Sony Classics Acquires "Winter In Wartime"

Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all US rights to the Dutch film, "Winter in Wartime" from High Point Films, the theatrical division of Carey Fitzgerald’s London based High Point Media Group. Hugely successful in the Netherlands, the film is the Dutch entry for the 2010 Academy Awards and is on the Best Foreign Language Film shortlist.

Negotiating the deal was Sony Pictures Classics’ Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Production, Dylan Leiner and High Point’s Director of Theatrical Sales and Marketing, Elisar Cabrera.

Near the end of World War II, "Winter In Wartime" follows how 13-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier. With the conflict coming to an end, Michiel comes of age and learns of the stark difference between adventure fantasy and the ugly realities of war. The story is based on a popular young adult novel by Jan Terlouw.

"'Winter In Wartime,' beautifully realized by director Martin Koolhoven, takes a fresh look at Dutch resistance from the perspective of a 13 year old child," said Sony Pictures Classics in a statement. This film is the kind of emotionally engaging drama that has consistently achieved success with American audiences."

Director Martin Koolhaven added: “Making 'Winter In Wartime' was a dream come true. After the movie was released, the dream just kept expanding. Box-office success, rave reviews, awards, everything a filmmaker can hope for. And now Sony Classics picks it up to present it to American audiences. I don't know what's happening to me.”