries the narrative. Armed with nothing more than cameras, social media, deep consciousness, and a resolute commitment to change, these young revolutionaries give us a front line perspective of the ongoing struggle fought with new weapons.
“Jehane has crafted a compelling, emotional and enlightening film that transports you to the center of Tahrir Square,” said Participant CEO Jim Berk. “We look forward to deploying all our social action resources at Participant to bring THE SQUARE to the widest possible audience.”
Noujaim said, “We made THE SQUARE in order to inspire the hearts and minds of people worldwide, and we are thrilled that Participant Media, a company that was founded on the belief that film has the power to change the world, will create and implement a social action campaign for the film.”
The deal was negotiated by Participant’s COO Jeff Ivers, with Cinetic Media’s John Sloss on behalf of the filmmakers.
About Participant Media
Participant is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing and digital content that inspires social change. Participant's more than 40 films include GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, SYRIANA, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, FOOD, INC., WAITING FOR ‘SUPERMAN’, THE HELP, CONTAGION and LINCOLN. Through its films, social action campaigns, digital network TakePart.com and Pivot, its new television network for Millennials, Participant seeks to entertain, encourage and empower every individual to take action.
Film Will Bow Theatrically in Eight North American Cities on January 17, 2014
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Participant Media will join forces with director-producer Jehane Noujaim (Control Room; Startup.com; Rafea: Solar Mama) and producer Karim Amer (Rafea: Solar Mama) for the documentary THE SQUARE, a riveting, deeply human chronicle of the Egyptian protest movement. Participant Media will mount a comprehensive social action campaign targeting universities, cultural institutions and thought leaders across the country, with support from Participant’s digital network TakePart as well as “TakePart Live,” its live nightly talk show on Pivot, Participant’s new television network.
The first film to win the Audience Award at both the Sundance and Toronto film festivals, THE SQUARE will open theatrically in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, Boston and Toronto on January 17, 2014. The film is being released theatrically by Noujaim Films.
THE SQUARE is an epic documentary that tells the behind-the-headlines story of the Egyptian Revolution through the eyes of young activists who have sought for the last two years to build a better Egypt. The film captures the immediacy and intensity of the protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of military leader Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013, providing a kaleidoscopic, visceral portrait of the events as they unfold before Magdy, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Khalid Abdalla, an Egyptian actor who played the lead in Participant’s The Kite Runner and the charismatic Ahmed, whose poetic storytelling carries the narrative. Armed with nothing more than cameras, social media, deep consciousness, and a resolute commitment to change, these young revolutionaries give us a front line perspective of the ongoing struggle fought with new weapons.
“Jehane has crafted a compelling, emotional and enlightening film that transports you to the center of Tahrir Square,” said Participant CEO Jim Berk. “We look forward to deploying all our social action resources at Participant to bring THE SQUARE to the widest possible audience.”
Noujaim said, “We made THE SQUARE in order to inspire the hearts and minds of people worldwide, and we are thrilled that Participant Media, a company that was founded on the belief that film has the power to change the world, will create and implement a social action campaign for the film.”
The deal was negotiated by Participant’s COO Jeff Ivers, with Cinetic Media’s John Sloss on behalf of the filmmakers.
About Participant Media
Participant is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing and digital content that inspires social change. Participant's more than 40 films include GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, SYRIANA, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, FOOD, INC., WAITING FOR ‘SUPERMAN’, THE HELP, CONTAGION and LINCOLN. Through its films, social action campaigns, digital network TakePart.com and Pivot, its new television network for Millennials, Participant seeks to entertain, encourage and empower every individual to take action.
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