THINKFilm Has Worldwide Rights to Sundance Entry 'WAR/DANCE'

THINKFilm Has Worldwide Rights to Sundance Entry 'WAR/DANCE'

Documentary Is One of Two Pre-Buys to Unveil at Festival

NEW YORK, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- THINKFilm has acquired worldwide rights to WAR/DANCE, a new documentary that will have its world premiere in competition at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, it was announced by the company's Head of US Theatrical, Mark Urman. Directed by husband and wife Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, the idea for WAR/DANCE was originated by Academy Award Nominated Producer Albie Hecht and his wife Susan MacLaury, and produced thru their new nonprofit production company, Shine Global, in conjunction with Fine Films. The film centers around a group of African children who overcome the brutal realities of war by participating in a national musical competition that can change their lives immeasurably. THINKFilm will release WAR/DANCE in the 4th Quarter of 2007.

Set in Northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of civil war, WAR/DANCE tells the story of Dominic, Rose, and Nancy, three children whose families have been torn apart, their homes destroyed, and who currently reside in a displaced persons camp in Patongo. When they are invited to compete in an annual music and dance festival, their historic journey to their nation's capital is also an opportunity to regain a part of their childhood and to taste victory for the first time in their lives.

Of the acquisition, Urman says, "The emotional power of WAR/DANCE is more than matched by the beauty of its imagery and the eloquence of its storytelling. Though we are still in the midst of this year's awards season, I am already confident that WAR/DANCE will figure prominently in next year's race."

Sean and Andrea Fine added, "After spending over 14 weeks living with these children in a war zone we felt we had to get their story out to the rest of the world in their own words. WAR/DANCE reflects both the hope and horror of these children's difficult lives and it was inspiring for us to watch how music and dance transformed them."

Though WAR/DANCE was only recently completed, THINKFilm actually came on board months ago after Urman saw several minutes of assembled footage at a fundraiser for Shine Global, the nonprofit subsidiary of Producer Hecht's Worldwide Biggies, Inc. dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of children thru the production of documentary films. THINKFilm then worked with the filmmakers to finalize the documentary and prepare for its Sundance unveiling, much as it did two years earlier with the Oscar-nominated MURDERBALL.

The deal was negotiated by Richard Rapkowski, THINKFilm VP of Business and Legal Affairs and Daniel Katz, THINKFilm VP of Acquisitions, and Andrew Herwitz from The Film Sales Company for the filmmakers.

Also premiering in the Documentary Competition category at Sundance is ZOO, another title THINKFilm nabbed worldwide rights to on the basis of a few minutes of footage. Directed by Robinson Devor, the film tells the story of a seemingly average businessman whose secret sexual life led to his shocking death. ZOO was written by Devor and Charles Mudede, and produced by Peggy Case. The deal was also negotiated by Katz and Rapkowski at THINKFilm, with Stacey Walters from Graham & Dunn PC on behalf of the filmmakers.

About THINKFilm

THINKFilm recently won three Gotham Awards and five Film Independent's Spirit Award nominations for HALF NELSON, which it bought at Sundance 2006. Coming soon are AVENUE MONTAIGNE, the Official Foreign Language Oscar entry from France, February 16, 2007, Jake Kasdan's THE TV SET starring Sigourney Weaver, David Duchovny and Ioan Gruffudd, April 6, 2007, and THE HIP HOP PROJECT, April 27, 2007.

THINKFilm is a privately held production and distribution company that is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary. Boasting four Academy Award nominations in as many years, and a win with BORN INTO BROTHELS in 2005, THINKFilm recently ushered in a new era after being bought by film financier and producer David Bergstein, who is now the company's Chairman. For more information, please visit www.thinkfilmcompany.com.

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of children through the production of documentary films and media products that raise awareness and inspire social and political change. Shine Global's goals are to increase global awareness about children's efforts to overcome catastrophic circumstances, help effect necessary political and social change and to enhance these children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing by directing ALL profits to these individuals through local non-governmental agencies charged with their care. For more information on Shine Global properties go to www.shineglobal.org.

Contact for the film:
Alex Klenert, THINKFilm, (212) 444-7900, aklenert@thinkfilmcompany.com
Tom Piechura, 42West, (212) 277-7555, tom.piechura@42west.net

Source: THINKFilm

CONTACT: Alex Klenert of THINKFilm, +1-212-444-7900,
aklenert@thinkfilmcompany.com; or Tom Piechura of 42West, +1-212-277-7555,
tom.piechura@42west.net

Web site: http://www.thinkfilmcompany.com/

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