Exclusive: Abramorama has acquired North American rights to Little Empty Boxes, a documentary marking the directorial debut of bestselling health author Max Lugavere. Following a week-long engagement at Look Cinema in NYC beginning April 19, the film unspools at Laemmle Santa Monica in Los Angeles beginning April 26, expanding to select theaters nationwide thereafter.
Co-directed by Lugavere and Chris Newhard, the film follows the life of Max’s mother, Kathy, as she battles memory problems and succumbs to dementia. In a quest to find his mother the best care, Max moves home to New York City and begins to consult with top health experts to investigate the origins of the disease, which now affects a staggering 55 million people globally, as well as methods outside of prescription medication to slow her illness down.
Central to the film is a discussion of how our diets and lifestyles might help slow down or even prevent various chronic health conditions,...
Co-directed by Lugavere and Chris Newhard, the film follows the life of Max’s mother, Kathy, as she battles memory problems and succumbs to dementia. In a quest to find his mother the best care, Max moves home to New York City and begins to consult with top health experts to investigate the origins of the disease, which now affects a staggering 55 million people globally, as well as methods outside of prescription medication to slow her illness down.
Central to the film is a discussion of how our diets and lifestyles might help slow down or even prevent various chronic health conditions,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sally Potter is taking her “Rage” to Instagram. IndieWire can exclusively reveal that the lauded British filmmaker will release her iconic 2009 film in a series of Instagram posts beginning on February 23.
“Rage” was the first full-length feature film specifically designed to be watched on mobile phones. Shot in a vertical format as a series of to-camera monologues, the Instagram release will feature a new shot being posted daily, leading up to the March 8 theatrical release from Abramorama to mark the 15th anniversary of the film’s Berlinale debut. “Rage” will screen with anniversary theatrical and non-theatrical engagements across North America and land on a Direct-to-Consumer digital and VOD placements later.
The film first premiered at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival, and follows an unseen student named Michelangelo who goes behind the scenes at a New York fashion show. However, over the course of a week, Michelangelo is thrust into the center...
“Rage” was the first full-length feature film specifically designed to be watched on mobile phones. Shot in a vertical format as a series of to-camera monologues, the Instagram release will feature a new shot being posted daily, leading up to the March 8 theatrical release from Abramorama to mark the 15th anniversary of the film’s Berlinale debut. “Rage” will screen with anniversary theatrical and non-theatrical engagements across North America and land on a Direct-to-Consumer digital and VOD placements later.
The film first premiered at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival, and follows an unseen student named Michelangelo who goes behind the scenes at a New York fashion show. However, over the course of a week, Michelangelo is thrust into the center...
- 2/20/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It’s quiet for specialty openings after the holidays, in the thick of awards season. But one film needed this weekend — Abramorama documentary A Storm Foretold by Danish director Christoffer Guldbrandsen about the Maga movement and the Jan. 6 insurrection. The filmmaker captured footage over years of on-and-off access to Roger Stone.
It’s booked for over 20 rolling playdates in the next two weeks so far including the Quad Cinema in New York where Guldbrandsen will be holding Q&As all weekend.
Stone was former president Donald Trump’s closest political confidante and the film spans several years through Jan. 6, 2021. As Congress gathered that day to approve the election and declare Joe Biden the winner, less than a mile away, Donald Trump was urging a crowd to march towards the Capitol. Hours later, five people were killed and 141 wounded. With Stone as its central character, A Storm Foretold sees the storming...
It’s booked for over 20 rolling playdates in the next two weeks so far including the Quad Cinema in New York where Guldbrandsen will be holding Q&As all weekend.
Stone was former president Donald Trump’s closest political confidante and the film spans several years through Jan. 6, 2021. As Congress gathered that day to approve the election and declare Joe Biden the winner, less than a mile away, Donald Trump was urging a crowd to march towards the Capitol. Hours later, five people were killed and 141 wounded. With Stone as its central character, A Storm Foretold sees the storming...
- 1/5/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Annette Bening, who recently starred in Netflix’s biopic “Nyad,” will receive a special Golden Medallion tribute award from the Telluride Film Festival on Jan. 6, 2024. Meg Ryan will present the award to her at Netflix’s Tudum Theater in Los Angeles. The event will also feature a conversation focused on her career trajectory, which Bening’s “Nyad” co-star Jodie Foster will moderate.
Due to the actors strike, Bening was unable to accept the honor at the Telluride Film Festival in September, marking the first time Telluride has presented an honor outside of the dates of the festival. Previous Golden Medallion recipients include Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins and Kate Winslet.
Bening was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying Diana Nyad. She has also received Oscar nominations for “The Grifters,” “American Beauty,” “Being Julia” and “The Kids Are All Right.”
Charles D. King to Receive Milestone Award at 2024 Producers Guild...
Due to the actors strike, Bening was unable to accept the honor at the Telluride Film Festival in September, marking the first time Telluride has presented an honor outside of the dates of the festival. Previous Golden Medallion recipients include Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins and Kate Winslet.
Bening was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying Diana Nyad. She has also received Oscar nominations for “The Grifters,” “American Beauty,” “Being Julia” and “The Kids Are All Right.”
Charles D. King to Receive Milestone Award at 2024 Producers Guild...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Valerie Wu, Jaden Thompson and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Abramorama has acquired North American distribution rights to A Storm Foretold, a documentary about Trump adviser Roger Stone that becomes more urgent as the 2024 presidential election inches closer with every passing day.
Danish filmmaker Christoffer Guldbrandsen directed the documentary, which is based on intimate access he gained to Stone over a sustained period beginning in 2018, in the middle of Trump’s presidency. He was with Stone right up through the 2020 election and he documented the self-described political dirty trickster’s attempts to sow doubts about the election results.
The U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack plays footage shot by Christoffer Guldbrandsen.
Interestingly, while that footage was screened in the context of the Jan. 6 committee hearings, A Storm Foretold has yet to be seen by American audiences. Guldbrandsen’s U.S. premiere, set for this past September at the Camden International Film Festival, was canceled after...
Danish filmmaker Christoffer Guldbrandsen directed the documentary, which is based on intimate access he gained to Stone over a sustained period beginning in 2018, in the middle of Trump’s presidency. He was with Stone right up through the 2020 election and he documented the self-described political dirty trickster’s attempts to sow doubts about the election results.
The U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack plays footage shot by Christoffer Guldbrandsen.
Interestingly, while that footage was screened in the context of the Jan. 6 committee hearings, A Storm Foretold has yet to be seen by American audiences. Guldbrandsen’s U.S. premiere, set for this past September at the Camden International Film Festival, was canceled after...
- 12/2/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Abramorama acquired North American theatrical distribution rights for A Father’s Promise, an important and inspiring story of a father’s promise to end gun violence. The film will have its world premiere and open theatrically on Friday, December 8th at Look Cinemas in Manhattan. Additional cities to follow.
A Father’s Promise, directed by Rick Korn and executive produced by Sheryl Crow, tells the story of professional musician Mark Barden whose life changed instantly when his son Daniel was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary. After the loss of his son, Mark lost all interest in music and vowed to do everything in his power to help prevent gun violence so that no one else must go through what he and his family went through.
Barden’s journey from co-founding Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit organization that teaches the warning signs of violence and how to seek help to...
A Father’s Promise, directed by Rick Korn and executive produced by Sheryl Crow, tells the story of professional musician Mark Barden whose life changed instantly when his son Daniel was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary. After the loss of his son, Mark lost all interest in music and vowed to do everything in his power to help prevent gun violence so that no one else must go through what he and his family went through.
Barden’s journey from co-founding Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit organization that teaches the warning signs of violence and how to seek help to...
- 11/16/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Abramorama has acquired North American theatrical rights for Leslie Shampaine and Pip Gilmour‘s feature documentary “Call Me Dancer.”
The deal was revealed on the sidelines of Tiffcom, the film market attached to the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The film follows Manish Chauhan, a young and talented street dancer from Mumbai who struggles against his parents’ insistence that he follow a traditional path. When he accidentally walks into an inner-city dance school and encounters curmudgeonly 70-year-old Israeli ballet master Yehuda Maor, a hunger develops within him and he is determined to make it as a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him.
Since its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February, “Call Me Dancer” has won audience awards at Berkshire International Film Festival, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival and Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, Seattle. The...
The deal was revealed on the sidelines of Tiffcom, the film market attached to the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The film follows Manish Chauhan, a young and talented street dancer from Mumbai who struggles against his parents’ insistence that he follow a traditional path. When he accidentally walks into an inner-city dance school and encounters curmudgeonly 70-year-old Israeli ballet master Yehuda Maor, a hunger develops within him and he is determined to make it as a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him.
Since its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February, “Call Me Dancer” has won audience awards at Berkshire International Film Festival, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival and Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, Seattle. The...
- 10/25/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“A Still Small Voice,” which received the Directing Award: US Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in January, has been acquired by Abramorama for North American theatrical distribution.
The film’s theatrical release will begin at Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City on Nov. 10 and will be followed by an expansion to Los Angeles and San Francisco theaters Nov. 17. After that it will open across the United States and Canada.
According to the official synopsis, the documentary “explores the world of hospital chaplains, who offer vital emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff. The documentary follows Mati, a chaplain at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, on a transformative year-long residency. Lorentzen reveals Mati’s spiritual journey and the universal quest for meaning amidst suffering and grief. Through Mati’s encounters and reflections on her own path, the film illuminates the profound impact of meaningful...
The film’s theatrical release will begin at Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City on Nov. 10 and will be followed by an expansion to Los Angeles and San Francisco theaters Nov. 17. After that it will open across the United States and Canada.
According to the official synopsis, the documentary “explores the world of hospital chaplains, who offer vital emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff. The documentary follows Mati, a chaplain at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, on a transformative year-long residency. Lorentzen reveals Mati’s spiritual journey and the universal quest for meaning amidst suffering and grief. Through Mati’s encounters and reflections on her own path, the film illuminates the profound impact of meaningful...
- 9/28/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Abramorama has acquired North American theatrical rights to Luke Lorentzen’s feature-length documentary “A Still Small Voice.”
The pact comes after the film made its world premiere earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, where Lorentzen received the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary. In 2019 Lorentzen’s “Midnight Family” made the Oscar feature doc shortlist.
The 93-minute film, which explores the world of hospital chaplains and the vital emotional and spiritual support they offer patients, families, and staff, will begin its nationwide theatrical rollout at New York City’s Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema on Nov. 10.
The movie has been a hit with audiences and critics at various film festivals across the world including Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival, DOC10 in Chicago, Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The sale of the film to a major theatrical distributor is significant given the fact that over...
The pact comes after the film made its world premiere earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, where Lorentzen received the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary. In 2019 Lorentzen’s “Midnight Family” made the Oscar feature doc shortlist.
The 93-minute film, which explores the world of hospital chaplains and the vital emotional and spiritual support they offer patients, families, and staff, will begin its nationwide theatrical rollout at New York City’s Dctv’s Firehouse Cinema on Nov. 10.
The movie has been a hit with audiences and critics at various film festivals across the world including Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival, DOC10 in Chicago, Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The sale of the film to a major theatrical distributor is significant given the fact that over...
- 9/28/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Abramorama founder Richard Abramowitz has elevated longtime business partner Karol Martesko-Fenster to CEO and Co-Chairman of the indie distribution company. Evan Saxon has been promoted to President, Head of International Distribution, in a move meant to double down on their continued emphasis on social impact and music-driven content for theatrical and event releases globally.
Abramowitz continues as Co-Chairman atop the company he founded in 2002.
“Karol, Evan and I have worked closely together for years, with their partnership driving unparalleled results in the event-cinema world,” Abramowitz said. “Their decades-long experience in the music and social impact film genres makes me confident that they will take the company to the next level and continue to dominate, innovate and lead the way as the industry continues to evolve.”
Martesko-Fenster will lead the company in expanding its footprint and partnerships in the filmed entertainment sector while bolstering the strategic services to filmmakers and IP owners across all platforms.
Abramowitz continues as Co-Chairman atop the company he founded in 2002.
“Karol, Evan and I have worked closely together for years, with their partnership driving unparalleled results in the event-cinema world,” Abramowitz said. “Their decades-long experience in the music and social impact film genres makes me confident that they will take the company to the next level and continue to dominate, innovate and lead the way as the industry continues to evolve.”
Martesko-Fenster will lead the company in expanding its footprint and partnerships in the filmed entertainment sector while bolstering the strategic services to filmmakers and IP owners across all platforms.
- 9/13/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Abramorama has acquired North American distribution rights for the feature-length documentary “Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids” from NBCUniversal Syndication Studios and Believe Entertainment Group.
The film is directed by Andrew Jenks (“The Zen of Bobby V”) and charts the meteoric rise of the dolls that set in motion the modern day Black Friday craze. It is narrated and executive produced by Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris.
“Billion Dollar Babies” includes the first interview with Cabbage Patch Kids’ creator Xavier Roberts in over 20 years, as well as sit-downs with journalist Connie Chung,and former Coleco marketing head Al Kahan. The film world premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Festival. Abramorama is planning a theatrical release for this fall.
According to the official description, “before the Cabbage Patch Kids, no one could have imagined a world where police would need to break up fights between rampaging adults in toy stores.
The film is directed by Andrew Jenks (“The Zen of Bobby V”) and charts the meteoric rise of the dolls that set in motion the modern day Black Friday craze. It is narrated and executive produced by Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris.
“Billion Dollar Babies” includes the first interview with Cabbage Patch Kids’ creator Xavier Roberts in over 20 years, as well as sit-downs with journalist Connie Chung,and former Coleco marketing head Al Kahan. The film world premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Festival. Abramorama is planning a theatrical release for this fall.
According to the official description, “before the Cabbage Patch Kids, no one could have imagined a world where police would need to break up fights between rampaging adults in toy stores.
- 7/19/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Abramorama has acquired North American distribution rights to “Uncharitable,” a documentary about the roles that charities and non-profits play in society. The indie distributor will open the film on Sept. 22 in New York at Angelika’s Village East and Sept. 29 in Los Angeles at Laemmle’s Royale before beginning its North American rollout.
“Uncharitable” was directed and produced by Stephen Gyllenhaal, the director of “Waterland” and “Dangerous Woman.” It features the humanitarian activist Dan Pallotta, whose Ted Talk “The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong” was viewed more than 17 million times and has inspired conversations about how charities can be more effective and how we can support them.
An opportunity to address our own bias and overhaul the way we think about charities, the film expands the conversation including interviews with Scott Harrison (Charity Water), Dorri McWhorter (President and CEO Ymca of Chicago, Advisor First Women’s Bank), Steve Nardizzi,...
“Uncharitable” was directed and produced by Stephen Gyllenhaal, the director of “Waterland” and “Dangerous Woman.” It features the humanitarian activist Dan Pallotta, whose Ted Talk “The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong” was viewed more than 17 million times and has inspired conversations about how charities can be more effective and how we can support them.
An opportunity to address our own bias and overhaul the way we think about charities, the film expands the conversation including interviews with Scott Harrison (Charity Water), Dorri McWhorter (President and CEO Ymca of Chicago, Advisor First Women’s Bank), Steve Nardizzi,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Platform makes another notable buy after Tribeca opener Clive Davis in April.
Abramorama and filmmakers Brett and Cassandra Berns announced on Wednesday that Apple Music has acquired Bang! The Bert Berns Story.
The film centres on the life and career of 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bert Berns – songwriter, producer and label chief of the 1960’s whose hits included Twist And Shout, Hang On Sloopy, Brown Eyed Girl, Here Comes The Night, and Piece Of My Heart.
Stevie Van Zandt narrates the film that features interviews with Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Ben E King, and Solomon Burke, among others.
Apple Music plans an autumn global release, followed by a release on iTunes Movies to rent or download. Abramorama originally released the film theatrically in North America in April.
Sid Ganis served as executive producer on the film directed by Bert Berns’ son Brett Berns and co-directed by Bob Sarles, who also edited...
Abramorama and filmmakers Brett and Cassandra Berns announced on Wednesday that Apple Music has acquired Bang! The Bert Berns Story.
The film centres on the life and career of 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bert Berns – songwriter, producer and label chief of the 1960’s whose hits included Twist And Shout, Hang On Sloopy, Brown Eyed Girl, Here Comes The Night, and Piece Of My Heart.
Stevie Van Zandt narrates the film that features interviews with Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Ben E King, and Solomon Burke, among others.
Apple Music plans an autumn global release, followed by a release on iTunes Movies to rent or download. Abramorama originally released the film theatrically in North America in April.
Sid Ganis served as executive producer on the film directed by Bert Berns’ son Brett Berns and co-directed by Bob Sarles, who also edited...
- 6/28/2017
- ScreenDaily
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
– Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired the North American rights to the Tribeca Film Festival entry “November.” Directed by Rainer Sarnet, the film is based on Andrus Kivirähk’s novel “Rehepapp,” about about a peasant girl in 19th century Estonia who longs for village boy. The story of requited love takes place in an incredibly complicated, dark landscape where spirits, werewolves, plagues, and the devil himself converge.
Read More: Film Acquisition Rundown: The Orchard Picks Up ‘Thelma,’ Samuel Goldwyn Films Buys ‘Gook’ and More
“’November’ is one of the most unique and stunning films to come along in some time,” Oscilloscope president Dan Berger said in a statement. “It’s equal measures beautiful love story and balls-to-wall bonkers-ass folk tale.
– Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired the North American rights to the Tribeca Film Festival entry “November.” Directed by Rainer Sarnet, the film is based on Andrus Kivirähk’s novel “Rehepapp,” about about a peasant girl in 19th century Estonia who longs for village boy. The story of requited love takes place in an incredibly complicated, dark landscape where spirits, werewolves, plagues, and the devil himself converge.
Read More: Film Acquisition Rundown: The Orchard Picks Up ‘Thelma,’ Samuel Goldwyn Films Buys ‘Gook’ and More
“’November’ is one of the most unique and stunning films to come along in some time,” Oscilloscope president Dan Berger said in a statement. “It’s equal measures beautiful love story and balls-to-wall bonkers-ass folk tale.
- 4/28/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
– Grasshopper Film has announced the acquisition of all U.S. distribution rights to Michael Almereyda’s new documentary “Escapes,” a dynamic portrait of Hampton Fancher, executive produced by Wes Anderson. “Escapes” will open in theaters this summer followed by a VOD and Home Video release in the fall.
“Escapes” showcases the storytelling talents of Hampton Fancher, flamenco dancer, film and TV actor, and the unlikely producer and screenwriter of the landmark sci-fi classic “Blade Runner,” as well as screenwriter on the upcoming sequel “Blade Runner 2049.” Fancher’s running commentary – with a little help from Philip K. Dick and Ridley Scott – works in concert with extensive archival footage as Fancher relates death-defying escapades from a remarkable life.
– Grasshopper Film has announced the acquisition of all U.S. distribution rights to Michael Almereyda’s new documentary “Escapes,” a dynamic portrait of Hampton Fancher, executive produced by Wes Anderson. “Escapes” will open in theaters this summer followed by a VOD and Home Video release in the fall.
“Escapes” showcases the storytelling talents of Hampton Fancher, flamenco dancer, film and TV actor, and the unlikely producer and screenwriter of the landmark sci-fi classic “Blade Runner,” as well as screenwriter on the upcoming sequel “Blade Runner 2049.” Fancher’s running commentary – with a little help from Philip K. Dick and Ridley Scott – works in concert with extensive archival footage as Fancher relates death-defying escapades from a remarkable life.
- 3/10/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The distributor has acquired theatrical rights to Linda Safire and Adam Schlesinger’s film that had its world premiere at last year’s New York Film Festival.
The film is an intimate portrait of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan as she prepares to leave the New York City Ballet (Nycb) after a record-setting three decades with the company.
Saffire and Schlesinger also produced Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan, while Diana Dimenna served as executive producer.
Abramorama has set a May 24 debut at Film Forum and the Elinor Bunin Theater at Lincoln Center, with Los Angeles and other markets to follow. In addition, the film will play at the Miami International Film Festival and Riverrun International Film Festival.
Karol Martesko-Fenster, Richard Abramowitz and Robert Marcus brokered the deal on behalf of Abramorama with the filmmakers, Steven Schechter on behalf of Got The Shot Films, and Cinetic Media’s John Sloss and Linzee Trough.
The film is an intimate portrait of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan as she prepares to leave the New York City Ballet (Nycb) after a record-setting three decades with the company.
Saffire and Schlesinger also produced Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan, while Diana Dimenna served as executive producer.
Abramorama has set a May 24 debut at Film Forum and the Elinor Bunin Theater at Lincoln Center, with Los Angeles and other markets to follow. In addition, the film will play at the Miami International Film Festival and Riverrun International Film Festival.
Karol Martesko-Fenster, Richard Abramowitz and Robert Marcus brokered the deal on behalf of Abramorama with the filmmakers, Steven Schechter on behalf of Got The Shot Films, and Cinetic Media’s John Sloss and Linzee Trough.
- 2/15/2017
- ScreenDaily
The distributor has acquired theatrical rights to Linda Safire and Adam Schlesinger’s film that had its world premiere at last year’s New York Film Festival.
The film is an intimate portrait of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan as she prepares to leave the New York City Ballet (Nycb) after a record-setting three decades with the company.
Saffire and Schlesinger also produced Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan, while Diana Dimenna served as executive producer.
Abramorama has set a May 24 debut at Film Forum and the Elinor Bunin Theater at Lincoln Center, with Los Angeles and other markets to follow. In addition, the film will play at the Miami International Film Festival and Riverrun International Film Festival.
Karol Martesko-Fenster, Richard Abramowitz and Robert Marcus brokered the deal on behalf of Abramorama with the filmmakers, Steven Schechter on behalf of Got The Shot Films, and Cinetic Media’s John Sloss and Linzee Trough.
The film is an intimate portrait of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan as she prepares to leave the New York City Ballet (Nycb) after a record-setting three decades with the company.
Saffire and Schlesinger also produced Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan, while Diana Dimenna served as executive producer.
Abramorama has set a May 24 debut at Film Forum and the Elinor Bunin Theater at Lincoln Center, with Los Angeles and other markets to follow. In addition, the film will play at the Miami International Film Festival and Riverrun International Film Festival.
Karol Martesko-Fenster, Richard Abramowitz and Robert Marcus brokered the deal on behalf of Abramorama with the filmmakers, Steven Schechter on behalf of Got The Shot Films, and Cinetic Media’s John Sloss and Linzee Trough.
- 2/15/2017
- ScreenDaily
After successfully collaborating on various projects over the past two years, Richard Abramowitz, founder of Abramorama, has announced that Karol Martesko-Fenster and Evan Saxon have formalized their roles on the executive team with Abramorama.
Martesko-Fenster has been brought on board as Evp & COO, while Saxon will now serve as West Coast Head of Acquisitions & Business Development.
Martesko-Fenster will be working out of Abramorama’s Pleasantville, NY offices with Saxon based in Los Angeles, providing an ongoing west coast presence for Abramorama and the content owners, filmmakers, agents and record labels the company works with. Martesko-Fenster will be primarily responsible for corporate organization and management and global strategic partnerships, and will participate in all acquisition and distribution activities. Saxon’s focus will be on music content, event cinema, distribution and business development.
Read More: Abramorama Partners With Digital Distribution Company Distribber.com
The pair will both be involved in all aspects of the creation,...
Martesko-Fenster has been brought on board as Evp & COO, while Saxon will now serve as West Coast Head of Acquisitions & Business Development.
Martesko-Fenster will be working out of Abramorama’s Pleasantville, NY offices with Saxon based in Los Angeles, providing an ongoing west coast presence for Abramorama and the content owners, filmmakers, agents and record labels the company works with. Martesko-Fenster will be primarily responsible for corporate organization and management and global strategic partnerships, and will participate in all acquisition and distribution activities. Saxon’s focus will be on music content, event cinema, distribution and business development.
Read More: Abramorama Partners With Digital Distribution Company Distribber.com
The pair will both be involved in all aspects of the creation,...
- 1/13/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Wohl most recently served as senior vice-president of worldwide distribution at Content Media and will spearhead sales on 16-24 new theatrical titles this year and digital releases.
She will also represent the Brooklyn-based film and television distribution company at markets and festivals throughout the year.
Danny Fisher, Jack Fisher, and Alan Klingenstein founded FilmRise, whose releases include Harry & Snowman and upcoming James Franco thriller The Vault.
Abramorama founder Richard Abramowitz has brought on Karol Martesko-Fenster and Evan Saxon as executive vice-president and COO, and West Coast head of acquisitions and business development, respectively.High Octane Pictures has acquired international sales rights to Stif Entertainment’s horror title Dead Story, which according to the film’s representatives generated more than three million YouTube trailer hits in the run-up to the January 20 Us VOD release. Kelsey Deanne and Chase Austin star and Jason Mcroberts and Sunil Tripuraneni produced.Syfy Films has set a March 17 theatrical, VOD and digital...
She will also represent the Brooklyn-based film and television distribution company at markets and festivals throughout the year.
Danny Fisher, Jack Fisher, and Alan Klingenstein founded FilmRise, whose releases include Harry & Snowman and upcoming James Franco thriller The Vault.
Abramorama founder Richard Abramowitz has brought on Karol Martesko-Fenster and Evan Saxon as executive vice-president and COO, and West Coast head of acquisitions and business development, respectively.High Octane Pictures has acquired international sales rights to Stif Entertainment’s horror title Dead Story, which according to the film’s representatives generated more than three million YouTube trailer hits in the run-up to the January 20 Us VOD release. Kelsey Deanne and Chase Austin star and Jason Mcroberts and Sunil Tripuraneni produced.Syfy Films has set a March 17 theatrical, VOD and digital...
- 1/12/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Karol Martesko-Fenster and Evan Saxon have formalized their roles on the executive team at independent distributor Abramorama. Martesko-Fenster will be Evp & COO and based in New York, and Saxon is West Coast Head of Acquisitions & Business Development in Los Angeles. The pair will be involved in all aspects of the creation, acquisition, marketing and distribution of Abramorama projects. During their stints at Abramorama, the two have spearheaded film release campaigns…...
- 1/12/2017
- Deadline
On July 15, 1996, IndieWire launched as an e-mail newsletter providing “the daily news service for independent film.” (See the first newsletter here.) The original iteration of the site was the brainchild of Cheri Barner, Eugene Hernandez and Mark Rabinowitz, three recent college students obsessed with the movies. In the ensuing years, IndieWire grew and changed hands many times over. Barner now works as a talent manager in Los Angeles, Hernandez is the deputy director of the Film Society Lincoln Center, and Rabinowitz is a freelance publicist, consultant and programmer.
But they have remained a part of our close-knit community. As IndieWire arrives at its 20th anniversary, the trio gathered together for their first joint interview to recall the early days of IndieWire — as well as the thriving American independent film scene that inspired the publication.
Eugene Hernandez: IndieWire was an outgrowth of something that Mark, Cheri and I had started in 1995. At the time,...
But they have remained a part of our close-knit community. As IndieWire arrives at its 20th anniversary, the trio gathered together for their first joint interview to recall the early days of IndieWire — as well as the thriving American independent film scene that inspired the publication.
Eugene Hernandez: IndieWire was an outgrowth of something that Mark, Cheri and I had started in 1995. At the time,...
- 7/14/2016
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Heart Like a Hand Grenade, about the making of the punk group’s American Idiot album, is to be distributed by a trio of companies.
Abramorama, Reprise Records and Vimeoare set to distribute Heart Like a Hand Grenade, a documentary about punk group Green Day and its album American Idiot, around the world.
Abramorama will release the film theatrically in the Us on Oct 15 and Vimeo On Demand will make it available on Oct 16.
The film will be released in theatres on Nov 11 in countries including Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, the UK and Uruguay.
The title will be available for purchase digitally and on DVD through Reprise Records from Nov 13.
Shot more than 10 years ago by director John Roecker, the film, which gives a behind the scenes look at the writing and recording of American Idiot, had its world premiere this week at the Mill Valley Film Festival...
Abramorama, Reprise Records and Vimeoare set to distribute Heart Like a Hand Grenade, a documentary about punk group Green Day and its album American Idiot, around the world.
Abramorama will release the film theatrically in the Us on Oct 15 and Vimeo On Demand will make it available on Oct 16.
The film will be released in theatres on Nov 11 in countries including Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, the UK and Uruguay.
The title will be available for purchase digitally and on DVD through Reprise Records from Nov 13.
Shot more than 10 years ago by director John Roecker, the film, which gives a behind the scenes look at the writing and recording of American Idiot, had its world premiere this week at the Mill Valley Film Festival...
- 10/9/2015
- ScreenDaily
The Earth Network, Abramorama, GrindTV, Tugg and Vimeo are collaborating on the Us theatrical release of The Search For Freedom, a documentary produced by The Earth Network.
The film will receive a one-day theatrical release on June 10 in more than 75 theatres nationwide.
Tugg will enable encore screenings throughout June and July.
eOne and Universal are releasing The Search For Freedom on VOD in Canada and the rest of the world on August 10.
Jon Long wrote and directed the film that celebrates action sports and living in the moment and features interviews with skateboard legend Tony Hawk, world champion surfer Kelly Slater, modern-day ‘Evel Knievel’ Robbie Maddison and climbing icon Ron Kauk, among other.
The Earth Network’s Jon Long brokered the deal with Abramorama’s Richard Abramowitz and Thought Engine’s Karol Martesko-Fenster as well as Nicolas Gonda on behalf of Tugg, Jeremy Boxer on behalf of Vimeo and Aaron Carrera on behalf of GrindTV.
The film will receive a one-day theatrical release on June 10 in more than 75 theatres nationwide.
Tugg will enable encore screenings throughout June and July.
eOne and Universal are releasing The Search For Freedom on VOD in Canada and the rest of the world on August 10.
Jon Long wrote and directed the film that celebrates action sports and living in the moment and features interviews with skateboard legend Tony Hawk, world champion surfer Kelly Slater, modern-day ‘Evel Knievel’ Robbie Maddison and climbing icon Ron Kauk, among other.
The Earth Network’s Jon Long brokered the deal with Abramorama’s Richard Abramowitz and Thought Engine’s Karol Martesko-Fenster as well as Nicolas Gonda on behalf of Tugg, Jeremy Boxer on behalf of Vimeo and Aaron Carrera on behalf of GrindTV.
- 6/1/2015
- ScreenDaily
Debut feature from Planetary Collective, directed by Guy Reid, is set for a day-and-date theatrical and Vimeo on Demand release on April 22.
Abramorama, Vimeo and Shft.com have partnered to distribute Planetary.
The team will present the film globally day-and-date theatrically and on Vimeo on Demand on Earth Day, April 22. Directed by Guy Reid, the film will world premiere next week at SXSW on March 17.
It marks the first time that Vimeo has partnered to present the theatrical release of a feature film, in addition to its exclusive Vimeo on Demand window.
Planetary is the follow-up to the award-winning short film Overview. It interweaves imagery from Nasa Apollo missions with interviews from renowned experts such as astronauts Ron Garan and Mae Jemison and environmentalist Bill McKibben too show how our worldview is profoundly affecting life on our planet.
The partnership was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Abramorama’s Richard Abramowitz and Thought Engine’s [link...
Abramorama, Vimeo and Shft.com have partnered to distribute Planetary.
The team will present the film globally day-and-date theatrically and on Vimeo on Demand on Earth Day, April 22. Directed by Guy Reid, the film will world premiere next week at SXSW on March 17.
It marks the first time that Vimeo has partnered to present the theatrical release of a feature film, in addition to its exclusive Vimeo on Demand window.
Planetary is the follow-up to the award-winning short film Overview. It interweaves imagery from Nasa Apollo missions with interviews from renowned experts such as astronauts Ron Garan and Mae Jemison and environmentalist Bill McKibben too show how our worldview is profoundly affecting life on our planet.
The partnership was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Abramorama’s Richard Abramowitz and Thought Engine’s [link...
- 3/12/2015
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
For Jamie Stuart, Sundance 2012 was a schizophrenic affair. Find out why in this video he made while covering the festival for Cinelan’s Focus Forward initiative. Appearances by Filmmaker‘s founding publisher, Karol Martesko-Fenster, Filmmaker correspondent, d.p. and director David Leitner, Morgan Spurlock, Jessica Yu, Frank Langella and more.
Sequelized from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.… Read the rest...
Sequelized from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.… Read the rest...
- 3/20/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
While at Sundance to unveil the first five shorts in their Focus Forward series, Cinelan co-creators Morgan Spurlock and Karol Martesko-Fenster announced the launch of the Focus Forward Filmmaker Challenge. The Ge-sponsored Focus Forward is a series of 30 three-minute documentaries that focus on the power of ideas and invention. The Focus Forward Filmmaker Challenge is a juried competition giving away $200,000 in cash prizes. The Grand Prize winner will receive $100,000. “What I love about the whole project is being able to inspire and bring on new filmmakers,” Spurlock said at the breakfast this morning at The Yard. “With a little help they will be able to grow and prosper as documentary filmmakers. Qualifying films should be three minute end-to-end stories focusing on people or organizations whose efforts are in medicine, computer science, robotics, engineering, green energy or other technical fields that impacts humanity. Submissions...
- 1/23/2012
- Indiewire
Sundance seems a little incomplete for me without Jamie Stuart, who is shooting this year for Cinelan and Ge’s new Focus Forward initiative. Led by Cinelan co-founders Morgan Spurlock and Karol Martesko-Fenster (Filmmaker‘s founding publsiher), the program brings 30 new three-minute short films to festivals internationally.
So, to get my Stuart Sundance fix I’ll post this piece he shot for the organization, which is premiering its first five films here at the festival. Jamie may be lensing for this new short-form doc producer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a photo gallery of snow-capped peaks, shuttle busses lumbering down Park, and silhouetted ski lifts appears in my in box this week. If so, look for it here.
Focus Forward – Short Films, Big Ideas Trailer from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.
And here’s the press release about Cinelan and these films.
Cinelan and Vimeo announced today the...
So, to get my Stuart Sundance fix I’ll post this piece he shot for the organization, which is premiering its first five films here at the festival. Jamie may be lensing for this new short-form doc producer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a photo gallery of snow-capped peaks, shuttle busses lumbering down Park, and silhouetted ski lifts appears in my in box this week. If so, look for it here.
Focus Forward – Short Films, Big Ideas Trailer from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.
And here’s the press release about Cinelan and these films.
Cinelan and Vimeo announced today the...
- 1/21/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Cinelan and Ge have announced additional filmmakers set to join their Focus Forward documentary initiative. Filmmakers Lucy Walker (“Waste Land”), Eddie Schmidt (Producer, “Twist of Faith”), Phil Cox (“The Bengali Detective”), Leslie Iwerks (“The Pixar Story”) and Stanley Nelson (“Freedom Riders”) have joined previously announced filmmakers in the effort. Spearheaded by Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) and Cinelan’s Karol Martesko-Fenster, the program was announced at the most recent Toronto Film ...
- 10/26/2011
- Indiewire
Ge and Cinelan announce from The Doha Tribeca Film Festival that the following award-winning filmmakers will join Focus Forward, a global documentary initiative that looks at the human power of ideas and innovation through three-minute films that can educate and inspire: Lucy Walker (director, Waste Land), Eddie Schmidt (producer, Twist of Faith), Phil Cox (director, The Bengali Detective), Leslie Iwerks (director, The Pixar Story) and Stanley Nelson (director, Freedom Riders). More information below: Cinelan also invites non–North American filmmakers to explore contributing to the Focus Forward effort. Cinelan's co-fournder, Karol Martesko-Fenster, says of the enthusiastic response to their program: "Focus Forward is a truly global initiative and we are encouraged that the universal appeal of its message ensures it will have a global face.” ...
- 10/26/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
I have a friend who's a professional paparazzo. Dude makes his living by tailing Hugh Jackman on the Aussie actor's way up to family ski vacations in Vermont and being able to spot celebrities on the streets of New York like he was bit by a radioactive spider spawned by the Gawker Stalker. He can make tens of thousands of dollars off of one pic of Jay-z and Beyonce and then won't get a decent photo for months. Sienna Miller once kicked him in the shins because Jude Law was camera shy, in a bloody awful mood and is British, and therefore can't throw punches unless he's in a bad movie. I've learned a lot about the business from hanging out with this guy. How the vast majority of photo ops are orchestrated by the celebrities themselves, how some attention starved starlets will change outfits three or four times a...
- 10/21/2010
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
As Filmmaker approaches its 18th birthday, I thought I’d fill the dog days of August with a series of posts taking you through our history. For the next few weeks I’ll be revisiting an issue a day, pointing towards significant pieces from our archive and commenting on interesting correspondences between independent film’s past and its present day. Of course I’ll start with our debut issue: Fall, 1992. Filmmaker was actually the spawn of two magazines, The Off-Hollywood Report and Montage. The Ohr was the Ifp’s publication, Montage was published by Ifp/West (then Ifp/Los Angeles and now Film Independent). The original crew consisted of me as Editor, Karol Martesko as Publisher and Holly Willis as our West...
- 8/2/2010
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
"The Film Collaborative," unveiled last month during the Sundance Film Festival, has added a growing roster of advisors. On board to guide the group, so far, include: Ruby Lerner (executive director, Creative Capitol), Rose Kuo (former Artistic Director, AFI Fest), Ted Hope (producer), Karol Martesko-Fenster (Babelgum), Meredith Scott Lynn (Actress and Filmmaker), Roberta Marie Munroe (filmmaker, author and former Sundance shorts programmer), Steve Mason (independent theatre owner and journalist for Espn), ...
- 2/12/2010
- Indiewire
London -- Web portal Babelgum will be bringing the glitz and glamour of the red carpet from this year's Spirit Awards and carry archive footage to a global audience after striking a deal Monday with Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Babelgum said the red carpet walkups and a selection from the awards' 24-year archive would be available on the web and via its free application for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch and Google's Android devices.
The parties said the deal marks a first for an awards show by making archival content and red-carpet footage available exclusively through mobile smartphone devices.
"We are so excited that Babelgum has taken on the enormous task of helping us share these funny and touching moments with film lovers all over the world," said Film Independent exec director Dawn Hudson. "There are countless...
Babelgum said the red carpet walkups and a selection from the awards' 24-year archive would be available on the web and via its free application for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch and Google's Android devices.
The parties said the deal marks a first for an awards show by making archival content and red-carpet footage available exclusively through mobile smartphone devices.
"We are so excited that Babelgum has taken on the enormous task of helping us share these funny and touching moments with film lovers all over the world," said Film Independent exec director Dawn Hudson. "There are countless...
- 2/1/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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