Variance Films Acquires Three Fest Flicks
Variance Films has acquired U.S. theatrical rights to three film festival flicks: the Slamdance award-winning experimental documentary “General Orders No. 9,” the Spirit award-winning “Littlerock,” and the SXSW music documentary “The Weird World of Blowlfly.”
For more on “Littlerock” director Mike Ott, check out indieWIRE’s FUTURES profile of the director.
Below is the full press release:
Variance Films announces acquisition of theatrical rights for festival favorites “General Orders No. 9,” “Littlerock,” and “The Weird World of Blowfly”
New York, April 28, 2011 – Variance Films has acquired US theatrical rights for three highly-acclaimed independent films, it was announced today by founder Dylan Marchetti: the thought-provoking Slamdance and River Run award-winning experimental documentary GENERAL ORDERS NO. 9, the Gotham and Independent Spirit Award-winning drama LITTLEROCK, and the SXSW favorite music documentary THE WEIRD WORLD OF BLOWFLY.
The three films exemplify Variance Films’ uniquely diverse slate, which includes recent releases such as the kung-fu box office hit IP MAN 2: LEGEND OF THE GRANDMASTER, which opened in January 2011 and has grossed over $200,000 in limited theatrical release, and the animated documentary film AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY, which opened to sold-out screenings in early April and is currently expanding across the country; the film is also now available via On Demand.
“These films have almost nothing in common- except that they’re fantastic,” said Dylan Marchetti in a statement. “One is a film that communicates with poetic narration and stunning imagery, one is a meditation on the limits of communications and the ability of the young to transcend the language gap, and one features a sixty-six year old who curses more than I could ever hope to, which says an awful lot. But all three films give you that thrilling rush of discovery while you’re sitting in the theater, and in the end, that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”
Awarded for its beautiful and surreal cinematography, GENERAL ORDERS No. 9 is a mysterious documentary the contemplates the signs of loss and change in the American South. The culmination of over eleven years of work from first time writer-director Robert Persons from Middle Georgia, GENERAL ORDERS No. 9 is an epic southern gothic described by the director as “deep geography” and “one last trip down the rabbit hole before it’s paved over.” The film will open at Brooklyn’s reRun Gastropub Theater on June 24th, with expansion to major markets to follow. Select screenings will include a live musical performance of the score. In addition, an art exhibit featuring the director’s collection of artifacts and antique maps, as well as new art made for the film, will tour with the film to select markets.
In LITTLEROCK, a quiet Los Angeles exurb and its shiftless young residents are seen through the eyes of two Japanese tourists in this intimate evocation of a small town where everyone’s talking, but nobody really understands. The film has been collecting awards throughout its festival run, including the Someone To Watch Award at the 2011 Independent Spirit Awards, the Best Film Not Playing At A Theater Near You Award at the 2010 Gotham Awards, and the Audience Awards at the 2010 AFI and Reykjavik Film Festivals. The film will open New York’s Cinema Village theater on August 12th, with expansion to major markets to follow.
“We are thrilled to be having our film released theatrically with Variance,” said LITTLEROCK director Mike Ott. “We put all our blood, sweat and tears into this movie, so it’s great that we’re finally getting a chance to share it with audiences across America.”
THE WEIRD WORLD OF BLOWFLY tells the story of Clarence “Blowfly” Reid and his world, which is, admittedly, a little weird. Reid began his career as a lynchpin of the esteemed Miami soul scene, where he wrote Top-10 songs for Betty Wright, Gwen McCrae, and KC & The Sunshine Band. His insanely profane recordings as “Blowfly” have shocked audiences for over forty years, and include what may well be the world’s first rap song, recorded in 1965. Following Reid over the course of several years, filmmaker Jonathan Furmanski captures a portrait of an unheralded man who could be your cranky grandfather- until he puts on a sequined superhero costume, gets on stage, and begins to sing lyrics that would make even today’s rappers blush. The film opens in September in NYC, Los Angeles, Miami, and additional markets, alongside a day-and-date VOD, digital and Internet launch.
“We here at Special Theory Films are extremely honored and excited to be working with Variance Films for the theatrical release of THE WEIRD WORLD OF BLOWFLY,” said director Jonathan Furmanski. “Variance has an enviable track record with independent film and we look forward to exploring every opportunity our partnership will create. Our main goal for the film has always been to show Clarence ‘Blowfly’ Reid’s unique and admittedly weird story to audiences around the world; the work we do with Variance will ensure the film gets the largest audience possible and also set up the film’s day-and-date release on all other platforms — including retail/physical sales — for the greatest success. We are thrilled to expose the world to Blowfly.”
GENERAL ORDERS No. 9 was written and directed by Robert Persons and edited by Phil Walker. It features narration from William Davidson and music from Chris Hoke, Stars of the Lid, and John Tavener, among others. GENERAL ORDERS No. 9 is a New Rose Window production. For more information, visit http://www.generalordersno9.com
LITTLEROCK is directed by Mike Ott, written by Mike Ott and Atsuko Okatsuka, and stars Atsuko Okatsuka, Cory Zacharia, Rintaro Sawamoto, and Roberto Sanchez. LITTLEROCK is a Small Form Films production. For more information, visit http://www.sound-virus.com/Littlerock-Movie/Littlerock.html
THE WEIRD WORLD OF BLOWFLY was directed by Jonathan Furmanski, and features interviews with Clarence “Blowfly” Reid, Ice-T, Chuck D, Jello Biafra, and more. THE WEIRD WORLD OF BLOWFLY is a Special Theory Films production. For more information, visit http://www.blowflyfilm.com
