iW NEWS | Peace Arch Takes "JCVD"

Peace Arch Home Entertainment, LLC has announced that it has acquired all North American distribution rights to director Mabrouk El Mechr's "JCVD." The film, which had its world premiere at Cannes this May and will make its North American debut in Toronto, stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as a self-deprecating version of himself. "'JCVD' is the first significant acquisition of the new venture between Peace Arch and ContentFilm," said Berry Meyerowitz, President of Peace Arch Home Entertainment, in a statement. "This outstanding film resonates with moviegoers, and we are thrilled to partner with Jean-Claude, director Mabrouk El Mechri and Gaumont to present it to audiences in North America." The film will screen on opening night of the Midnight Madness program of the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival on September 4th. Peace Arch plans to release the film in theaters "shortly thereafter." [Peter Knegt]