MPI To Bring "Divo" To U.S.

Paolo Sorrentino's winner "Il Divo" has been acquired for U.S. release by MPI Media Group. The film, which chronicles the career of infamous seven-time Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, won the Jury Prize at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

The deal, which encompasses all U.S. distribution rights, was negotiated on behalf of MPI Media Group by Greg Newman, SVP of Acquisitions & Development and by Andreas Rothbauer, Head of Theatrical Sales & International Acquisitions at Beta Cinema. After playing many film festivals, "Il Divo" is slated for a Spring 2009 theatrical release through Music Box Films, followed by the DVD release shortly thereafter.

"Il Divo ranks high amongst the most inventive and entertaining epic films about power and corruption in recent memory." says Greg Newman, SVP of Acquisitions & Development at MPI Media Group, in a statement. "We are honored to be able to bring this masterpiece to U.S. audiences with our partners at Music Box Films."