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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES ‘BLUE MAN GROUP: MIND BLAST’ FOR DISTRIBUTION
From press.nationalgeographic
Blue Man Group has been impressing live audiences since 1990 with its wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics in producing a unique entertainment experience. It currently has permanent productions in nine cities, including New York City, Boston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin and Tokyo, and frequently tours both domestically and internationally. The group was created by Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton, who will star as the trio of blue men in the film, the group’s first foray onto giant screens and into 3-D film. “Blue Man Group: Mind Blast,” which begins pre-production in early 2010, will follow the bald and blue trio as they travel through a visually stunning 3-D brain, exploring its neural pathways, synapses and gooey brain structures. Music, physical humor and Blue Man antics abound as they make art, collect scientific facts and turn our brains upside down. While NGE has previously presented film projects on subjects as diverse as wildlife, music and ancient cultures, this will be its first cinematic foray into the function of the human mind itself. Blue Man Group’s live shows and concerts have long delved into the mysteries of human creativity and neurological function, which makes these blue explorers the perfect guides for NGE’s most ambitious journey yet. The film will be directed by David Russo and executive produced by Barbara Darwall of Blue Man Productions. The original script was written by Lisa Robinson; Charlotte Huggins and Janice Doskey are producers. Distribution of the film will be led by Mark Katz, president of National Geographic Cinema Ventures Distribution, and overseen by National Geographic Cinema Ventures President Lisa Truitt. “Our giant-screen film collaboration with Blue Man Group will continue National Geographic Entertainment’s foray into the distribution of an increasingly diverse array of films,” said Truitt. “The slate of films that we’ve acquired and are releasing this year and next are a reflection of National Geographic’s commitment to telling stories in engaging and groundbreaking ways.” David Beal, president, NGE, said: “National Geographic constantly strives to be a window to the world and all that’s in it. Our collaboration with Blue Man Group presents a further opportunity to take that challenge to an ever widening audience.” “Exhibitors around the world are increasingly thirsty to present new and exciting theatric experiences to their audiences,” said Katz. “Helping to bring Blue Man Group’s electric live performances to the giant screen in 3-D is an opportunity we could not pass up as we aim to stay on the cutting edge of the film business.” Said Blue Man Group co-founder Matt Goldman, “Blue Man Group and National Geographic share a similar passion for curiosity, exploration and discovery. This alignment of values makes National Geographic Cinema Ventures the perfect distributor for ‘Blue Man Group: Mind Blast’ — a film that aims to explore the inner workings of the human mind in the same way that National Geographic has long been exploring the workings of our world as a whole.” About National Geographic Entertainment NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music, film and live events. It funds over 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. About Blue Man Group Blue Man Group’s satirical rock concert Megastar World Tour has toured arenas across the United States and has played extensively in Canada, France, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Korea. In fall and winter, Blue Man Group Megastar World Tour continued its international travels in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, England and Israel, and is currently heading to Taiwan. The company has applied its unique creative process to a wide variety of projects, the recording of five albums: the GRAMMY-nominated “Audio,” “The Complex,” “Live At The Venetian ® ¬- Las Vegas,” “How To Be A MegaStar Live!” and “Canta Conmigo.” Blue Man Group has also ventured into scoring (“The Jury,” “Robots” and “Space Chimps”), commercial campaigns, television programs (including “Scrubs” and “Arrested Development”) and a children’s museum exhibit, “Making Waves,” which is currently touring the United States. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media that appeal to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. www.blueman.com NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES ‘THE WILDEST DREAM’ FOR DISTRIBUTION
From press.nationalgeographic
Eighty-five years after George Mallory’s final attempt to summit Mount Everest, “The Wildest Dream” explores Mallory’s obsession with becoming the first person to reach the highest place on Earth. Told through the explorer’s poignant and evocative letters to his wife, Ruth, previously unseen photos and film archive from 1924 (restored from the original nitrate especially for the film), dramatization and a modern-day expedition retracing the original route taken in 1924, Mallory’s incredible adventure lives again. The expedition was led by renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, whose life became inextricably linked with Mallory’s after he found Mallory’s body on Everest in 1999. Using replica 1920s-era clothing and equipment, Anker sets out to solve the great mystery of whether Mallory succeeded in summiting Everest before he died — he was last seen just 800 feet from the summit before the clouds closed in and he disappeared into legend. The most heartbreaking clue: All of Mallory’s belongings were found intact on his body, except the photograph of his beloved Ruth, which he promised to leave at the top of the world if he succeeded. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Anthony Geffen and produced by Geffen and Claudia Perkins, “The Wildest Dream” is narrated by Liam Neeson and features the voices of Ralph Fiennes as George Mallory, the late Natasha Richardson as Ruth Mallory, Hugh Dancy as Mallory’s fellow climber Andrew Irvine and Alan Rickman as Noel Odell, the last person to see Mallory alive. Mike Medavoy is the executive producer. Peter Miller is the editor, and Mark Halliley is the edit producer and writer. The directors of photography are Ken Sauls and Chris Openshaw. Joel Douek composed the music, which was recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and includes the song “Edge of Heaven” by Lisbeth Scott. NGE presents “The Wildest Dream,” an Altitude Films production with Atlantic Productions. Lisa Truitt, president, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, said, “We are thrilled to release ‘The Wildest Dream,’ which captures one of history’s greatest feats of exploration and mountaineering. The film tells a gripping story from many different perspectives — from that of George Mallory and his beloved wife, Ruth, to the modern climbers who follow Mallory’s last footsteps, seeking to solve the enduring mystery of his last ascent of Everest. The story soars in the hands of talented filmmaker Anthony Geffen and such great actors as Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson, who voice this tale of adventure and mystery, of challenges met and fears conquered, and of great love. The film is dedicated to Richardson, whose readings of Ruth Mallory’s love letters to her husband are especially heartfelt and moving.” David Beal, president, NGE, said: “With the acquisition of Cherien Dabis’ ‘Amreeka,’ Lu Chuan’s ‘City of Life and Death,’ and now ‘The Wildest Dream,’ we feel that National Geographic Entertainment is hitting its stride in working with innovative filmmakers and finding the right movies for our distribution platform. Each of these films makes its mark as wonderful entertainment, but each project also presents the depth and breadth of the endless supply of the world’s great stories.” Added Executive Producer Mike Medavoy, “What got me so enthusiastic was that this wasn’t just a film about mountain climbing but it was a passionate love story between George and Ruth Mallory that had never been told before. I’ve been really impressed with how Anthony Geffen has blended together Mallory’s story and the original archive with Conrad Anker’s modern-day expedition. We always felt that the project was a great fit for National Geographic, so we’re delighted they will be distributing it in both regular and Imax theaters, which is usually done just for wide tent pole releases and not for specialized releases.” Said Director Anthony Geffen, “Mallory fascinates me because he dared to dream the impossible. In a golden age of exploration, he was the pioneering adventurer determined to reach into the world’s last great untouched wilderness. The Mallory story is still as tantalizing and compelling today as it was in 1924.” Negotiations for “Wildest Dream” were handled by Lisa Truitt, Tiffany Leclere, Angelo Grima and Mark Katz for NGE; by Mimi Gilligan for Altitude Films; and by Claudia Perkins for Atlantic Productions. About National Geographic Entertainment NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music, film and live events. It funds over 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT KICKS OFF SCREENING TOUR FOR ‘AMREEKA’ WITH UNPRECEDENTED LIST OF PARTNERS
From press.nationalgeographic
“Amreeka” premiered in the dramatic competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It was also the opening night film at New Directors/New Films, a program of the Museum of Modern Art and Lincoln Center in New York City, and at the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival it won the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize. “Amreeka” opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, with a national rollout to follow. “‘Amreeka’ is one of the rare films that tells a story of courage and heart with a healthy dose of humor and perfectly captures the universal story of American immigrants through the lens of a brilliant Arab American filmmaker,” said Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Cinema Ventures. “We are proud to present this film to as many audiences as possible with the support of a large and impressive group of cultural partners, so that this story can be shared by communities everywhere.” “Amreeka” chronicles the adventures of Muna, a single mother who leaves the West Bank with her 16-year-old son Fadi, with dreams of an exciting future in the promised land of small-town Illinois. Told with heartfelt humor by Dabis in her feature film debut, “Amreeka” is a universal journey into the lives of immigrant families and first-generation teenagers caught between their heritage and the new world in which they live, and the bittersweet search for a place to call home. Written and directed by Dabis and loosely based on her own family’s story, “Amreeka” stars National Geographic Entertainment presents a National Geographic/Imagenation Abu Dhabi release in association with Levantine Entertainment, a First Generation Films Production, an Alcina Pictures-Buffalo Gal Pictures/Eagle Vision Media Group Production, produced in association with Manitoba Film & Music, Rotana Studios and Showtime Arabia. SCREENING SCHEDULE New York City Irvine, Calif. Los Angeles San Francisco Dearborn, Mich. Chicago Washington, D.C. Boston San Diego Dallas Houston Boston (pending) Additionally, the film has the support of American-Arab Chamber of Commerce, American-Arabs Anti-Discrimination Committee – Chicago; Project Nur, American University; Arab American Cultural & Community Center; Arab American Family Services; Advisory Council on Arab Affairs, City of Chicago; Center for Contemporary Arabic Studies, Georgetown University; Golden Thread Theatre; JCC of Dallas; J-Street; Jewish Palestinian Living Room Dialogue; Jewish Voice for Peace; Middle East Forum; Middle East Institute, Columbia University; Middle East Policy Council; Midwest Federation of Syrian and Lebanese Clubs; Outreach Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University; Arab American Action Network; Near Eastern Studies Student Association, University of California Berkeley; PAWA SoCal; Ramallah Club of LA; Students for Justice in Palestine, San Diego State University; United Muslims of America; World Cultures at San Diego City College, MIT Arab Students Organization; and others. High-resolution images are available for download: See the trailer at www.amreeka.com. About National Geographic Entertainment NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES LU CHUAN’S “CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH’ FOR DISTRIBUTION IN NORTH AMERICA
From press.nationalgeographic
NGE will coordinate marketing of “City of Life and Death” with IDG China Media Fund, part of International Data Group, a U.S. venture capital company. The film will be released late this year or early 2010. Lu Chuan’s “City of Life and Death” is an epic tale of the defiance of citizens who survive the 1937 Japanese occupation of China’s capital, Nanjing. The Chinese soldiers, civilians, women and children, along with courageous American and European sympathizers — based on real personalities — fight bravely to resist and survive when it could have been much easier for them to accept defeat and even death. The Chinese, Japanese and international cast stars Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo Nakaizumi, Gao Yuanyuan, Qin Lan and Jiang Yiyan, and co-stars Ryuichi Kohata, Yao Di, Zhao Yisui and Yuko Miyamoto. Beijing Film Studio, CFGC, Stellar Megamedia, Jiang Su Broadcasting, Media Asia Films and Shanghai Bailiang Investment present “City of Life and Death,” a Chuan Production Film production, a Lu Chuan film. The executive producer is Lu Chuan; the producers are Han Sanping, Qin Hong, Zhou Li, John Chong and Andy Zhang; the production executives are Zeng Qinghuai, Shi Dongming, Yue Xiaomei, Shirley Lau, Han Xiaoli, Yang Xinli, Jiang Tao and Liang Yong. In 2006, National Geographic World Films co-distributed Lu Chuan’s award-winning “Mountain Patrol: Kekexili,” a hit at both the Sundance Film Festival and National Geographic’s All Roads Film Festival, winning such praise as “‘Mountain Patrol’ is as tough and unsparing as its backdrop, a blood-boiling environmental thriller with a dash of Sergio Leone,” from The New York Times’ Manohla Dargis. National Geographic Entertainment includes National Geographic Films (NGF), which co-presented the 2005 Academy Award-winning “March of the Penguins” and the 2004 Oscar-nominated film “The Story of the Weeping Camel” as well as “Mountain Patrol: Kekexili”; and National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV), which released domestically and internationally the 3-D concert film “U2 3D” to critical acclaim and set giant-screen box office records with “Mysteries of Egypt” and “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure.” Adam Leipzig is president of NGF; Lisa Truitt is president of NGCV; and Mark Katz is president of NGCV Distribution. IDG China Media Fund is headed by Hugo Shong, president of International Data Group (IDG) Asia/China; Ted Perkins is executive vice president. NGF President Adam Leipzig said, “Since seeing ‘City of Life and Death’ in Cannes, I have been passionate about releasing Lu Chuan’s stunning panoramic epic. I think it ranks with the very best war action movies ever made, and its extraordinary depiction of how civilians must deal with the aftermath of battle is deeply moving and haunting. Our acquisition of ‘City of Life and Death’ is especially exciting, as we have known Lu Chuan since ‘Mountain Patrol: Kekexili’ was screened at the National Geographic All Roads Festival, and it has always been our great hope to continue our relationship with this amazing young filmmaker.” Negotiations were handled by Tiffany Leclere and Kattie Evans for NGE, Ricky Tse for Media Asia, Jonah Greenberg for CAA, and Hugo Shong and Ted Perkins for IDG Media International. About National Geographic Entertainment NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE ‘AMREEKA’ SEPT. 4 IN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES
From press.nationalgeographic
“Amreeka” tells the adventures of Muna, an indomitable woman from the West Bank who moves to the promised land of small town Illinois with her teenage son, Fadi. In America, as her son navigates high school, Muna works hard and dreams of a new life. Nisreen Faour stars as Muna; Melkar Muallen plays her 16-year-old son. Also in the cast are Hiam Abbass, Alia Shawkat, Yussef Abu-Warda and Joseph Ziegler. Written and directed by Dabis, “Amreeka” was produced by Christina Piovesan and Paul Barkin. Alicia Sams, Cherien Dabis and Greg Keever were executive producers; Liz Jarvis and Al-Zain Al-Sabah were co-producers. This National Geographic Entertainment Presentation is a National Geographic/Imagenation Abu Dhabi Release in association with Levantine Entertainment, A First Generation Films Production, an Alcina Pictures/Buffalo Gal Pictures/Eagle Vision Media Group Production produced in association with Manitoba Film & Music, Rotana Studios and Showtime Earlier in her career Dabis was a recipient of a 2007 National Geographic All Roads Film Project seed grant for her short film “Make a Wish.” National Geographic Films President Adam Leipzig said, “‘Amreeka’ is a great culture clash comedy, and with it Cherien Dabis has announced herself as one of the great new talents in film. It is both funny and moving in its depiction of the hectic work it takes to attain the American dream. This international story is a perfect fit for National Geographic as we aspire to inspire people to care about our world. Since Cherien received one of the first National Geographic All Roads grants, working with her on ‘Amreeka’ is especially exciting.” Dabis added, “While ‘Amreeka’ is a very personal film, it’s a universal story about family, the sacrifices we make for those we love and the often elusive search for belonging. I have no doubt that we’ve found the right home for it.” The release schedule for “Amreeka”: Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Please note, as with all films, dates are subject to change. Check local listings for theaters screening the film in each city. For group sales info, go to amreekagroupsales@gmail.com. For more information about the film, visit www.amreeka.com, become a fan on Facebook, or receive updates from director Cherien Dabis via Twitter at http://twitter.com/cheriendabis/. About National Geographic Entertainment NGE combines into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms in order to streamline collaboration and further support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. ‘SEA MONSTERS’ BURSTS TO LIFE ON SCREEN IN FIRST 3-D HOME ENTERTAINMENT OFFERING FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
From press.nationalgeographic
“It’s ‘Finding Nemo’ with a ‘Wow’ factor of 100.” – Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post “A visually stunning affair…” – Mike Scott, New Orleans Times-Picayune WASHINGTON (June 22, 2009)—For the first time, National Geographic will deliver the thrills and chills of some of the Dinosaur Age’s most fearsome marine reptiles to home viewers as “Sea Monsters 3-D: A Prehistoric Adventure” and its stunning 3-D effects go from the giant screen to DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The film brings to life the extraordinary prehistoric creatures of the deep. The DVD edition, packaged in a lenticular cover and supplemented with four pairs of 3-D glasses and an interactive timeline, is available for $19.97 SRP. The Blu-ray edition is available for $28.99 SRP. Both can be found in stores where DVDs are sold, online at shopNGvideos.com or by calling (800) 627-5162. “Sea Monsters 3-D: A Prehistoric Adventure,” narrated by Tony Award-winning actor Liev Schreiber, with an original score by longtime musical collaborators Richard Evans, David Rhodes and Peter Gabriel, takes audiences on a remarkable journey into the often overlooked world of the “other dinosaurs,” those reptiles that lived beneath the water. Funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film delivers a vision of some of Earth’s grandest ocean creatures. “Sea Monsters 3-D: A Prehistoric Adventure” weaves together spectacular photorealistic animation with stand-out finds from paleontological digs around the world — treasures that shed light on the film’s incredible cast of characters. The film follows a family of Dolichorhynchops, known informally as “Dollies,” as they traverse ancient waters populated with saber-toothed fish, prehistoric sharks and giant squid. On their journey the Dollies encounter other extraordinary sea creatures: lizard-like reptiles called Platecarpus that swallowed their prey whole like snakes; Styxosaurus with necks nearly 20 feet long and paddle-like fins as large as an adult human; and at the top of the food chain, the monstrous Tylosaurus, a predator with no enemies. “Sea Monsters 3-D: A Prehistoric Adventure” is a remarkable visual journey that also educates audiences on the “How do we know that?” side of paleontology. Do scientists need full skeletons to learn about these creatures? Not always, as we learn from shark teeth found throughout the central United States, proof that these modern-day hunters were thriving during the age of dinosaurs when Kansas was at the bottom of the sea. How do we know what these creatures ate, and what pursued them? The shapes of jaws and teeth provide dietary clues, and occasionally paleontologists are lucky enough to discover bones of one species inside the remains of another. In fact, one fossilized Xiphactinus, a 17-foot-long predatory fish, was found with an entire 6-foot fish inside — swallowed whole. An audience and critics’ favorite, the film has won the Visual Effects Society’s award for Special Venue Project and a Golden Reel award from the Motion Picture Sound Editors Association for Best Sound Editing — Special Venue. The film can currently be seen on the giant screen and in digital theaters in 3-D at 70 theaters worldwide, including recently added engagements at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute; the Science Spectrum in Lubbock, Texas; the Proctors Theater in Schenectady, N.Y.; and the Louisville Science Center in Louisville, Ky. Also available are “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure” companion books for adults and young readers in standard, 3-D and pop-up formats; a video game licensed by Destination Software Incorporated, available in Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ formats; and a line of licensed plush toys, puzzles and apparel available at www.nationalgeographic.com/store. National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and further support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 300 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. “Sea Monsters 3-D: A Prehistoric Adventure” NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALL ROADS FILM PROJECT FORMS PARTNERSHIPS FOR AMERICAN INDIAN SUMMER INSTITUTE
From press.nationalgeographic
AISI was founded in 2002 with the guidance of Southern California Indian Center, which was instrumental in the recruitment and participation of the Southern California tribes. In addition, NMTN joined with Fox to help orchestrate a national outreach effort, drawing participants from across the United States. “Our affiliation with All Roads and National Geographic Society has provided the training program to go global,” said Gerald Alcantar, vice president of diversity development at Fox. “This focus on a global indigenous collaboration to increase Native American and indigenous peoples’ access and participation in the media and entertainment industry can only expand media-related employment and business opportunities for under-represented communities,” said Syd Beane, Flandreau Santee Sioux tribal member and national coordinator of NMTN. According to UNESCO’s “Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger,” more than 2,500 languages are in danger of dying — with the United States ranking second only to India with the highest number of diminishing languages. This new partnership aims to address the problem by giving American Indian students nationwide an opportunity to explore and experience media incorporating their native languages, train them in mixed media with new global indigenous perspectives and provide a global platform of opportunities to showcase their work. “Like ILI, National Geographic is concerned with the urgency to record diminishing languages and the need to assist communities worldwide in the documentation process of these languages, in order to have them accessible to younger generations to revitalize. Currently in its sixth year, the All Roads Film Project has the global platforms and resources to bring cultural exchanges of creative storytelling in film and media to the American Indian Summer Institute,” said Francene Blythe, of Diné, Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota and Eastern Band Cherokee heritage and director of the National Geographic All Roads Film Project. “This partnership will bring together five dynamic organizations that can pool their resources to broaden the reach of indigenous voices from Native America and bring them out to the world.” “Indigenous Language Institute is excited about the positive impact that our partnership can achieve for Native peoples in revitalizing culture and language,” said Inée Slaughter, executive director of ILI. “By providing indigenous people training in ILI’s technology tools to document their languages, history, stories and songs and to create vibrant language materials, we can ensure that the endangered languages will have a deservedly distinguished presence and permanence in the global community.” AISI will feature Native American and international indigenous industry luminaries, who will examine creative storytelling through media, provide a cultural exchange of indigenous perspectives on story, community and self-identity, and provide mentoring on technical aspects of mixed media. Additional workshops are planned for 2010. A showcase of All Roads international films will wrap up the week’s training on Saturday, July 18, at the James Bridges Theatre at the University of California, Los Angeles, campus. For a full screening schedule and to purchase tickets, visit nationalgeographic.com/allroads. About the All Roads Film Project About the Native Media and Technology Network About the Indigenous Language Institute About Naninaaq Productions About Community Prophets NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT AND IMAGENATION ABU DHABI JOIN EXCLUSIVE MEDIA GROUP AND SPITFIRE PICTURES TO CO-PRODUCE SIX-TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE PETER WEIR’S ‘THE WAY BACK’
From press.nationalgeographic
Jim Sturgess (“21,” “Across the Universe”), Academy Award nominee Ed Harris (“A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13″), Oscar® nominee Saoirse Ronan (“Atonement,” Peter Jackson’s upcoming “Lovely Bones”) and Golden Globe winner Colin Farrell (“In Bruges,” “Miami Vice”) will star in this epic adventure, which is inspired by Slavomir Rawicz’s acclaimed novel, “The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom,” as well as from other real-life accounts. “The Way Back” chronicles the escape of a small group of multi-national prisoners from a Siberian gulag in 1940 and their epic journey over thousands of miles across five hostile countries. Principal photography has started in Bulgaria. Spitfire Pictures is producing for parent company Exclusive Media Group, the global film entertainment group, which is backed by the strategic investment group Cyrte Investments and combines Spitfire, London-based Hammer Films and Exclusive Film Distribution. Exclusive Film Distribution is handling worldwide sales and distribution for the film. Edward Borgerding, CEO of Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, “We couldn’t think of a better and more prestigious first project for the partnership between National Geographic and Imagenation Abu Dhabi. Peter Weir is one of the great directors working today. We are very excited about this movie with its wonderful cast and riveting story of human endurance and love for freedom.” National Geographic Films Chairman Jake Eberts said, “Slavomir Rawicz’s book that inspired ‘The Way Back’ has long been considered an adventurer’s adventure, beloved by explorers, historians and other writers. It is one of the great escape stories of all time. Translated into 25 languages, it has the classic man-against-nature structure, but it also deals with man’s inhumanity toward one another, man’s capacity to help other men, and man’s ability to forgive but not to forget. It has thrills and excitement in epic and unusual settings, but ultimately it is about strong-willed people fighting to connect with each other while yearning for peace and home.” Exclusive Media Group’s Co-Chairman and Co-CEO Nigel Sinclair said, “My colleague Guy East, Jake Eberts and I have a long and happy history of working on movies together, and we are proud and excited to have Tim Kelly and Adam Leipzig at National Geographic and Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei and Edward Borgerding at Imagenation Abu Dhabi as partners on Peter’s film.” About National Geographic Entertainment National Geographic Entertainment (NGE), which will release this year’s Sundance favorite “Amreeka” in the fall, combines into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms in order to streamline collaboration and further support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, and television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. About Imagenation Abu Dhabi Imagenation Abu Dhabi is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Company, which launched on Sept. 3, 2008. The company will develop, finance and produce full-length feature films and digital content for Arabic and global markets. From its base in Abu Dhabi, the company has established partnerships with high-profile, internationally based producers to develop and produce content for distribution internationally, in addition to supporting Middle East filmmakers and Arab film production. Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei is the chairman of Imagenation Abu Dhabi, and Edward Borgerding is the chief executive officer. Stefan Brunner is the company’s chief financial officer. On Sept. 10, 2008, Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Participant Media formed a $250 million fund to finance a slate of feature films. On Oct. 11, 2008, Imagenation Abu Dhabi announced a $100 million joint venture with National Geographic Films, followed by the announcement of a $250 million partnership with Hyde Park Entertainment on Nov. 2, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.imagenationabudhabi.com. About Exclusive Media Group Formed by strategic investment group Cyrte Investments in May 2008, Exclusive Media Group (EMG) is the parent company of Los Angeles-based Spitfire Pictures and the legendary British studio Hammer, which now has a combined share holder equity and bank facility in excess of $100 million. The company is run by Nigel Sinclair, Guy East and Simon Oakes, with Sinclair and Oakes serving as co-chairmen and co-CEOs (out of Los Angeles and London respectively), and East as president and chairman of the sales and distribution operation. Under EMG, Spitfire and Hammer operate as two separate production entities. EMG aims to produce six to eight films per year and to acquire additional pictures for worldwide distribution through its London-based subsidiary Exclusive Film Distribution. The group also develops projects for television and digital platforms. EMG has over 300 titles in the combined Hammer and Spitfire libraries and will pursue an aggressive library acquisition policy. The Hammer library is noted for its remake potential, and the company is in discussions with A-list writers and directors to revive and re-imagine some of its highly touted titles. Cyrte Investments is part of Delta Lloyd Asset Management, one of the Netherlands major asset managers, which in turn is majority-owned by London Stock Exchange-listed Aviva plc, one of the world’s largest insurance companies. For more information, visit http://www.exclusivemedia.com. About Spitfire Pictures Spitfire Pictures is a Los Angeles-based production subsidiary of Exclusive Media Group, with specialized feature film and documentary divisions. Spitfire has a very active slate of films in pre-production and development with several highly successful writers, including Bill Broyles, Stuart Beattie, Christopher McQuarrie, Justin Haythe, Craig Zahler, Max Makowski and Christopher Cleveland. Projects set up at Spitfire include the biographical picture about the life of legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon, and an adaptation of the bestseller “Moral Hazard” to be directed by Philip Noyce. Spitfire is planning a 2009 release for its latest thriller “Possession,” starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. Spitfire’s acclaimed documentary division has produced several heralded films, including “Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who” and the award-winning “No Direction Home: Bob Dylan” directed by Martin Scorsese, and aims to deliver three to four documentaries per year. The company recently teamed with music legend Billy Joel and Maritime Pictures to produce the feature documentary film “The Last Play at Shea,” documenting Joel’s historic concerts at Shea Stadium on July 16 and 18, 2008. Barry Blaustein’s “Guys N’ Divas: Battle of the High School Musicals” will be released by Lionsgate and Showtime, while Spitfire has teamed again with Martin Scorsese, who will direct “The Untitled George Harrison Project” documentary. HONOR EARTH DAY WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HOME ENTERTAINMENT
From press.nationalgeographic
Loaded with special features, including degree-by-degree impact guides, environmental tips and quizzes, each DVD will appeal to fans of the original programs on the National Geographic Channel and public television stations, and as well as first-time viewers. “Earth Report: State of the Planet 2009″ Street Date: April 28, 2009 “Human Footprint” Street/Pre-Order Date: Available Now “Six Degrees Could Change the World” Street/Pre-Order Date: Available Now “Strange Days on Planet Earth 3-Volume Collection” Street/Pre-Order Date: Available Now National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and further support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES SUNDANCE HIT ‘AMREEKA’
From press.nationalgeographic
“Amreeka,” which charmed both critics and audiences at Sundance, tells the adventures of Muna, an indomitable immigrant Palestinian single mother, who dreams of a new life for herself and Fadi, her teenage son, in the promised land of small town Illinois. In America, as her son navigates high school hallways the way he used to move through West Bank military checkpoints, the resourceful Muna scrambles together an upwardly mobile new life, cooking up falafel burgers as well as the usual hamburgers at the local White Castle. Nisreen Faour stars as Muna, and Melkar Muallem plays her 16-year-old son. Also in the cast are Hiam Abbass, Alia Shawkat, Yussef Abu-Warda and Joseph Ziegler. “Amreeka,” written and directed by Dabis, was produced by Christina Piovesan and Paul Barkin. Dabis, Alicia Sams and Greg Keever were executive producers; Liz Jarvis and Al-Zain Al-Sabah were co-producers. “Amreeka” is an E1 Entertainment (Canada)/Levantine Entertainment (U.S) presentation in association with Rotana Studios and Showtime Arabia, of a First Generation Films, Alcina Pictures, Buffalo Gal Pictures (Canada)/Eagle Vision Media Group (Kuwait) production. Earlier in her career Dabis received a National Geographic All Roads Film Festival Project Seed Grant for her short film “Make a Wish,” which premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. National Geographic Entertainment includes National Geographic Films (NGF), which co-presented the 2005 Academy Award-winning “March of the Penguins” and the 2004 Oscar-nominated film “The Story of the Weeping Camel,” and National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV), which released domestically and internationally, to critical acclaim, the 3-D concert film “U2 3D” in 2008. NGCV set giant-screen box office records with “Mysteries of Egypt” and recently with “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure.” Adam Leipzig is president of NGF, Lisa Truitt is president of NGCV and Mark Katz is president of distribution for NGCV. Leipzig said, “‘Amreeka’ is a great culture clash comedy and with it Cherien Dabis has announced herself as one of the great new talents in film. It is funny and also moving in its depiction of the hectic work it takes to attain the American dream. This international story is a perfect fit for National Geographic as we aspire to inspire people to care about our world. Since Cherien received one of the first National Geographic All Roads grants, working with her on ‘Amreeka’ is especially exciting.” “National Geographic helped launch my career with its early support of my short film ‘Make a Wish,’ so I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with the organization again,” said Dabis. “While ‘Amreeka’ is a very personal film, it’s a universal story about family, the sacrifices we make for those we love and the often elusive search for belonging. I have no doubt that we’ve found the right home for it.” Rena Ronson and Jerome Duboz of William Morris Independent negotiated the sale on behalf of E1 Entertainment International, headed by Charlotte Mickie, which holds the film’s international rights. Tiffany Leclere and Kattie Evans handled negotiations for NGE. About National Geographic Entertainment NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT AND 3ALITY DIGITAL’S ‘U2 3D’ HITS $20 MILLION IN BOX OFFICE IN ADVANCE OF JAPAN OPENING
From press.nationalgeographic “In many ways, watching the movie is better than concert going. We feel as though we’re poking our heads through the window of another world.” -The Washington Post “… Not merely a technical landmark, but also an aesthetic one… a work of art.” WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2009)—”U2 3D,” rated the No. 4 best-reviewed film and top concert film in 2008 by Rottentomatoes.com and recipient of the Best Musical Film Award at the Los Premios MTV Latin American Video Music Awards, will open in more than 40 theaters in Japan on Saturday, March 7. The film, which premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, has grossed more than $20 million worldwide. Four days before “U2 3D” opens in Japan, the great Irish rock band’s long-awaited new studio album “No Line on the Horizon” — their first since 2004 — will be released internationally. Mark Katz, president of distribution, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, said, “We’re delighted that ‘U2 3D,’ which continues to do well domestically and internationally, will be released in Japan. Because of the importance of the Japanese market, we waited to open there so the film could screen in the best-equipped 3D and IMAX theaters. And the film’s release on the heels of the band’s new CD is perfect timing.” “This was our company’s first production, and it was truly a labor of love,” said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3ality Digital, which produced and shot the movie. “We were confident that we could create an immersive experience that made viewers feel like they were part of the band, and we delivered on that promise. We’re thrilled that the movie continues to enthrall audiences around the world.” Filmed in South America during U2′s Vertigo Tour, “U2 3D” is the first live-action movie ever shot, produced and exhibited in digital 3D. The film captures the intimacy between band and audience in a unique, visceral way and establishes a new standard in 3D digital technology. Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, “U2 3D” transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world’s most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience. “U2 3D” takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films and traditional 3D, immersing audiences in the excitement and throbbing intensity of a stadium concert. The “U2 3D” production crew shot at huge outdoor stadium shows in four Latin American venues: Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. More than 100 hours of digital 3D footage were shot, documenting a set list that includes such seminal U2 songs as “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “With or Without You,” “Bullet the Blue Sky” and “One,” as well as more recent tracks such as “Beautiful Day,” “Love and Peace or Else,” “Vertigo” and “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own.” “U2 3D” received the award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project from the Visual Effects Society of America at the 7th Annual VES Awards on Feb. 21, 2009. In addition to this award, the film was recognized as Best Musical Film at the Los Premios MTV Latin America Video Music Awards; received the Pioneer Award (Film & Television) from the 2008 3-D Film and Interactive Film Festival; and Best Film Produced Non-Exclusively for Giant Screen Theaters from the Giant Screen Cinema Association. “U2 3D” was the best reviewed concert film of 2008 and the fourth best reviewed film overall according to RottenTomatoes.com annual review roundup. 3ality Digital’s Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro and John Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital presentation. Sandy Climan, David Modell, and Michael Peyser served as executive producers, while Steve Schklair served as 3-D and digital image producer. About National Geographic Entertainment National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV), formerly known as National Geographic Giant Screen Films, is part of National Geographic Ventures (NGV), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Geographic Society. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, NGCV produces original 2D and 3D productions for the world’s largest screens. NGCV also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry. About 3ality Digital NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VENTURES ACROSS LAND, SEA AND SPACE WITH NEW VIDEO RELEASES IN STANDARD DEFINITION AND BLU-RAY FORMAT
From press.nationalgeographic
Packed with special features from National Geographic’s rich reserve of film, photographic, cartographic and editorial content, each DVD will appeal to fans of the original programs on the National Geographic Channel and first-time viewers. Ranging in subject matter from science and space, nature and wildlife, and culture and current events, National Geographic’s latest offerings include: “The Pirate Code: Real Pirates” Street Date: Feb. 17, 2009 “Guns In America” Street Date: Feb. 24, 2009 “Grand Canyon” Street Date: March 10, 2009 “Monster Black Holes” Street Date: March 17, 2009 “Locked Up Abroad Collection” Street Date: March 24, 2009 “Kingdom of the Blue Whale” Street Date: March 31, 2009 “Journey to the Edge of the Universe” Street Date: March 31, 2009 National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and further support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. PHOTOGRAPHS, FILMS BY AWARD WINNERS DERECK AND BEVERLY JOUBERT TO BE DISPLAYED AT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
From press.nationalgeographic
The Jouberts’ coverage of predator behavior has resulted in 20 films, six books and several National Geographic magazine articles. They regularly present their work to local communities and government officials in Africa and around the world to spread the message of the importance of protecting big cats. In 2008 the Jouberts, with National Geographic, helped raise emergency funds to save the rapidly declining lion populations in and around Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The Jouberts have won five Emmys; two Chris awards from the Columbus International Film and Video Festival; the Grand Teton award from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival; a George Foster Peabody award; and the World Ecology Award from the World Ecology Center. They co-produce all their films — Dereck directs, films and writes the scripts; Beverly produces and records the sound. “We decided on the life we wanted to have, and then found a way to make it work for us,” Dereck said. “We’re equal partners in an adventure of a lifetime, and we have a view of the world that for most people exists only in documentaries on television.” In addition to nearly 50 photographs, “Lions and Leopards” will feature a 15-minute film about the Jouberts’ work in the field and four other short-form films, all created specifically for the exhibition. The National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For information on the “Lions and Leopards” exhibit, the public should call (202) 857-7588 or visit www.ngmuseum.org. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALL ROADS FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF ‘IMAGES AND STORIES’ THROUGH INDIGENOUS AND MINORITY-CULTURE FILM, PHOTOGRAPHY
From press.nationalgeographic
“In a world where indigenous languages are in jeopardy of imminent loss at the rate of one every two weeks, it is crucial that we recognize the value of our indigenous and under-represented minority-culture communities and the cultural knowledge they provide us,” said Francene Blythe, director of the All Roads Film Project. “It has become the mission of All Roads over the past five years to seek out the stories of these communities and make them accessible to a broader audience. Since our inception, All Roads has reached thousands of people throughout the world through our festival and traveling photography exhibits. In the coming years we hope to create an even greater impact as we continue to search out these unique stories, for they help us gain not only a greater understanding of ourselves but also of our place in the world.” Among this year’s standout films are “Under the Bombs,” a narrative film by Franco-Lebanese director Philippe Aractingi, shot in the midst of real-time mortar bomb blasts and machine gun fire in Lebanon; Student Academy Award-winning film “As We Forgive,” by Laura Waters Hinson, which explores the acts of reconciliation between the Hutu and Tutsi communities of Rwanda; “The Linguists,” a documentary by filmmakers Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller and Jeremy Newberger, who travel to remote villages in Siberia, India and Bolivia following two tenacious scientists on a quest to record languages on the brink of disappearing; and “La Americana,” a look at the emotional dilemma faced by immigrants, by director Nicholas Bruckman with director of photography John Mattiuzzi. Other notable films are “What Was Promised,” a film by National Geographic Emerging Explorer and All Roads seed grantee Roshini Thinakaran, depicting the challenges faced by the female recruits of Iraq’s new security forces; “Sikumi (On the Ice),” a short by up-and-coming filmmaker Andrew Okpeaha MacLean (Iñupiaq); and Sundance audience favorite “Nikamowin (Song),” by director Kevin Lee Burton (Swampy Cree). Also, this fifth-anniversary year, All Roads will include a program of “Persian Portraits,” featuring a collection of narrative shorts and a short-form documentary curated by the Documentary Experimental Film Center in Tehran. The festival will screen a number of animated shorts in addition to its roster of narrative and documentary shorts and features. This year’s photography program features the work of 2008 All Roads Photography Program awardees Khaled Hasan (Bangladesh), Farzana Wahidy (Afghanistan), Alejandro Chaskielberg (Argentina) and Rena Effendi (Azerbaijan), whose work will be displayed on a digital monitor at various screening locations. Hasan’s photo essay “Living Stone: A Community Losing Its Life,” focuses on the India-Bangladesh border community of Jaflong, whose inhabitants are struggling with the environmental, political and physical effects of the region’s stone-crushing industry. Wahidy’s exhibit, “Afghan Women,” explores the enormous pressures and perils faced by the women of her native land, who enjoy far fewer rights today than they did 30 years ago. “The High Tide: Native Islanders and the Community of the Paraná River Delta,” from Chaskielberg beautifully depicts a new culture — with its own laws and codes, a byproduct of unemployment and immigration — that has formed in this unique estuary, with a dense forest full of water and silence. Effendi’s essay, “Khinaliq Village — A Staircase to the Sky 2003-2006,” explores the effects of urbanization on the ancient village of Khinaliq in Azerbaijan, a village whose unique ancient culture is being threatened by the development of a luxury ski resort. Advance tickets can be purchased now at the festival box office at 519 Cerillos Road, Santa Fe; by calling (505) 989-1495; or online at www.santafefilmfestival.com. Visit www.santafefilmfestival.com and www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads for specific dates and times. Tickets prices are $10 for individual admission, $75 for a 10-pack. Festival passes are on sale for $300 and $450. Call (505) 989-1495. The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic program created to provide an international platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture artists to share cultures, stories and perspectives through the power of film and photography. In addition to providing a venue for their films, All Roads offers its filmmakers and photographers a series of networking opportunities and awards up to 10 seed grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about indigenous and under-represented minority-culture communities. Seed grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast outlets. The All Roads Photography Program provides photographers with award money, cameras and photography equipment to assist with their fieldwork. The Santa Fe Film Festival is a nonprofit that takes place Dec. 3-7, 2008, offering the best selection of independent films of all lengths — documentaries, narratives, international films, films about the artistic process, gala presentations of films from major distributors, retrospective screenings of tributees’ works, as well as educational workshops and varied opportunities for working filmmakers to network and reach out to the public. For more information on the festival, visit www.santafefilmfestival.com, powered by Desert Elements, or call (505) 988-7414. For images, go to: http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/all_roads_2008/film_festival/la/ NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CINEMA VENTURES’ ‘SEA MONSTERS: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’ REACHES $30 MILLION AT BOX OFFICE
From press.nationalgeographic
“We’re thrilled with the enthusiastic response ‘Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure’ has received from audiences around the world. It’s a testament to the strength of the story about some of Earth’s ancient sea dwellers and how beautifully National Geographic captured these characters on screen,” said Mark Katz, president, Giant Screen Film and Distribution for National Geographic Cinema Ventures. “We’re confident that this film will be enjoyed by audiences for years to come.” “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure,” narrated by Tony Award-winning actor Liev Schreiber, with an original score by longtime musical collaborators Richard Evans, David Rhodes and Peter Gabriel, takes audiences on a remarkable journey into the often overlooked world of the “other dinosaurs,” those reptiles that lived beneath the water. Funded in part through a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film delivers a vision of some of Earth’s grandest ocean creatures. The film, produced in both 2-D and 3-D, had the largest day and date release in the history of the giant-screen industry when it debuted in October 2007, becoming the first film to release simultaneously in IMAX® and digital 3-D theaters. It is currently licensed in some 140 theaters in 20 countries worldwide, with recent or upcoming openings in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain; Borre, Denmark; Athens, Greece; Salmiya, Kuwait; Regina and Sudbury, Canada; and in the United States in Tallahassee, Fla.; Lubbock, Texas; Milwaukee, Wis.; and Louisville, Ky. “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure” can currently be seen in more than 50 theaters across the United States. An audience and critics’ favorite, “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure” was recently honored with awards in the categories of “Best Film,” “Best Film for Learning” and “GSCA Marketing — Big Idea,” by the Giant Screen Cinema Association. The film also has been awarded the Visual Effects Society’s award for Special Venue Project, and a Golden Reel award from the Motion Picture Sound Editors Association for Best Sound Editing — Special Venue. The film is now available in DVD at stores where videos are sold. Also available are “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure” companion books for adults and young readers in standard, National Geographic Cinema Ventures is part of National Geographic Entertainment (NGE). Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, National Geographic Cinema Ventures produces original 2-D and 3-D productions for the world’s largest screens. National Geographic Cinema Ventures also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry. NGE was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic’s Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007, bringing together all of National Geographic’s editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and further support the Society’s mission. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 325 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CINEMA VENTURES AND 3ALITY’S ‘U2 3D’ WINS BEST MUSICAL FILM AWARD AT MTV LATIN AMERICA’S VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS
From press.nationalgeographic
Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, “U2 3D” transforms a series of live concerts by one of the world’s most acclaimed bands into a completely new entertainment experience. “U2 3D” takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey, a quantum leap beyond traditional concert films and traditional 3-D, immersing audiences in the excitement and throbbing intensity of a stadium concert by the world’s most popular band. 3ality Digital’s Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro, John Modell, Steve Schklair, Sandy Climan, Michael Peyser and David Modell, along with Owens, produced the 3ality Digital presentation. “We are delighted to have received this prestigious award for ‘U2 3D,’” said Climan, CEO, 3ality Digital. “The film was a labor of love, and a true collaboration between the band, who are consummate musical artists, the directors and the 3ality Digital production team. It was our first feature-length film using our innovative 3-D technology, and we’re very proud of it. We look forward with National Geographic Entertainment to welcoming audiences all over the world to experience it.” Mark Katz, president of distribution, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, said: “We’re delighted that ‘U2 3D’ is honored as the Best Musical Film at the MTV Latin American Video Music Awards. We always felt that this was a groundbreaking film that would stir audiences and critics to cheer around the world as it pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and is the closest thing to actually experiencing the energy and excitement of a U2 concert. Since ‘U2 3D’ was filmed during U2′s Latin American concert tour, we are especially proud to win the Best Musical Film MTV Latin American Video Award.” The “U2 3D” production crew shot at huge outdoor stadium shows in four Latin American venues: Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. More than 100 hours of digital 3-D footage were shot, documenting a set list that includes such seminal U2 songs as “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “With or Without You,” “Bullet the Blue Sky” and “One,” as well as more recent tracks such as “Beautiful Day,” “Love and Peace or Else,” “Vertigo” and “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own.” About National Geographic Entertainment National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV), formerly known as National Geographic Giant Screen Films, is part of National Geographic Ventures (NGV), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, NGCV produces original 2-D and 3-D productions for the world’s largest screens. NGCV also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry. About 3ality Digital ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND IMAGENATION ABU DHABI FORM JOINT VENTURE TO FINANCE FEATURE FILMS
From press.nationalgeographic
National Geographic Entertainment, a division of National Geographic Global Media, will, in association with Imagenation Abu Dhabi, develop, produce, finance and acquire films that focus on people’s relationship to the world, their environment and each other. The films will be budgeted between $5 million and $60 million. Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, chairman of Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, “National Geographic is a perfect partner for Imagenation Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most identifiable and respected global brands, and we are delighted to be working with this great organization as it expands its film presence. National Geographic stands for quality and is a renowned leader not just in media, but also in science, education and exploration. It has always been able to tell epic life adventures in ways that deeply move people of all cultures around the world.” National Geographic’s Tim Kelly said, “National Geographic has many exciting and important stories to tell, and at the heart of each film will be something vital, a subject that matters. When we talk to talent, we discover that National Geographic has always been part of their lives. With this film fund, we will be able to expand our outreach into the creative community and help filmmakers produce the kinds of films they dreamed of making when they entered the industry.” Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company and Imagenation , said, “This deal with National Geographic continues our strategy of building relationships with the world’s leading media companies. This partnership supports our aim to produce award-winning films that are commercially successful and appealing to diverse cultures around the globe.” Jake Eberts, chairman of National Geographic Films, added, “National Geographic has access to a seemingly endless treasure trove of images and stories. Each one has the potential to affect our lives. I believe it is our moral obligation to use the power of film to bring people of different cultures together. Imagenation Abu Dhabi and National Geographic are ideally suited to do this.” Other key personnel involved in the fund include David Beal, president of National Geographic Entertainment; Adam Leipzig, president, National Geographic Films; Lisa Truitt, president, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, which produces and distributes giant screen films; and Stefan Brunner, chief financial officer of Imagenation Abu Dhabi. About National Geographic Entertainment About Imagenation Abu Dhabi NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALL ROADS FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2008 FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD WINNERS
From press.nationalgeographic
“Welcome to Enurmino!,” by director Aleksei Vakhrushev (“Time When Dreams Melt,” “Birds of Naukan”), of Chukchi descent, won the audience favorite award for best feature-length film; “A Sketch of Wathone,” by director Kyi Phyu Shin ["Hna Khan Htat Ka Dar Thwar (The Sharp Knife on the Lips)"], of Burmese heritage, won for best short; and “As We Forgive,” by director Laura Waters Hinson, won the audience choice award. Feature documentary “Welcome to Enurmino!” explores the plight of Russian villagers struggling to maintain their traditional Chukchi culture, while challenged by the changing landscape and their increasing isolation. The film screened at All Roads in Los Angeles and Washington and will screen as part of the All Roads program at the Santa Fe Film Festival, Dec. 3-7, 2008. “A Sketch of Wathone” profiles Wathone, one of Myanmar’s best known painters, as he shares his thoughts on life, art and family. The film is Kyi Phyu Shin’s second documentary completed through the Yangon Film School. “A Sketch of Wathone” made its U.S. debut at All Roads in Los Angeles and Washington and will also be screened in Santa Fe. “As We Forgive,” which also earned a Student Academy Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences earlier this year, tells the story of two women as they come face-to-face with the men who slaughtered their families during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Waters Hinson, founder of Image Bearer Pictures, recently launched the Living Bricks Campaign, a multimedia viewer project to support reconciliation efforts in Rwanda. “As We Forgive” made its U.S. debut at All Roads in Los Angeles and Washington and will be screened in Santa Fe. All Roads also honored four featured photographers with seed money and photography equipment to assist in their fieldwork. They are Khaled Hasan (Bangladesh), Farzana Wahidy (Afghanistan), Alejandro Chaskielberg (Argentina) and Rena Effendi (Azerbaijan). Hasan’s photo essay, “Living Stone: A Community Losing Its Life,” focuses on the India-Bangladesh border community of Jaflong, whose inhabitants are struggling with the environmental, political and physical effects of the region’s stone-crushing industry. Wahidy’s exhibit, “Afghan Women,” explores the enormous pressures and perils faced by the women of her native land, who enjoy far fewer rights today than they did 30 years ago. Chaskielberg’s photo essay, “The High Tide: Native Islanders and the Community of the Paraná River Delta,” beautifully depicts a new culture — with its own laws and codes, a byproduct of unemployment and immigration — that has formed in this unique estuary, with a dense forest full of water and silence. Effendi’s essay, “Khinaliq Village — A Staircase to the Sky 2003-2006,” explores the effects of urbanization on the ancient village of Khinaliq in Azerbaijan, a village whose unique ancient culture is being threatened by the development of a luxury ski resort. The photographers’ work was exhibited at the All Roads Film Festival in Los Angeles and Washington and can be viewed online at www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads. The All Roads film awards are based on audience scores taken from the All Roads Film Festival in Los Angeles. The photography program awards are evaluated by the All Roads Photography Program selection committee. The All Roads Film Festival is sponsored by InterContinental Hotels. The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic initiative to provide a global platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture storytellers around the world to showcase their talents and teach a broader audience about their cultures. In addition to providing a venue for the filmmakers’ and photographers’ work, All Roads offers them networking opportunities with leaders of the film and photographic community. The All Roads Film Project awards a minimum of 10 seed grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about indigenous and under-represented minority cultures. Seed grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast venues. For more information on All Roads, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CINEMA VENTURES TAKES HOME HIGHEST HONORS AT GSCA AWARDS
From press.nationalgeographic
“Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure,” a 3-D film released to both giant-screen and digital theaters in 2007, took home three prizes, including the Best Film award, one of GSCA’s highest honors, as well as the award for Best Film for Learning and the GSCA Marketing – Big Idea award for its unique day and date release strategy. “U2 3D,” produced by 3ality Digital and released by National Geographic in 2008 to giant-screen 3-D and digital 3-D cinemas, won for Best Film Produced Non Exclusively for Giant Screen Theaters. “U2 3D” also won the award for best poster art. “We’re thrilled to be recognized by our peers for these two wonderful films,” said Mark Katz, president, distribution, National Geographic Cinema Ventures. “Both films take full advantage of the 3-D format and are incredibly innovative in their own ways. We’re deeply appreciative to be honored by the GSCA and giant-screen theaters worldwide.” “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure,” narrated by Tony Award-winning actor Liev Schreiber, with an original score by longtime musical collaborators Richard Evans, David Rhodes and Peter Gabriel, takes audiences on a remarkable journey into the relatively unexplored world of the “other” dinosaurs, those reptiles that lived beneath the water. Funded in part through a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film delivers the fascinating science behind what we know about, and a vision of, history’s grandest ocean creatures. “U2 3D” is the first live-action film shot completely in digital 3-D. Created, produced and filmed by 3ality Digital, the leader in perfect 3-D image capture and processing, the film marries innovative digital 3-D imagery and multi-channel surround sound with the excitement of a live U2 concert. Shot in South America during the final leg of the band’s “Vertigo” tour, “U2-3D” creates an immersive theatrical experience unlike any 3-D or concert film before. Ushering in a new dimension of filmmaking, “U2 3D” takes viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey they will never forget. “We were delighted to be able to apply both our skills as creative producers and our ground-breaking 3-D technologies to the production of ‘U2 3D’ with National Geographic Cinema Ventures as our distribution partner,” said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3ality Digital. “U2 was the perfect subject for this innovative, immersive concert experience.” National Geographic Cinema Ventures is part of National Geographic Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, National Geographic Cinema Ventures produces original 2-D and 3-D productions for the world’s largest screens. National Geographic Cinema Ventures also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry. 3ality Digital develops the world’s leading 3-D live-action production and post-production technologies. The company’s patented systems streamline and enhance 3-D image capture, broadcast and post-production, creating near pixel-perfect imagery. The result is immersive experiences in a variety of media — ranging from live broadcasts to feature films — that engage audiences and enhance the bottom line. 3ality Digital is headquartered in Burbank, Calif. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S ALL ROADS FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF ‘IMAGES AND STORY’ THROUGH INDIGENOUS AND MINORITY-CULTURE FILM, PHOTOGRAPHY, LIVE MUSIC
From press.nationalgeographic
Kicking off with a live concert by celebrated Somali hip-hop MC, griot and singer/songwriter K’NAAN in his only Los Angeles-area performance with songs from his new CD “Troubadour,” the four-day event will also feature an outdoor photography exhibit with works from four provocative new voices in the photography medium. Sicilian songstress Carmen Consoli will perform in an All Roads event Friday, Sept. 26, at Hotel Café in Hollywood. “In a world where indigenous languages are in jeopardy of imminent loss at the rate of one every two weeks, it is crucial that we recognize the value of our indigenous and under-represented minority-culture communities and the cultural knowledge they provide us,” said Francene Blythe, director of the All Roads Film Project. “With that in mind, it has become the mission of All Roads over the past five years to seek out the stories of these communities and make them accessible to a broader audience. Since our inception, All Roads has reached thousands of people throughout the world through our festival and traveling photography exhibits. In the coming years we hope to create an even greater impact as we continue to search out these unique stories, for they help us gain not only a greater understanding of ourselves but also of our place in the world.” Among this year’s stand-out films are “Under the Bombs,” a narrative film by Franco-Lebanese director Philippe Aractingi, shot in the midst of real-time mortar bomb blasts and machine gun fire in war-torn Lebanon; “The Linguists,” a documentary by filmmakers Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller and Jeremy Newberger, who travel off the map to remote villages in Siberia, India and Bolivia to follow two tenacious college professors on a quest to record languages on the brink of disappearing; and “As We Forgive,” an emotional tale of loss and reconciliation by Laura Waters Hinson, winner of the Student Academy Award. Other films of note are “What Was Promised,” by National Geographic Emerging Explorer and All Roads seed grantee Roshini Thinakaran, depicting the challenges faced by the female recruits of Iraq’s new security forces; “Sikumi (On the Ice)” a short by up-and-coming filmmaker Andrew Okpeaha Maclean (Iñupiaq); and Sundance audience favorite “Nikamowin (Song),” by director Kevin Lee Burton (Swampy Cree). This year All Roads will include a program of “Persian Portraits,” featuring a collection of shorts and a long-form documentary curated by the Documentary Experimental Film Center in Tehran. The festival also will screen a number of animated shorts in addition to its roster of narrative and documentary shorts and features. All Roads will present the Los Angeles premieres of “Under the Bombs,” “The Linguists,” and “As We Forgive.” Australian feature “When Colin Met Joyce” will be making its North American debut. Other films debuting include the world premieres of “What Was Promised,” Burmese short “A Sketch of Wathone” and All Roads seed grant short “Keao”; the North American premiere of Russian feature “Welcome to Enurmino!”; and the Los Angeles premieres of Kurdish short “White Mountains,” Maori feature documentary “Guarding the Family Silver,” Dene short “Aydaygooay,” Bolivian short “Weaving Life,” Mexican short “Under the Open Sky,” Miq’maq animated short “Maq and the Spirit of the Woods” and Hawaiian short “Na ‘Ono o ka ‘Aina – Delicacies of the Land.” This year’s photography program features the work of 2008 All Roads Photography Program awardees Khaled Hasan (Bangladesh), Farzana Wahidy (Afghanistan), Alejandro Chaskielberg (Argentina) and Rena Effendi (Azerbaijan). Hasan will present his photo essay “Living Stone: A Community Losing Its Life,” which focuses on the India-Bangladesh border community of Jaflong, whose inhabitants are struggling with the environmental, political and physical effects of the region’s stone-crushing industry. Wahidy’s exhibit, “Afghan Women,” explores the enormous pressures and perils faced by the women of her native land, who enjoy far fewer rights today than they did 30 years ago. Chaskielberg’s photo essay, “The High Tide: Native Islanders and the Community of the Paraná River Delta,” beautifully depicts a new culture — with its own laws and codes, a byproduct of unemployment and immigration — that has formed in this unique estuary, with a dense forest full of water and silence. Effendi’s essay, “Khinaliq Village — A Staircase to the Sky 2003-2006,” explores the effects of urbanization on the ancient village of Khinaliq in Azerbaijan, a village whose unique ancient culture is being threatened by the development of a luxury ski resort. For ticket information call (323) 466.3456 (FILM) or order online through www.fandango.com. A full festival schedule is available at www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads. The All Roads Film Festival is part of the All Roads Film Project, a National Geographic program created to provide an international platform for indigenous and under-represented minority-culture artists to share cultures, stories, and perspectives through the power of film and photography. In addition to providing a venue for their films, All Roads offers its filmmakers and photographers a series of networking opportunities and awards a minimum of 10 seed grants a year to support the development and production of film and video projects by or about indigenous and under-represented minority-culture communities. Seed grant recipients are considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival and other National Geographic-affiliated broadcast outlets. The All Roads Photography Program provides photographers with seed money, cameras and photography equipment to assist with their fieldwork. Established in 1981, the American Cinematheque is a nonprofit viewer-supported film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all of its forms. The Cinematheque presents daily film and video programming, which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema to new independent films and digital work. Exhibitions of rare works, special and rare prints, etc., combined with fascinating post-screening discussions with the filmmakers who created the work, are Cinematheque traditions that keep audiences coming back for once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences. The American Cinematheque renovated and reopened (on Dec. 4, 1998) the historic 1922 Hollywood Egyptian Theatre. This includes a state-of-the-art 616-seat theatre and a smaller 78-seat screening room housed within Sid Grauman’s first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. The exotic courtyard is fully restored to its 1922 grandeur. The Egyptian was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. In January 2005 the American Cinematheque expanded its programming to the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. www.americancinematheque.com. Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Orange County
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