Richard Linklater & James Benning Documentary to Be Released in 2014

Digital entertainment curator FilmBuff announced today, in advance of the World Premiere at the 2013 Venice Film Festival, that it will release the much-anticipated documentary, Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater. Directed by Gabe Klinger, the film follows the titular filmmakers as they talk about sports, art and friendship over the course of a leisurely weekend in Austin, Texas. Combining these filmed interactions with extensive archival material, Double Play compellingly explores Benning and Linklater's connections and differences as iconoclastic American filmmakers.

Benning and Linklater first met 1988 under the auspices of the Austin Film Society. Benning was the newly formed Society's first out-of-town filmmaker invitee, and immediately upon meeting, he and Linklater began to develop a personal and intellectual bond, leading to many future screenings and encounters. At the time, Benning was already a legendary figure in the experimental underground, having made such classics as One Way Boogie Woogie (1977) and American Dreams (lost and found) (1984), while Linklater was just beginning to craft his first Super 8 and 16mm shorts. After a few years, their careers began to wildly diverge. Following the cult success of Slacker (1991), Linklater went on to direct big budget narrative films with famous actors and Hollywood support. Benning, meanwhile, stayed close to his modest roots, continuing to make micro-budget movies and avoiding the film industry at all costs.

Despite seeming like opposites on the surface, is it possible Benning and Linklater have a lot in common? Where do they draw the line between art and commerce in their work? And how have their career choices influenced the course of their lives in the 25 years since their first meeting? Working with producer André S. Labarthe (co-founder of the groundbreaking French series on filmmaking "Cinema of Our Time"), Gabe Klinger set out to try to answer some of these questions and in the process tell the story of two visionaries whose lives were changed decisively by the movies.

"Benning and Linklater have been heroes of mine for as long as I've been into film," said director Gabe Klinger. "Making a documentary that attempts to present their work and ideas in an entertaining and original way was one of the most daunting tasks I've ever been faced with. If my film works, it's owed entirely to their generosity in sharing these stories and brilliant insights with me."

"Being FilmBuffs, we are very excited to be working on a film that provides access to such iconic and inspiring filmmakers. Given that we brought Slacker to digital audiences in 2007, we are extremely proud to be introducing Richard Linklater on a more personal level to the digital space five years later," said FilmBuff's Head of Content Partnerships, Steven Beckman.

The film is a Gladys Glover and Bando à Parte production in association with Ciné+ and the Bear Media. Worldwide sales for additional territories are being handled by FilmBuff. Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater is in the Venice Classics section at the 2013 Venice Film Festival. Screening times:

Tuesday, September 3 at 5:45 PM at Sala Casinò - WORLD PREMIERE
Wednesday, September 4 at 10:45 PM at Sala Perla 2
Thursday, September 5 at 6:15 PM at Sala Perla 2

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About FilmBuff
Founded in 2007, New York-based FilmBuff is the leading distributor of incomparable digital entertainment. The Company draws upon its deep relationships within the film industry to curate content that consistently informs, entertains and inspires. FilmBuff designs innovative digital strategies to supply content to all on-demand outlets. Serving as a bridge between filmmakers and audiences, FilmBuff actively engages in conversations with fellow entertainment lovers through its exclusive access, original content and unique voice. Find FilmBuff content on all cable, satellite and telco services, game consoles, online retailers, wireless platforms and hardware manufacturers worldwide. Connect with FilmBuffwww.filmbuff.com and @filmbuff.

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