Phase 4 Films to Distribute Alex Gibney’s Hockey Doc ‘The Last Gladiators’

Phase 4 Films has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to Alex Gibney’s hockey documentary “The Last Gladiators.” The distributor will begin with a theatrical release in Canada in October, with a U.S. release following in early 2013.

The film, which had its premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, provides a glimpse into the very intense and often dangerous strategies employed by some of professional hockey’s biggest and baddest players. Gibney also explores the career of Chris “Knuckles” Nilan, an infamous enforcer who helped lead the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup in 1986.

“We are thrilled to team up with Alex Gibney to provide audiences with an opportunity to see behind the curtain of the NHL,” said Phase 4 president and CEO Berry Meyerowitz. “‘The Last Gladiators’ is an incredibly inspiring, introspective and entertaining film that you will think about for a long time.”

Phase 4’s Larry Greenberg and Sam Posner negotiated the deal with Josh Braun of Submarine Entertainment and Anne Atkinson of Pryor Cashman LLP on behalf of the filmmakers.

Phase 4 has recently released “Hick” and “Red State,” and it has “That’s What She Said” and “Bindlestiffs” opening soon.