Gravitas Ventures Acquires Rights to Sundance Winner JIM: THE JAMES FOLEY STORY

By: Feb. 05, 2016
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Following an award-winning showing at the Sundance Film Festival, Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. VOD and DVD rights as well as all Canadian rights to "Jim: The James Foley Story." The pivotal film makes its television debut February 6 on HBO.

On Thanksgiving Day 2012, American photojournalist James "Jim" Foley was kidnapped in Syria and went missing for two years before the infamous video of his public execution sent shockwaves and introduced much of the world to ISIS. "Jim: The James Foley Story," by close childhood friend Brian Oakes, tells the story of his life through intimate interviews with his family, friends and fellow journalists - while fellow HOSTAGES reveal never-before-heard details of his captivity with a chilling immediacy that builds suspense. Made with unparalleled access, "Jim: The James Foley Story" is a harrowing chronicle of bravery, compassion and pain at the dawn of America's war with ISIS.

"Gravitas is honored to work on such a poignant and inspiring film, which depicts Jim Foley's incredible courage and humanity amidst chaos and brutality," said Brendan Gallagher, SVP for Gravitas Ventures.

"We are pleased that Gravitas will bring the film to new audiences," said Peter Kunhardt, executive producer of Jim. "They are passionate about distributing Jim Foley's emotional story not only to Americans, but to Canadians as well. It is an excellent partnership."

Directed by Brian Oakes, the film is produced by Eva Lipman, George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt and executive produced by Peter Kunhardt. The film includes the original song "The Empty Chair" by Academy Award®-nominated artists J. Ralph and Sting.

The deal was negotiated by Brendan Gallagher for Gravitas Ventures and by Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.

ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES

Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent cinema. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with more than 500 content partners, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over 100 million homes. Their most recent releases include Colin Hanks' "All Things Must Pass," "Being Evel" from Academy Award® winning director Daniel Junge and producer Johnny Knoxville, "Bleeding Heart" starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of," and "Barney Thomson" starring Robert Carlyle and Emma Thompson. For more information, please visit gravitasventures.com and follow @GravitasVOD.

ABOUT KUNHARDT FILMS

Kunhardt Films produces documentaries about people and ideas that shape our world. Peter Kunhardt founded Kunhardt Films in 1987, and now runs the company with his two sons, Teddy and George. Their most recent film, "Living with Lincoln," aired on HBO in April 2015. Past productions include the Emmy®-nominated "Nixon by Nixon: In His Own Words" (HBO, 2014); "Finding Your Roots," seasons 1-3 (PBS, 10 hours), "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross" (PBS, 6 hours, Emmy®, Peabody and DuPont winner); the Emmy®-nominated "Gloria: In Her Own Words" (HBO, 2011); "This Emotional Life" (PBS, 6 hours, 2010); and the Emmy® winners, "Teddy: In His Own Words" (HBO, 2009,) and "JFK: In His Own Words" (HBO, 1989). Kunhardt Films is located in Pleasantville, NY.

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