Sundance Selects announced today that the company has acquired North American rights to Chiemi Karasawa’s directorial debut “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me,” a feature documentary about the stage and screen icon that made its world premiere last week at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival (check out Indiewire’s interview with Stritch from the festival).
The film as described by Sundance Selects:
At 87, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch remains indisputably in the spotlight. In the revealing and poignant ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is showcased both on and off stage via rare archival footage and intimate cinema vérité. By turns bold, hilarious and moving, the film’s journey connects Stritch’s present to her past, and an inspiring portrait of a one-of-a-kind survivor emerges. In stolen moments from her corner room at New York’s Carlyle Hotel and on breaks from her tour and work, candid reflections about her life are punctuated with photographs from her personal collection and words from friends (including Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane, Cherry Jones, Tina Fey, James Gandolfini and John Turturro). Whether dominating the stage, tormenting Alec Baldwin on the set of “30 Rock,” or sharing her personal takes on her struggles with aging, diabetes and alcoholism, ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME reaches beyond the icon’s brassy exterior and reveals a multi-dimensional portrait of a complex woman and artist.
Jonathan Sehring, President of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, said in a statement: “Chiemi Karasawa has made a poignant and often hilarious portrait of stage and screen legend Elaine Stritch. We’re beyond excited not only to share this film with her legions of fans but to also introduce this beloved performer to those who don’t know her work.”
READ MORE: Why Documentary Profiles Should Have Had Their Own Section at Tribeca
Karasawa added: “We are thrilled to be working with Sundance Selects on the release of ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME. I cannot think of a better, more passionate home for the film and we’re looking forward to a successful collaboration.”
The deal for the film was negotiated by Jeff Deutchman, Director of Acquisitions & Productions for Sundance Selects and Josh Braun at Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers.
Sundance Selects is a sister label to IFC Films and IFC Midnight, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.
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