Xlrator Media Acquires Eco-Thriller SALT AND FIRE, Starring Michael Shannon

In advance of its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, XLrator Media has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Academy Award® nominee Werner Herzog's SALT AND FIRE starring Academy Award® nominee Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road, "Boardwalk Empire"), Veronica Ferres (Hector and the Search For Happiness) and Golden Globe winner Gael Garcia Bernal ("Mozart in the Jungle"). XLrator Media will release the film in theaters in Spring 2017.

Written and directed by Werner Herzog inspired by a story by Tom Bissell, SALT AND FIRE tells the story of a corporate CEO and a group of scientists who must band together despite their ideological differences to try to avoid a looming environmental catastrophe. The film was shot in Bolivia at the stunning Uyuni salt flats (the world's largest) and Germany. The film was produced by Nina Maag, Werner Herzog, Michael Benaroya and Pablo Cruz.

At age 74, German filmmaker Herzog is one of cinema's masters, known for both his bold narratives (Aguirre: Wrath of God, Fitzcarraldo) and poignant documentaries (Encounters at the End of the World, Grizzly Man, Cave of Forgotten Dreams). His latest documentaries, Lo and Behold: Reveries From the Connected World about the Internet and Into The Inferno about volcanoes, premiered at this year's Sundance and Telluride Film Festivals, respectively, and he is teaching filmmaking through the online platform Masterclass.

"In a career spanning six decades, Werner Herzog has dazzled and challenged audiences with his unique cinematic vision. We're honored to bring audiences his thought-provoking and very timely environmental thriller with the remarkable cast of Michael Shannon, Gael Garcia Bernal and Veronica Ferres," said XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

The deal was negotiated by XLrator Media's Barry Gordon and Lea Flome with Creative Artists Agency on behalf of the filmmakers.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos