THE PLAYROOM, Starring John Hawkes and Molly Parker, Acquired by Freestyle; Set for Release 2/8

Freestyle Releasing and Freestyle Digital Media announce today that they have acquired theatrical and all DVD and VOD rights to THE PLAYROOM, the critically acclaimed drama directed by Julia Dyer ("Late Bloomers"), which stars Academy Award-nominee John Hawkes ("Winter's Bone," "The Sessions") and Molly Parker (Dexter, The Firm). The film, which premiered in the gala/spotlight section of this year's Tribeca Film Festival, was produced by Stephen Dyer ("Hysteria") and Angie Meyer ("Wuss"), and is slated for a day and date release on theatrical and DVD/VOD February 8th, 2013.

Set in the suburbs during the 1970s, the story unfolds like a dream wrapped around a family drama, one in which all members of the Cantwell family struggle to find their way in a rapidly changing world. Maggie (newcomer Olivia Harris) is a vulnerable yet tempestuous teenager who acts as big sister and surrogate mother to her three younger siblings. Upstairs in the attic she tells them fantastical stories, but only to mask what is happening downstairs. As her hard-drinking parents, Martin and Donna (Hawkes and Parker), entertain guests, Maggie grapples with their flawed choices and is thrust into a world she might not be ready for.

The deal was negotiated by Freestyle's CEO Susan Jackson, Head of Acquisitions Chris Charalambous and Bill Straus of BGP and Jonathan Gray of Gray, Krauss Stratford des Rochers LLP.

"Julia Dyer has created a beautiful time machine back to the 70s," said Susan Jackson, President of Freestyle. "The film is a bird's eye view of a tumultuous period told from the perspective of children."

Freestyle Digital Media's slate of releases includes the upcoming critical hit SAMSARA, from filmmakers Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, as well as the recently released YOU MAY NOT KISS THE BRIDE starring Katharine McPhee and Rob Schneider. In addition, the critically-acclaimed Filipino horror-thriller THE ROAD from director Yam Laranas, DEADHEADS, the horror-comedy from directors Brett and Drew Pierce, and TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN directed by Stuart Beattie, which also marked the first feature film to debut on Facebook.

About Freestyle Releasing: Freestyle Releasing is a full-service, theatrical motion picture distribution company that specializes in representing independent companies, major studios, and mini-major studios for the purpose of exhibiting their films in a first class theatrical release. The founders and principals of Freestyle Releasing, Mark Borde and Susan Jackson are highly regarded and experienced motion picture veterans with a combined total of over a century of respected work in the industry. From a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.

About Freestyle Digital Media: Freestyle Digital Media, LLC was launched in November 2011 by its CEO Susan Jackson who is Co-President and founder of independent theatrical distributor Freestyle Releasing, LLC and North American sales company Turtles Crossing, LLC. Freestyle Digital Media supplies quality commercial film and TV content directly to all US VOD/SVOD rental DVD/Kiosks and theaters using the latest cloud-based technologies to automate digital workflow. Freestyle's goal is to provide fresh, well-marketed product and stay on the cutting edge of the ever-compressing windows to ensure that their partners benefit from a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride