Beverly Hills, CA (March 22, 2012) – Sundance Institute just announced this week that Hollywood Studios International’s LUV will be part of the inaugural Sundance London Festival which takes place April 26th to the 29th. LUV joins 14 other films that will be making their UK premiers at this year’s festival. These films premiered in January at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah – the premier independent film festival in the United States. During Sundance, Indomnia acquired the rights for a North American theatrical release for LUV, tentatively set for Fall 2012.
Hollywood Studios International’s CEO and Executive Producer of LUV, Steven Saxton, said, “We are excited to see this film continue on it’s course to reach a global audience.”
John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, said, “Sundance London grew out of our desire to help American independent filmmakers expand their reach, and we are happy that these 14 filmmakers are joining us on this adventure. Their participation has helped us to not only create a programme for Sundance London that reflects the diversity of our film festival in Park City, but also that helps build an enduring legacy of American stories that speak to international audiences.”
LUV follows a day in the life of William “Woody” Watson (played by Michael Rainey Jr.), a shy and somewhat timid 11-year old in search of a family and a better life. Looking to his ex-con Uncle Vincent (Common), Woody hopes he has found the father figure he has never had. But when his Uncle’s desire to create a legitimate life for himself clashes with the chaos of his past, Woody must decide where to stand, with his beloved Uncle, or against him.
Director Sheldon Candis’ film also stars Dennis Haysbert (24, Jarhead), Danny Glover (Death at a Funeral, 2012, the Lethal Weapon franchise), Charles S. Dutton (The Obama Effect, Fame), Meagan Good (Jumping the Broom, Brick), Michael K. Williams (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, The Road), Russell Hornsby (Lincoln Heights, In Treatment), Lonette McKee (Honey, Malcolm X) and features a breakout performance from 11-year-old newcomer Michael Rainey Jr.. With an original script by Candis and Justin Wilson, LUV was lensed in Baltimore, Maryland. The film is a co-production of Hollywood Studios International, FilmForward Independent, Bijelonic/Turner Films, TideRock Films and Freedom Road Entertainment. Producers are Jason M. Berman, Michael Jenson, Gordon Bijelonic, Datari Turner, Joel Newton, James R. Rosenthal, Common and Derek Dudley. The film was cast by Mary Vernieu, C.S.A. and Lindsay Graham.
ABOUT HSI FILMS
HSI Films is a worldwide theatrical motion picture financing, production and distribution division of Hollywood Studios International. The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures, as well as acquired films. HSI Films Distribution is led by Eric Christenson, who has licensed films that represent more than 50 Academy Award nominations, including: Academy Award “Best Picture” winners “The Hurt Locker” and “The Departed,” as well as “Traffic”, “The Aviator,” and “Gangs of New York”. HSI Films Production is overseen by Producer Paul Schiff. Schiff has an in-house first-look production deal with HSI. Some of the films produced by Schiff include “Young Guns I & II,” “My Cousin Vinny,“ “The Vanishing,” “Rushmore,” “Maid in Manhattan,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” and “Solitary Man.”
ABOUT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL
Hollywood Studios International is a media holding company focused on the intelligent deployment of capital in the entertainment industry. The company has developed a portfolio of fee-based businesses ranging from talent representation to international distribution.
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